Hello Readers!

First I wanted to thank all of you who continued to send me messages and reviews even when I stopped posting. It gave me motivation and reminded me that I needed to finish this. Not just for me, but for you all as well. This past summer has been eventful, but with me back at school with a sense of normalcy I do have a sense ofcontrol. This chapter does include what was submitted back in May/June since it is apart of the same chapter. You may want to reread chapter 20 and 21 to refresh your memory, but I don't think it's neccessary. It is 60 pages long and heavy with diagloue and action. But I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I have already started working on the next chapter because I am ready for this story to reach its end. It has been an incredible journey with these characters and my readers- its helped me to realize that I do love writing and I have a talent when it comes to the progression of a story. (Or at least I hope). I do hope that nothing in the chapter confuses you, but if so you know I am always ready and willing to accept your reviews with tons of questions! Everything occuring in bold is a conversation between a mind link. The flashback is in bold and italics. If there is a & symbol it means we are in the same scene/same place just shifting to a different group of people. As always enjoy the reading!

Oh and I do not own Sailor Moon or its characters. BUT I do own this story and I will sue!

"Big trouble. Big trouble. That's all I'm going to say. BIG TROUBLE," a girl said.

"Thanks for the reminder. Are you going to help me?" the boy asked.

"Get real! You brought us here then you better figure out a way to take us back."

"Back to where?! Do you realize I saved you from being-"

"Don't…even go there. I don't even want to think about that."

"Well you wouldn't be doing any thinking if it weren't for me."

"Just get us out of here!"

"You know as well as I why I jumped the loops to here. We can't just leave without her."

"Wait, we're in the 20th century? 20th century Tokyo?"

"I wonder at times if you where adopted from a Uranus family."

"Are you insulting me?"

"Definitely a Uranus family," he said and walked down the street.

"Where are you going?"

"To find the princess, who else."

"We are so going to be dead for this," she muttered and followed behind him.

"You've lost you're mind. That's simply all it comes down to. You've lost you're mind and you want me to follow behind you," Jason replied.

"I'm not crazy, Jason. I'm perfectly lucid, better than that actually. This is the perfect way to get things over with."

"By teleporting yourself to the largest amount of concentrated evil energy, fighting whomever the head honcho on the this evil conquest-"

"Prince Diamond."

"As far as we know. He could be fronting for someone else more powerful. And you still want to go and rampage the place and destroy this enemy. ALONE!"

"I won't be alone. You're coming with me."

"THE HELL I AM! I got my ass kicked the last time I let you wrap me up in your schemes."

"Like you didn't want to sneak into the lingerie shop all by yourself."

"Okay, that's different."

"Yeah, I'm so sure."

"Remaining on topic! You are not doing this."

"And how do you plan to stop me?"

"I think I feel the urge to call Matt. Don't you? What's that number again-446-89-"

"No, stop! Fine I won't go. Happy, now?"

"Ecstatic. Don't be bummed out Sere. I'm only trying to protect you."

"I know."

"What are you going to do about Endymion?"

"He wants to play with my heart then I'll play with his. I'm not going to let him ruin what I've built for myself."

"You're really going to turn him down? This is Endymion we're talking about. The Prince of this planet. He asked you to marry him once."

"No, he asked Serenity. I am not her nor is she me. I'm my own woman, Jason and I won't be bullied into anything."

"Is he really bullying or simply nudging in the right direction?"

"You think I should be with Darien?"

"Why don't you get dressed and I'll take you out for lunch."

"Sounds like-JASON!"

Before Jason could react he was thrown out of the room and into the stairwell. 'That hurt,' he thought as he stood back up. "Can't you people ever get a clue?" he asked and powered up his energy.

"No, Jason don't!" Serena screamed when she saw him. "You haven't adjusted to the-"

"Ocean Wave Crash!" he called out as a wave of water formed from his hand and hit the monster in the chest. "The power surge? Yeah we practiced this morning."

"Ooooh that tickled. Hehehe my turn," the monster said and threw his own energy ball towards Jason.

"NO!" Serena yelled and sent the energy back towards the monster.

"AHHHHHH!" it screamed before turning into dust.

"Sere...how the hell did you do that? You don't have the powers to do things like that."

"I guess we all have our little secrets."

"Secrets? A secret is that little hole in those loose-leaf sheets of papers. This is the GRAND CANYON!"

"So I picked up a few tricks or two. I remembered some of Raechal's practices and took on a couple."

"We're gonna have to work on this communication."

"I think we communicate just fine, don't you?" she asked and slid her arms around his neck. "Don't be upset Jason. I was going to tell you honestly. Come on, you can't stay mad at me forever."

"The hell I can't."

"Well then I command you as future Queen of this Universe to not be mad at me!"

"Command? What do I look like a dog? Please woman," he said and moved away from her.

"Jason!"

"Get dressed will you?"

Smiling at him she said, "Can we go somewhere other than to lunch?"

"Hey what's wrong?" Zach asked once Amy was in his arms.

"Nothing, I'm just…your smell…it hasn't changed over all these years."

Pulling her back to look in her eyes he asked, "Have you been using your powers? Or have they been using you?"

"I woke up this morning and everything just went out of control. I couldn't seem to keep up with anything. My emotions are causing my powers to become out of control. I got so upset at my coffee machine for not working fast enough that I just froze it solid and before I knew it I was at the café down the block. This resident intern did not run a test correctly and I could feel my hands tingling with the urge to freeze him on the spot. Why am I having these feelings come over me? Why…what's happening to me Zach?"

"You're not being consumed by evil, if that's what you think. You're just adjusting to this new power surge."

"I just don't understand why this is happening," Amy whispered. "I shouldn't be going through this as if I were…"

"A child in training?"

"I know of all my powers and my attacks, but I can't seem to control them. They happen at random and I'm worried that I'm going to hurt someone."

"You'd never do that, Amy. You're that sweetest person-"

"Tell that to the intern who almost lost his life."

"The point is that you didn't do it."

"I shouldn't have had them to begin with," she said as she pulled away from him.

Looking at her worriedly, "Maybe the others can help. I know that Luna and Jason helped Serena with meditating when she couldn't control her outbursts in the beginning. It should help you too. It's only nerves, I'm sure."

"What's if it's more?"

"As in?"

"Never mind," she said and went to sit at her desk. "How did training go this morning? Did Matt get you up two hours before hand?"

"No surprise there- although Jason seemed to have forgotten that fact. Glad to see you haven't."

"My memories go far beyond that," Amy said as she leaned her head to the side with a glint in her eyes.

"Really? Care to elaborate?" he asked leaning over her desk.

"Elaborate…now the definition of said word mean to express in greater detail. The word express means to make known in words. My plan doesn't require words," she said and pulled him closer.

"What does it-" his words were cut off by her lips crushing into his.

Before Amy could move closer Zach had teleported them to her couch and laid her beneath him. As his lips trailed down her neck Amy sighed out, "Zoicite."

Pulling away from her almost immediately he saw that her eyes had become darker and her energy had changed. "What did you call me?"

"What?" she asked coming out of her daze.

"You called me Zoicite."

"No I didn't."

"Yes, you did Amy. You said Zoicite not Zach."

"What does it matter? It's your name, isn't it?"

"Not anymore and you know it. I'm not that person anymore."

"Right like I'm not Sailor Mercury guardian of the Moon Princess," she said and slid out from under him.

"You know that's not what I meant. Yes, our spirits-our souls- are still the same but WE are not the same people we were back then. We've changed, evolved and live in different environments. We aren't those same people."

"I know that, Zachary."

"Do you?"

"Yes! Why would you question me on that?" she shouted as she turned to him.

"Feel like making me apart of the freezer stock?"

"What?"

"Your hands."

Looking at herself she could see her hands gathering blue energy. She could feel her powers pumping through her veins, filling her lungs and supporting her very being.

"I'm frustrated that's all. I don't appreciate your questions."

"Is it wrong for me to want to know? I don't' want to be with Amy who's in love with Zoicite- the past. I want Amy who's in love with Zach-me, the present and future. Our past selves are dead and gone- yes their souls remain within us, but WE are NOT them. They lived their lives and we're living ours."

"You're wrong. Amelia and Zoicite are right here in this room. As are Amy and Zach. Yes, we haven't spent much time together so it would seem odd to say that I already love you, but I do. I know who you are and who you used to be. I will forever love Zoicite because Amelia is nothing without him-as he is nothing without her. But I'm ready to start living for Amy and Zach. I want to start building our future- doing what they never got the chance to. Not for them, but for us. We deserve it."

"Did you find her yet?"

"Don't rush me. If your computer had been functioning-"

"It works just fine thank you! There's something blocking me from her. There's too much dark energy in this city."

"Aren't you just Miss Suzie Sunshine?"

"You do realize that the longer we are here in this time the more damage it is causing to our time?"

"If you say that to me one more time…got her! I found her. She's two miles north in the center of the quadrant-sixteenth floor."

"Center of the quadrant? Our quadrant?"

"Uh…yeah I guess. Same distance and spread."

"I'm going to kill her. She's never going to make it back home. I'M GOING TO KILL HER! SHE WON'T NEED TO WORRY ABOUT MUMMY AND DADDY AFTER I'M THROUGH WITH HER!"

"Why you in such a tizzy?"

"SHE'S AT TOKYO GENERAL!"

"Oh shit."

"Dr. Shields, where have you been? We tried paging you several times and you didn't even answer you cell phone," a nurse said when Darien entered his office.

"You sent me pages every two seconds, Morgan. You were calling my cell as I entered the hospital, so I clearly did not answer it," he replied as he took off his jacket and changed into a pair of sneakers.

"I was just doing what Dr. Tanaka told me to," she said bending her head down.

"I'm not upset with you, if that is what you think. Come on, I'm sure Tanaka will need an extra hand in surgery as well as my own. Get in your scrubs."

When Darien entered the surgery unit he was met with Tanaka being helped into his scrubs by another nurse. "Good you're here. I thought I would have to do this on my own."

"Like the hospital would let you," Darien joked as he scrubbed his hands and forearms. "What are we dealing with?"

"C-section, but the woman is allergic to anesthesia along with several other drugs listed on the wall in front of you."

"Jesus," Darien whispered as he read over the different drugs. "She's going to have to be awake for this."

"All we can do is numb the pain in that area to the best of our abilities. Oh and she's carrying twins."

"Twisted around each other-one pushing the other out feet first while ir tries to come out too."

"I don't think that's a story we want to share with the mother to be. Cain and Abel don't do well for blood pressure readings."

"Let's go," he said and entered the room with Dr. Tanaka.

"Great job, Shields. Great job," Tanaka said when they walked out of the room.

"I thought that you were the one doing most of the work in there, not me. I think that she was smiling at you as you passed her those babies," Darien replied as he threw his scrubs into a bin.

"But if it weren't for your quick thinking with that drug, we would have lost all three. I haven't heard it mentioned since med school and I'm a few years ahead of you."

"I couldn't even explain it Tanaka. It just happened without any thought."

"Well thanks either way. Drop off your report once your finished."

"He what? You're kidding! No, no wait, this is priceless. You offered him…then you…oh man. I thought no one could resist the Venus charm," Lita mocked through laughter.

"Earthlings, aren't the smartest people in the world," Mina surmised. "I just have to try a bit harder."

"How do you plan on doing that? He told you no Mina, not later or maybe-no. He's not gonna back down from that."
"How would you know? Did…Leets, do you have-"

"No, nothing that con…I mean uh…nothing more."

"They'll come back with time. Something traumatic happening, no doubt."

"Back to you and Matt. What are you going to do?"

"What I do best."

"Mina, don't do anything stupid. Please. Last night was bad enough with Amy and Raye."

"And I thought I was the leader of this Army."

"You are, but as your friend and second-I'm offering some advice."

"Let me know if something happens with Nephrite."

"Nathan, Mina. Nathan. We don't walk around calling you Amina or Princess of Venus do we?"

"We'll talk later," she said and hung up.

"Your meeting with Ms. Harding was cancelled Mina," Ashley replied through the intercom.

"What for? This is the third time!"

"She said she had an emergency. Another urgent thing came up that could not be overlooked. She apologizes and will call to reschedule for later next week."

"She gave no indication as to why?"

"I heard someone in the background saying exploring new market in town."

'It couldn't be…it better not be.' Grabbing her purse and keys Mina walked outside and said, "I'm taking an extended lunch break. Hold all my calls and move my afternoon to late afternoon."

"Where are you going?"

"To do what I do best."

Hanging up the phone from Mina, Lita closed her eyes and leaned back into her chair. Feeling the beginnings of a headache approaching, she moved to get a bottle of aspirin.

"I wonder if I could zap it away?" she asked herself jokingly. And yet apart of her felt that she had done it before. 'So much is familiar to me now,' she thought to herself before one name came to mind. "Nathan."

Sitting back down at her desk she tried to figure out what had conspired between the last few days. She knew that Serena was still angry with them but couldn't understand why she wouldn't listen to what they had to say. True they were being very hostile with her and they didn't even take into account what they may have done to cause the situation.

"I can't even imagine how Serena must have felt. Everyone she thought cared about her for over a century betrayed her in an instant without giving her a chance to explain. She was alone with no one to turn to; all she ever wanted was a normal life. A life without fighting and watching her friends die and yet we couldn't understand that," she said to herself.

They wronged her in the worst way possible and Serenity did the only thing she knew to do. Taking a deep sigh she got up from her desk and went outside to check on progress within her establishment. As she looked around she could still marvel at how far she had come in a short time. Her dreams had been created before her very eyes and she still couldn't believe it at times. A restaurant and a café signed over legally in her names with no financial problems. Observing her customers she saw Ken standing in front of the kitchens giving orders to one of the waiters.

"How's it going so far?" Lita asked when she saw the waiter leave his presence.

"Twelve out of the fifteen tables are full, five of them were reservations with one cancellation due," he replied as he looked at the waiters.

"What about the terrace?"

"Nine out of twelve being used. Yes, with more than one person to all minus one."

"And the new guy?"

"Nate-your soufflé man?"

"He is not- answer the damn question."

"Go check for yourself," he said cocking his head towards the kitchens.

"Thank you. Smart ass."

"At least I have one, tomboy."

Pushing open the kitchen doors she saw Nate passing out orders to two of the other cooks who had been there much longer than he had. It was impressive watching how at ease he was in a chef's outfit holding a spatula and demanding results. And yet different because it was nothing like one would expect to see: he wasn't harsh or demeaning with his orders, but nice and compassionate.

"We're a team here- if one falls we all do. Josef can I get you working on the meats, Bernard the eggs and potatoes and I'll handle the pastries," Nate told the others.

"You got it boss!" Josef replied.

"He's more nicer than that other guy ever ways," Bernard whispered.

"Let's keep him that way huh?"

"Looks as if you've fit right in," Lita said to him after the others left.

"You have a good staff, it's not hard to," Nate replied as he sprinkled flour on some dough.

"Who taught you how to make pastries?"

"You," he said watching her eyes grow wider. "Surprised?"

"Flabbergasted."

"You ran the Moon kitchens much as you do your own. Efficiently."

"I ran the kitchens? I thought I was only apart of Serenity's guard."

"You were more than a guard Lita. Do you any idea what you stood for to your people? To the Moon? To this universe?"

"Tell me."

"You were the daughter of Zeus, Lita. There was no king greater than he-not even the Moon King. The Alliance Council even contemplated having Serenity and him married because they were so formidable."

"Serena and I would have been sisters?"

"Yes, but remained on your own planets."

"What happened?"

"Serenity and Zeus spoke and decided against it. They were a powerful team and who knows what the Alliance would have assailed to if they were married, but they didn't have love for each other. Your father lost your mother a few years after you were born and he never truly fell out of love for her. Same for the Moon Queen with her husband."

"That doesn't explain why I was so important."

"You were the beacon of hope to your people Lita. No child had been born before you being able to wield the power of the storms. Zeus wielded thunderbolts in his wake and your sister was able to-"

"My sister? I had a sister?"

"I don't think I should be telling you this. You need to find out on your own."

"What-why? Because your precious stars deem it so? I have the right to know."

"That you do, but-"

"But what? I don't want you to tell me my life story or anything, I just want a few questions answered."

"Why the sudden change of heart?"

"I just…I'm giving you four the benefit of the doubt. I mean I don't teach just anyone how to cook ya know?"

"True, but you must find it out on your own Lita. Simply having me tell you things won't calm any storm for you. I'm not saying this because I don't want to tell you-I want nothing more then to tell you everything about your life-everything about us, but it's not my place. There is a reason why you did not regain your memories as we have. I think if you search hard enough you can figure out why- if you don't already know," he said and picked up his tray to take out the doors.

Rushing quickly to her office she grabbed her jacket and purse and started heading out her office when she bumped into Ken.

"Where are you off to in a rush," he asked.

"I'm going to check on the café," she replied.

"But you never go there till mid week. What's up?"

"Just a feeling today."

"A feeling? If something were wrong Fred would have called you. Hell he would have called the National Guard."

"I never said anything was wrong."

"What are you doing Lita? And don't say nothing because I know you better."

"Nothing more than usual."

"Lita."

"I'm making a offer."

"An offer?"

"An offer. Watch over," she said walking out the door.

"Piece of cake."

"Piece of pie."

"Hello Mr. Cham," Raye greeted when she walked into the shop.

"Ms. Hino, you seem to become more beautiful every time I see you."

"Like my mother?"

"In ways. What can I do for you?"

"I'm here to pick up my order and a couple of books.

"You mean the one Jason put in last week? He's a cool guy," Mr. Cham's grandson replied.

"Jason? How do you know him?" Raye questioned.

"Jason? I said Chad Raye. The man whose been working for you since...well since before I came back home."

"You did?" 'I'm losing it. He's driving me crazy. Absolutely crazy.'

"Well sit down and talk with him. He's not as bad as you think. Maybe it's you driving him crazy. Give Chad a chance."

"Who? What?"

"Uh…let me get that order," he said and went into the back room.

"Raye come over and sit with me," Mr. Cham said.

"I don't know what's wrong with me today," she said after sitting down. "I must be overworked or something."

"Or something," he repeated looking her up and down.

"Mr. Cham...why are you looking at me like you're seeing me for the first time."

"I suppose in a way I am. When did you find out?"

"Find out what?"

"Now, Raye I've known you since the day you're mother told me and your grampa about her pregnancy. I've watched you grow and mature into this woman before me. You need not hide things from me."

"What exactly do you think I'm hiding?"

"You need not worry. You're secret is safe with me. You just make sure that young man does better for you than your father did for your mother."

"Excuse me? Mr. Cham I'm sorry I have no idea what you are talking about."

"You don't?"

"No, I don't. Would you care to enlighten me?"

"I think it best you find out on your own. Look there's my grandson!" he said while standing.

"Here you go Raye. Tell Chad that we can definitely double up tonight if he wants," the young man said.

"I'll do that."

"Did you want to get those books too?"

"Yes," she said as he rang her up. "That book isn't mine."

"It was here on the stack. Must have got there by mistake," he said moving the book away. "I doubt you'd want a book about pregnancy quirks, huh?"

"Not anytime soon. Thanks again. Goodbye Mr. Cham."

Waving her off he looked to his grandson who could only shake his head back. "You are more trouble than you are worth old man."

Outside of the shop Raye couldn't help but think of the child she had lost a millennia ago. 'Better for the both of us I didn't have that child. How would have I explained the father to everyone? A Negaverse General.'

While walking past a shop for mothers-to-be, thoughts of opposite emotions crossed her mind. 'But she would have been gorgeous. Breathtakingly gorgeous.'

My thoughts exactly Jason's voice rang.

Turning around she looked up and down the street searching for the source of that voice. Stay out of my head she thought as she put her walls back up.

"Raye! Hey Raye!"

"God, just leave me alone!"

"That's exactly what I meant the other day when I said you were crazy," Chad said when Raye opened her eyes. "Sane people don't talk to invisible people randomly, dude."

"Chad..."

"Let's go grab some lunch! I'm starving for a burger from the Crown, aren't you?"

"No actually I'm not," she said going in the other direction but stopped when she felt Chad grab her arm.

"Come on, it's on me," Chad replied and dragged her behind him.

"Chad!"

"You sure you'll be okay?" Jason asked.

"Yes, now go and enjoy the day. And find a job!" she laughed out as getting out of the car.

"I have one, Matt didn't tell you?"

"No…doing what?"

"Protecting her royal highness of the Moon Kingdom," he said and drove off. "The pay sucks too!"

"We'll see if you have a job when you get home," she muttered as she walked up the steps to knock on the front door.

Before she could though it opened and she heard a woman saying, "Young man, do not toy with me. You make sure to bring yourself and Mika here for dinner."

"I promise Mom. I gotta-WOAH!" he said as he bumped into a body behind him. "Mom someone's at the do-HOLY HELL!" he shouted and lifted her into a hug.

Laughing at her brother's antics she hugged him back and managed to look at him when he put her down. He had grown a good two feet since the last time she had seen him. His days of playing soccer had paid off because his body had filled out to a shape similar to

David Beckham's. He had cut his hair since his younger days to where it was spiked now with blonde tips. The natural green tint in their father's eyes had managed to seep into Sammy's deep brown ones as well.

"Sammy, what have I told you about swearing in this- OH MY HEAVENS...baby is that you?" Serena's mom Ilene asked.

"Yeah, its me Mom," she said and moved into her arms.

"You're home...you're home," she sobbed as she hugged her child.

"I'm going to give you two some time alone. I'll be at Mika's," Sammy said as he inched pass his mom and sister.

"Don't forget what I said Samuel! Just because your sis-"

"Don't worry Mom. There's no way I'm going to miss dinner tonight. It's been too long since all of us have been together," he said and kissed Serena on the cheek before hopping in his car.

"I see he still has that car," Serena commented.

"Since the day you helped him buy it. He treasures it-because it came from you. Inside, inside, you must be extremely tired from your plane ride. Where are your bags?"

"We have alot to talk about Mom," Serena said as she sat down on the couch. "Where's Dad?"

"He had to run to the office-his boss wanted him to pick up a story. Back to you."

"I didn't just arrive in town today, Mom. I got here the day before yesterday with some friends of mine and we've set up a house on the other side of town.

"You mean those gentleman your Grandmother spoke to me about?"

"When did you talk with-"

"Some time ago. She couldn't stop raving about your accomplishments in school and how you got a political science and a business degree at the same time-with a minor in education. Darling I couldn't believe it when I heard and to top it off you managed to graduate early!"

"Being in America really helped me to focus on my priorities. Plus, the guys helped out too when I needed it."

"Well tell me about these 'guys' of yours."

Laughing at her mother she said, "First there's Matthew-he owns his own business that spans across the entire Eastern border of North America. I probably wouldn't have passed business marketing if it weren't for him. Next is Nathan- he is a chef and I believe he is now working at a restaurant in town."

"You must love that. I remember when you and Lita used to have sleepovers and she would bake up a storm of goodies."

Turning her head away from her mother Serena took a deep breath in as her mother continued to rave about Lita. "I heard from Sammy that she owns her own restaurant and cafe now too. Who would have known that she would have turned out as she did huh? Soon to be a world renowned chef-who would have thought."

"I did," she whispered.

"What was that dear?"

"Nothing."

"Well tell me about the other two."

"There's Zach who is a scientist that may be entering into the medical fields, but I doubt it for he loves to be in his labs too much. He'll probably end up teaching or becoming a biochemist for the United Nations."

"My! You surely picked from the creme of the crop, didn't you?"

"You haven't heard the best one-Jason Specter. The best friend I could have ever asked for."

"You used to say that about the girls, remember? The nights you five would spend together-I never saw such sisterhood in friendship than I did in yours. Such loyalty is very hard to come by nowadays."

"Hard back then too," Serena mumbled. "Jason majored in philosophy and theology at college and-god what can't I say about him? I would have surely lost my mind if it weren't for him. He kept life fun for me...he kept me from forgetting who I am."

"So when do I get to meet them?"

"Uh...you want to?"

"Why wouldn't I? They're obviously very important to you, which means they are important to me. How about tonight?"

"Not tonight Mom, there's so much going on and we haven't really gotten settled."

"You'll be here then won't you? Your father would love to see you and Mika-she's grown into such a beautiful young woman that Sammy just adores."

"He adored her when they met at 8. I'm sure after ten years he has more than adoration for her."

"Enough about Sammy! I want to know all about you."

"Mom, you act like I disappeared from the Earth's atmosphere for six years. You know everything that has been going on. I want to know about you and Dad and Sammy."

For the next hour Serena and her mother talked about everything from the new cleaning solution she bought the previous day to her father's promotion and about Sammy's interest in more than Sailor Moon.

"Mom, I really do have to run now."

"But you just got here! I haven't seen you in-"

"I'll be back for dinner, I promise. But I still have to go see Andrew and Molly."

"You've already seen the girls then?"

"Not really I haven't. We lost contact when I left so I haven't even thought of patching up that bridge. Except for Amy of course."

"The daughter of that doctor? She was a charming young girl. But you should patch things up honey. Friendships like that are hard to come by."

"I have a better friendship Mom-with Matt, Nate, Zach, Amy and Jason. They are all of the friendship that I will ever need. I'll call you when I'm on the way back. Oh and Mom, don't tell Daddy that I'm here yet. I want it to be a surprise for dinner. Like seeing me jump out of a birthday cake or come flying through a window."

"You are just...go on with you!" her mother replied through her laughter as her daughter headed towards the arcade.

"What do you do with all these books?" a nurse asked Lily when she came in for quick check up. "Aren't you a bit young to be studying astronomy?"

"I'm twelve, not six. I happen to like the solar system. My tutor has me learning about the history of it."

"Didn't know there was much history to be learnt."

"You'd be surprised," Lily replied with a smirk.

"Dr. Anderson will be in later to check on you. Stay out of trouble, huh?"

"Okay," she said as the nurse left.

"Aren't you just eating all this up?" a girl's voice rang through the room.

"No…it couldn't be…"

"Oh, but it could," the voice said and appeared before her with a male. "What the hell do you think you're doing Lilianna? Do you realize the amount of damage you've done?"

"No more than what you've done coming here with Micah, Persephone."

"I came here with a purpose. You came here to lollygag around the 20th century!"

"I'm not lollygagging. I happen to be on a mission."

"A mission? A MISSION? What mission? Who gave it to you? What is your protocol? Who's your contact person? Whom do you have as your back up?"

"Huh?"

"You're lying again! What is wrong with you Lily? How could you do this? How did you even manage to get here in the first place?"

"Tori," she muttered.

"What? What did you just say?" Micah asked stepping forward.

"Tori."

"Tori? Victoria-Tori? That's not possible-she doesn't have that power," Persephone replied.

"She does now," Micah replied.

"Excuse me? No, her powers are focused on the-"

"Transference."

"Wait you knew about this Micah?"

"She just picked it up a few months ago. Dad didn't want anyone knowing because when he was her age it caused some problems."

"Tori, isn't stupid enough to do that," Lily stated.

"If she's friends with you, she is."

"HEY!"

"Remaining on topic," Micah whispered.

"You're coming back home with us Lily. NOW," Persephone said.

"I'm not leaving. I told you I'm on a mission," Lily replied defiantly.

"There's no argument to be had. The things going on at home are more important than this game you're playing," Micah replied. "What the hell is so important that you need to be here anyway?"

"…."

"What nothing to say?"

"I just have something to do."

"You're right you do have something to do. It's actually a very important task. Would you like to know what it is?" Persephone asked.

"Uh…"

"To get yourself together and come home! We need you there more than they need you here."

"That's not true! I can't go back without her with me. We need her!"

"Her who?"

"Lily, not again. You know that she isn't real," Micah replied.

"Yes, she is. I saw her with my own eyes."

"With your eyes? She just showed up here in the hospital and you two had tea and biscuits?"

"I saw her on TV."

"TV? Wow, that's all the proof I need!"

"Sailor Moon is real."

"Not this again," Persephone sighed out. "There is no record of Sailor Moon ever existing Lily. It's stories that our parents made up. The courageous Sailor Moon who fought for love and justice."

"She is too real!"

"No, she doesn't exist. I think my parents would have told me about her when I was going through my studies."

"Parents keep secrets too ya know?" Lily whispered.

"She's not real!"

"Yes she is!" Lily said and handed Persephone a newspaper article. On the front cover with four men and three women around her was none other but Sailor Moon. The headline read, Tokyo Heroine Returns!

"I don't believe this. I…she's…Micah?"

"I guess the stories were true," he said taking the article.

"This isn't possible. It can't be."

"It's okay Persephone. You can't always be the smart one."

"I'll be damned if he takes her business away from me. I need her backing to expand my shops," Mina muttered to herself as she pulled her car in front of the house.

She knew with her very soul that Mrs. Harding was visiting with Matt at this very moment. What for she was not sure but she wasn't going to have him take her business right out from under his nose.

"Where in the house is he?" she asked herself. Closing her eyes she focused on her powers that emitted from the bracelet she knew Matt had on his wrist still. She called out to them and felt her body pulling towards it. When she reopened her eyes she was in front of a large oak door and she could hear voices coming from inside.

"Mr. Haven, I was quite surprised when my assistant told me she saw you around the city the other day. I certainly wasn't expecting to see you on this side of the world," Mrs. Harding replied.

"I had business matters to attend here as well. My family business has expanded and we felt it best to check out the overseas markets," Matt replied.

"You came to the right place. I remember my husband speaking quite well of your business dealings with him. I hope that you and I can have an even prosperous future."

"As do I Mrs. Harding. As do I."

"Tiffany," she said reaching her hand out to cover his.

"Shall we get down to business?"

"Yes, lets," she replied as she continued to trace her fingers along the backside of his hand.

Outside the room Mina was desperately trying to keep her cool. "That son-of-a…how dare he!" Mina seethed. "And he has the nerve to say he loves me. What does he see in her anyway? She's practically throwing herself at him. If she touches him like that one more time…wait, what am I saying?" she asked herself as she stepped away from the door. "He's the enemy…the enemy."

But you still love him, her heart replied.

'No, I don't. I don't love him. I…it was a lie of the hearts.'

I've never lied to you and yet you still manage to blame me for everything.

'I can't think with you talking.'

I'm not talking, boss-you are.

'Stop feeling.'

That's a smart move, where would the daughter of Aphrodite be then if that happened?

'Just shut up.'

Wait, wait…I only have one thing to say."

'What?'

You love him.

"The hell I do," she said to herself. "The hell I do."

"I was looking over our contract and I see that you plan to gain stock through Love's Beauty."

"Which I am more than willing to give you part in. I'm sure I can convince Mina to hand over more shares."

"I wouldn't be quite so sure of that," Matt said and looked towards the door.

"I know Mina very well, Matt. Our mothers went to school together and I'm only a few years ahead of her-I actually babysat her a few times when we were younger. I'm actually meeting with her in a few days to draw up our contract. You should attend and we can add your name to it."

"I don't think so."

"Why ever not?"

"Love's Beauty is a not a corner shop that can be broken up and sold to the highest bidders. It's building towards being a multi-million conglomerate. Mina Aino is on the fast track to success as long as she keeps her market targets in order."

"Matt darling, we both know that Aino could never hit that mark. She's too flimsy with her work. The only reason she's gotten this far is because of her father's status and her mother's business partners."

"Don't you think her mother's partners would have argued working alongside her if she wasn't up to par?"

"Oh Matt be serious."

"Why would two of the partners give her their shares of her mother's companies if she wasn't doing something right?"

"It's politics Matt darling."

"It's Matthew-not Matt darling," Mina said from the doorway.

"Mina Aino, what on earth are you doing here? How did you get in?"

"I have my own key. Matt didn't tell you?"

"Tell me what?" she asked looked between Matt and Mina.

"Oh well Matt darling-as you like to call him, although he detest pet names- and I go way back. As far back as the beginning of time if you will. I know everything about him-everything," she said looked Tiffany in the eyes with glee.

"I didn't know. I mean if I had-"

"You still would have gone behind my back and done it, right?"

"That's a bit exaggerated Mina."

"So my ears must have been deceiving me for I could have sworn I heard you insulting not only me but my business as well."

"You didn't hear all that I had to say."

"Oh you mean more of how you were planning on bringing Haven into my company to run me out? Take over controlling interests between you and him? Or do you mean the body language you were communicating with that he refused to respond to?"

"I think it's time for me to go," she said and gathered her things.

"Yes, please do go. And don't bother calling my offices either-your business is not required."

"You'll go under without my backing. Love's Beauty will be nothing more than a memory in a matter of months."

"I'll take my chances," she said and opened the door. "Have a wonderful day."

"Are you crazy? You barge into my meeting, take it over and then kick my guest out of my house? Have you been taking medication that I need to be aware of?" Matt asked once Tiffany Harding had left.

"I just want to thank you for standing up to her for me. I don't know why you did it, but thank you."

"That's what you have to say to me? You give her the impression that we are in a relationship and all you have to say is 'I want to thank you'…what the hell… ...you were jealous."

"Excuse me?"

"You were jealous of her advances so you thought you'd teach her a lesson. Unbelievable. You won't admit that you still love me, you won't even give me a bit of slack on the whole Beryl situation, but as soon as another woman feigns interest you grip on tighter than a dog with a bone."

"That's crazy."

"I don't think so. I happen to believe it to be quite logical."

"Your logic has proven to be slacking in many areas."

"The door is right behind you," he said and went back to his desk.

"Running away again I see. Why won't you just face me?"

Ignoring her words he shuffled through some papers and started to read over a few letters.

"Look at me when I'm talking to you!" Mina screamed and shot her hand out causing a beam of light to be released.

Deflecting it easily with his powers he looked at her menacingly. Standing back up he stalked back over and towered before her. She could feel his body emitting a different type of energy than before but she was too full of pride to admit fear.

"You don't have the guts," she said and walked right past him.

Before she could get to the door Matt's hand grabbed her arm and pulled her back over to him. "I've put up with your immature right to superiority for far too long. You may not have feelings for me any longer and think me to be lower than the scum below scum but I will not have you walking into my home and disrespecting me. As head of the new and improved Moon Army, and guardian to the Moon Princess, I demand that respect. If you cannot give it than I advise you to stay out of my way. Is that clear?" he said applying pressure to her wrists.

"You're hurting me."

"You don't know the meaning of the word," he replied and pushed her away from him. "You are to leave this house at once and not return unless invited. You are not welcomed here and if need be I will have my third put a shield up against all descendants of Venus blood."

"You wouldn't dare. Serenity would-"

"Do what she believes is best for her guardians and herself. Seeing as you are not any of those listed I'd watch myself. As stated earlier, the door is directly behind you."

"The pay sucks too!" Jason shouted as he pulled off before hearing Serena's statement.

Driving down the streets of Tokyo he took a closer look at where he was living now. 'This place is dismal,' he thought to himself. 'Sere and I have got to get back to the states.' And even as he thought this Raye's face came into view. She has to be the most stubborn person in this world. Who puts their friends lives in danger for their own revenge? What happened to her?'

As his thoughts ran wild he didn't even noticed he had stopped until he heard female voices near his car. When he looked up he realized he was at the local college in front of the main building. "You gotta be kidding me. No way in hell," he laughed out.

"Is he new here?" a girl asked another to his left.

"I don't know. Come over with me," she replied.

"Nun-uh! You got this all on your own."

"You don't have to talk just be my support."

"Tee-zee, sister," she said and walked off.

"Heifer!"

"I don't think that's a nice way to speak of a friend," Jason commented.

"Oh! Um…it's just our way to communicate. We're line sisters. I'm Anna," she said holding out her hand.

"Jason," he said accepting it. 'I still got it,' he thought watching as the girl's spirit took on the feelings of hunger and desire. "Can you tell me where your human resource office is?"

"Human resources? You're not a student?"

"My college days have long been over Anna."

"So you're looking to be a professor? But you're so young."

"Thanks for the compliment. I work out every day, watch my diet, drink tea not coffee and participate in extracurricular bedtime activities."

"Bedtime…oh my god," she said turning her head away. "I don't think a professor is supposed to say that to a student."

"I'm not a professor yet," he said stepping closer and inhaling her perfume. 'Snapdragons…Raye…it smells so much better on you…everything does because it enhances the beauty you are.'

…have been gorgeous. Breathtakingly gorgeous Raye's voice said.

My thoughts exactly

Stay out of my head

"Jason? Jason? What's wrong with you? Hello! Ugh! You jerk!" Anna said and walked off.

Feeling Raye rebuild her walls and the presence before him dissipate he sighed and continued his walk along the campus until he found the building he was looking for. Walking inside he went to the front desk and spoke with the receptionist getting all the information he needed.

No more than an hour later did Jason walk out of the office with a scheduled interview and the hunger for food. Deciding to take a drive to the place Serena had mentioned to him back in the states he started his car. While driving down the streets his eye caught something that made him stop in the middle of the street. Turning off his car he hopped out and ran back down the street he drove up.

"YO! You can't leave your car there. I'm going to have it towed!" a man yelled from his car.

Ignoring his threat he rushed down the street and stopped shortly when he saw a man around his age laughing with Raye.

"You know you enjoyed every minute of it!" Chad said.

"I did not. That had to be the most embarrassing thing on this planet," Raye replied.

"But you still loved it," he said and walked off.

"I'll love this," she said and pushed him down to the ground and ran off.

"Hey!" he called out and chased after her.

"Catch me if you can Chad! Twenty bucks I beat you to the temple!"

"Come back here Hino!"

Staring after them Jason could feel his heart snapping in two and apart of his soul ripping. 'Has she truly moved on? Found another?' he asked himself as he went back to his car. 'Forgot all that we shared? No, she couldn't or our link would have been severed. Right?' "Damn her!"

"Hey mister could I get a chocolate milkshake with extra chocolate syrup, chocolate whip cream and chocolate sprinkles. Oh and a side of fries."

"I haven't heard anyone order anything like that since-"

"A gorgeous fourteen year walked in here six years ago?"

Turning around Andrew's jaw dropped to the floor in utter shock. "Sere? Girl, where have you been?" He asked as he enveloped her in a hug.

"Away from this town, that's for sure."

"When did you get back?"

"The other day."

"And you're just now coming to see me? Oh I see how I rank on your list of priorities. Think cause you've been all Americanized that you can just treat people however you want to. Well let me tell you this little lady, I won't have-"

"Shut up Andrew and just give me another hug. I really missed you."

"I missed you too kiddo," he said and hugged her once more.

"Did you get my letters?"

"Everyone of them. It was hard not to jump on the next plane out to America and see you."

"Can we go into the back and talk?" she asked looking around the arcade.

"Yeah. Hey Lizzie, watch the counter!" he called out and guided her to the back room. "You nearly gave me a heart attack when those guys appeared in my apartment."

"I know and I am sorry, but I couldn't come here myself. Plus I had to be sure that you were who my dreams were telling me you were. Forcing Matt and Nathan on you caused your powers to react."

"But, why didn't they ever show when you were here in Tokyo? There was that time when Rita was attacked and nothing happened."

"I'm honestly not sure Andrew. My own didn't show until Tuxedo Mask had been attacked and on the verge of death. They grew when I was forced to take care of Luna and myself in America. Maybe deep down you weren't ready to accept what this would mean."

"To reclaim my home again? Rule beside you like our parents always foresaw? Ready doesn't even begin to cover it."

"I'm glad to hear you say that."

"Does anyone else know about me?"

"You mean the Scouts and Tuxedo Mask-"

"The girls and Darien."

"What?"

"I know that Darien is Tuxedo Mask. He told me a few weeks before you left-slip of the tongue. I deduced who the girls were the more my memories returned."

"You're further ahead than I thought."

"You haven't seen nothing yet," he said as his hands appeared in front of him blazing as bright as the sun. His hair color began to change to a yellow orange with red streaks and his body began to glow. When the lights before her faded to a dim glow she smiled at the man who stood before her decked out in armor similar to Prince Endymion's but in his planet's trademark colors of red-orange.

"Prince Apollus of the Sun. Welcome back."

"Move! Move! Pick up those pots, wipe down that counter and dispose of that trash!" a man shouted as he ran through a kitchen.

"Geoff what's got you in such amuck?" a woman asked.

"I saw her down the street when I was coming up. She's heading straight for us."

Turning to the other workers the woman said, "Well you heard the man, get to it! She's on her way! FRED!"

"I know I know. Ken called and let me know," Fred said when he pushed open the doors. "We still have customers out here and need to keep her business running smoothly. Max switch out with Ralph and Lee switch with Koehler."

"What is she doing here today?" the woman asked.

"Ken wasn't able to tell me anything. I have a feeling though that it isn't a surprise check up."

"Right you are, Fred. I have work to do here but not managerial," Lita said. "Did you restock the special pantry?"

"Every 4th Saturday of the month and I'm fine thank you for asking. Why?"

"I'll be in the kitchens for the day," she said and took her coat off. "No, I am not assisting with today's menu or having a special lunch, I'm working on something."

"Mind if I ask what?"

"Yes, I do," she said and went into the kitchens.

"What was that about?" the woman asked.

"With Lita I've learned to not ask questions if she's not forthcoming."

"Curiosity killed the cat huh?"

"But satisfaction brought me back. Watch the front," Fred said and followed after Lita.

In the back room of Garden Rose Lita was picking out what ingredients she would need and supplies. "Fredrick, you know better than to do what you are thinking of doing."

"It's odd how you notice things without noticing things."

"Mmhmm."

"So what are you-"

"Overstepping bounds Fred."

"I think bounds went out the window a long time ago, don't you? Why are you digging in the pantry?"

"I'm planning to cook something."

"Why thank you Watson for clarifying the clarified. Why are you in that pantry? It's not Sunday."

"Peace offering."

"Como te va what?"

"Huh?"

"Exactly."

"Look, I need for you to do your job as manager of my café while I do my job and run my businesses," she said as she pushed him out of the kitchens. "Make sure the staff remains in the front areas and I'll be out when I'm finished. Thank you, good day."

"Where are we going?" Zach asked Amy.

"I need to check on one of my patients. You ask too many questions." she replied.

"It's a gift."

"Smart-"

"Remember where you are Doctor."

"Thank you Dr. Coldstone. Any other suggestions?"

"I have one," he said and whispered in her ear.

"That…I mean…no…no…don't make me call security on you."

"Having Zach arrested? I don't think that would make some people happy," Darien said from behind them.

"Hey there. I thought you left to handle business with Raye?" Amy asked as she gave him a hug.

"Handled what I could and things are in motion," he replied. "Zach."

"I heard some nurses talking about your amazing life saving skills on the way up. A mother and her twins, right?"

"It wasn't anything any other person wouldn't have done."

"How'd you feel?"

"Then or afterwards?"

"In that very moment."

"Like a part of me was slipping away and I couldn't do anything about it."

"Am I missing something here?" Amy asked.

"Being who Darien is, he is bound to all things of Earth. He can feel the births and deaths of all living things," Zach replied.

"Oh Darien that's awful."

"As he gains more control, it'll be a flitting thought in passing. He'll still know where and when but it won't overpower him as I'm sure today did."

"Any other powers I have that I don't know about?"

"You'll figure them out as they come. One by one or two by one."

"As wonderful as your boy talk is I have a patient to check on," Amy said.

"Who?" Darien asked.

"Your little addition," she said and walked over to the elevators.

"Wait for us!"

Inside the elevator, Zach spoke to Darien about his years in medical school and why he chose to come back to Tokyo to practice if there was nothing left for him here to begin with.

"I still had Andrew, you know."

"Was that all?"

"Hope."

"Hope?"

"Hope," he said looking at Amy. "It's why we all ended up back here."

"Well let's hope it was worth it."

"It will be," he said and exited the elevator.

"What room is she in?" Zach asked.

"Second on the left," Amy replied.

"She's decorated every sing-" Darien started but stopped at the door.

"What's wrong Darien?"

"Someone else is in there. You don't feel it?"

"No. Maybe you've been working too hard Darien."

"I think he's right love. You don't feel that intensity in the air," Zach responded.

"It's almost suffocating," Darien commented.

"Are you sure it's coming from Lily's room?" Amy asked.

"Check your computer."

"Hey listen. They're talking," Zach said as they moved closer.

"You can't eavesdrop on that conversation. It's impolite," Amy reprimanded.

"Versus barging in?"

"It's better than invading one's privacy," she said as she opened the door.

&&&&&

"I don't care what those papers say or what news reporter you saw on TV. It still doesn't change anything," Persephone replied.

"Doesn't it though? If what our parents said is true about her than…it changes everything," Micah said.

"It's not true! It can't be."

"And I thought you were the logical one."

"I am being logical. No one person can wield that much power in his or her being.

"The Queen does."

"She's Queen for a reason, Micah! Do you honestly think that Sailor Moon is the Queen of our city? My father told me that she single handedly took out the Negaverse."

"Mine said she did with the aid of the scout's love pulsing through her."

"It was their powers, idiot," Lily said.

"Either way, she can't help us."

"I think she can and I'm not leaving until I get her to help us."

"Until you get her to help us? Why you little-"

"Persephone," Micah said grabbing her arms. "She's only a kid. She doesn't understand things yet."

"What's there to understand? You guys are trying to help our families your way and I'm doing things my way."

"She's…I…she's crazy…she's lost her mind…I…you deal with her," Persephone told Micah.

"Lily, I get why you're here since you have explained such, but why are you in the hospital?"

"I traced the origins of the power center to this very spot. I knew that someone here had to know who I was looking for but I didn't know how to get in without being suspicious, so I just-"

"Concocted a story about you're parents dying and you being left orphaned?" Persephone asked.

"How did you know that?"

"Your story is in the paper. You must feel so proud of yourself to have made past history."

"That was not my fault."

"Is anything ever your fault?"

"I plead the fifth?"

"What would being here at the hospital prove?"

"I figure if I found the right people then they could lead me to Sailor Moon and then I could just tell her our problem and bring her back to the future with me."

"Wow, that just sounds so lovingly simple. "But the how the hell were you going to get her to believe you?"

"Pure instinct?" she asked and saw the looks on their faces. "Okay, okay I didn't think things completely through. But you gotta admit I was trying to help."

"By making a situation worse?" Persephone asked.

"How is this worse than what we have to go back to?"

"You made contact with the royals! And don't tell me you didn't because I sense Mercury all over you."

"She's the doctor looking at my case."

"You don't have a case! You used magic to make something up!"

"That's to be debated."

"Princess Lilianna of Crystal Tokyo you are returning with us this instant to the 30th century!"

"30th century? Aren't you a bit ahead in time periods?" Zach asked when he entered behind Amy from the doorway.

"Isn't that a bit of an understatement? 1000 years?" Darien added.

"Must be," Persephone replied while starring at the two men.

You're dad is so cool! Micah said through their link.

You're one to talk she replied back.

"Lily, who are your friends?" Amy asked.

Don't say anything

Shut up "This is Persephone," she said pointing to the blond blue-eyed girl. "And this is Micah," she said nodding to the raven haired, grey-blue eyed male. "They came to check up on me!"

"We came to bring you home," Persephone seethed.

"Home? Where would that be?" Darien questioned.

"OUR home is far away from here," Micah covered. "Persephone meant home in a spiritual sense. Lily seems to have lost her way."

"Spiritual?" Zach asked. "Who did you say you were again?"

"It's not important. We should really be going," Persephone said and made her way to the door.

"Wait one second," Amy said. "I'm sorry but I don't recall seeing your name on the visitors log when we came through. How'd you get past security?"

"No one was at the desk so we just went by."

"Molly hasn't left the station since she came back from her break. That was over two hours ago," Darien said. "Okay I want some answers now or I'm calling security."

What's your plan now Einstein? Micah asked.

I gotta think!

Hey maybe we tell them the truth? Micah suggested

You wouldn't know the meaning of the word.

HEY!

"Please, there's no need to call security. We thought the lady wouldn't let us in if we were here alone," Persephone spit out.

Looking at all three he accessed the situation. He knew that something was off about this and them but he couldn't figure out what.

What's your dad doing? Micah asked.

Like I'm supposed to know / You got me. Persephone and Lily replied simultaneously.

Before Darien could say anything Zach shouted out, "That's irrevocably impossible!"

Uh-oh

"My scans are never miscalculated," Amy replied.

"What are you two talking about?" Darien asked forgetting about the three children.

"I ran a scan on Lily, Darien."

"How? Amy there's no equip-"

"I used my powers Darien. Since last night I discovered I can use my basic-"

"Amy what are you talking about? Do you realize whose COMPANY we are in? You should stop JOKING in front of patients."

"Cool your heels Endy," Zach provided. "She knows exactly what she's doing."

"Lily, would you like to tell Dr. Shields or should I?" Amy asked.

Lily starred at her and back at Micah and Persephone. We are so dead.

No, Lily is dead. What is SHE going to do about it?

He thinks I'm his neice, duh!

Lily, don't make this worse

Doc Ames is so not joking with you! Look at her face

I know what I'm doing

Lil-

SHUT UP!

"Fine, if she won't then I-" Amy started.

"No! I'll tell him," Lily interjected.

"Tell me what Lily?" Darien asked.

"Who I really am."

Slamming her car door Mina let out a breath of frustration before pulling onto the road. She couldn't believe she had lost control like that in front of him-how could have let him gain the upper-hand? She knew he thought he had her beat but she had more tricks up her sleeve than he thought. She wasn't going to be bested by some Earthling unworthy to sit on her throne.

"My throne? Where did that come from?" she asked herself aloud. "He's not worthy of this planet. He betrayed his home, his family for nothing more than a touch of power."

And yet even as she spoke these words a part of her heart seemed to tug at the indifference of it. Ignoring the fleeting moment she checked her rearview mirror and caught sight of gray eyes starring back at her. Unable to catch her breath she starred within them not even hearing the horns honking at her. Barely missing the oncoming car towards her she swerved to the side of the road to gather her thoughts.

"Malachite…"

When she looked back at the mirror the only view reflected back was the road behind her stretching on for miles. She knew what she had saw-she couldn't have been imaging it. The only question that puzzled her was how he came to be looking directly at her through her mirror? Her only knowledgeable answer further proved that he was no good and not to be trusted. When she arrived back at her office she was confronted by Ashley immediately shouting about the faxes coming in from Harding Co. and several affiliated with them deciding to pull out of their deals with Mina.

"Did you tell Jake and Nigel that I will gladly see them in court if they choose to do so?"

"Of course I did! They had the nerve to call their lawyers in and want to discuss some type of deal. More like a dive if you ask me. I told them to forget it and if they even tried to get out of their contracts they'd better plan to be cozy with Tiny and Timmy."

"Tiny and Timmy?"

"Jail. They'll make sure to think twice before trying to cross you."

"Thank you Ashley. Thank you very much."

"So are you going to tell me what happened?" she asked sitting down in on of Mina's chairs.

"Concerning?"

"Mr. Haven of course! I know that's who you went to see-don't try to deny it. So is he coming to work for us?"

"That answer is still as he left it earlier today. Yes, I did call upon him and wasn't gladly welcomed. None the matter- I've decided I don't need him working here. He's better where he is as long as he does not interfere."

"He shouldn't. His dad wasn't exactly ranked in our markets. Yes, we sell tanning lotions and such but he actually owns the tanning salons in another hemisphere."

"Thank you Ashley."

"Don't let it get to you boss. We always triumph!" she said flashing the V symbol Mina was prized for before walking out.

"We do always triumph…" Mina whispered to herself before picking up her cell phone and dialing a number.

"Yes, Mina- Conquer of Hearts: minus Earthly," Lita answered laughing. "What can I do for you?"

Ignoring her comment she asked, "Where are you?"

"Finishing things up at the café."

"I want us to meet at the gym for sparring practice."

"I spar just fine thank you. I kicked Raye's ass twice last week."

"Good then you can try to kick mine. I'll see you in 30."

"Make it longer. I gotta run back over to the restaurant to check on things and then drop off my parcel."

"What parcel and to who?"

"You're the captain of this ship not me. I'll see you in an hour."

Hearing the dial tone, Mina called the next person on the list that answered to say, "I'm already there. See you when you arrive."

"So beautiful," a male with an eerie and yet alluring voice said.

"What does he see in her again?" the woman asked another man behind her. "What is so special about her?"

"Besides the fact that she can create and destroy worlds with the touch of her hand?"

"You mean with that crystal."

"Same difference. Why do you pine after him so? You know that he has eyes of obsession only for her."

"She won't come willing. He must know that."

"Which is why he desires to capture her from a different time."

"He can't be serious! He could disrupt our entire future is he does that. Doesn't he understand the ramifications-"

"You know as well as I that he does not care. The generals are taking care of what is happening in the future. We must focus on the here."

"Taking care of? They let three of their brats escape! Who knows where they could be now."

"Where else would they go? They like the rest of this time depend on one heroine. That… will be their ultimate downfall," another hooded figure whispered above them.

"You do realize that you may have just made our situations worse than they were last night?" Nate asked after hearing Matt's tale. The mid-shift cook had arrived earlier than expected so Nate took the opportunity to take an earlier leave from the kitchens.

"If Mina's hate for me has grown since last night- then there truly is no such thing as love conquers all."

"Do my ears deceive me? Does my great-unfeeling-head general truly believe those crackpot notions of love and truth willing out? Say it isn't so!"

"Don't get your hopes up. Mina is the daughter of a love goddess no?"

"Spoilsport. So where are we off to?"

"I thought we could do for a good workout."

"A workout? You called me away from my kitchens of heavenly smelling aromas, beautiful knitted wisps of smoke hovering over bubbling mixtures, and a gorgeous brunette who-"

"Still wants to take your place beside Serenity? Yes I did."

"Didn't we practice this morning? I do believe I have the bruise on my ribcage to prove it."

"Jason thought it would be a good idea. He called this meeting not me."

"When did you speak with Jason? I've been trying to get in touch with him all day- the guy who runs the lunch hour has a sister who works for bakery down the street. She's no Lita but she makes that cinnamon spread-"

"Nate! He's been busy all morning taking care of personal matters. He ended up at the gym to vent out some frustrations and thought it would be fun to join him. Nothing serious- just us having some good fun. Like we used to."

"Okay where is Matthew Hearth and who the hell are you?"

"Jason's words not mine."

"Have you called Zach?"

"Our Head of Intelligence Committee is no where to be found at the moment. I'd take a gander and guess he was with the Headmistress of Intelligence Committee."

Laughing at him Nate said, "How did the meeting go?"

"Which one?"

"I guess that Venusians charm does-"

"Not work. She thinks she can manipulate this situation with her wiles and seduction. She has another thing coming if she thinks for one minute I'm going to fall for it."

"Of course not, that's why you still have that bracelet right?" Nate asked with a smirk on his lips.

Starring down at his wrist he recalled the evening Mina gave it to him.

FLASH BACK

"Mina? Mina where are you?" Malachite called out in one of the Venus royal gardens.

"Are you sure you want to do this Mina?" Eros asked.

"Yes, I love him. I know in my heart he's my soul mate. You feel it too don't you?"

"I won't deny that, but you know the laws. This has never been done before. You could end up killing him."

"Mal's too strong for that. He'll be able to do this. He'll want to do it. I know it."

"I hope you are right dear sister. You know what to do," he said and disappeared in an array of hearts and stars.

"Mina? What was Eros doing here?" Malachite asked when he came upon her.

"Playing the elder brother role as usual. I see that you found your way."

"Your voice is hard to miss. What is it that you know I'll want to do?"

"Come with me?" she asked holding out her hand.

Placing his larger hand within hers, he followed behind her as they walked deeper within the gardens. He watched as Mina brought him to an empty clearing. The plants that were once surrounding them were nowhere in sight. If he hadn't known better he would have thought they had moved to Mercury.

Turning towards him she looked him in the eye and asked, "Do you trust me?"

"Mina, where are we? You know we shouldn't be outside of the palace-"

"Do you trust me Malachite?"

"Yes."

"Do you love me?"

"More than my own life."

"Give me your hand," said while placing her upon his heart and his on hers. "Love's truth revealed, show us the secret of Venus' seal."

Before Malachite's eyes the ground spilt in half and filled with crystal clear water. Flowers bloomed alongside the stream. As he looked closer he could see fish and other water creatures. "How did you do that?"

"This place is known as Love's Glimpse. Very few Venusians know about it and fewer of the Alliance. It's said that my great-great grandfather had this place built for my great-great grandmother. He loved her more than life itself and she him. This planet flourished under their love and passion for not only themselves but also their people. When my grandfather died, my grandmother was heartbroken and soon followed. But before she left this world, she created a seal upon this place to where only those of true love can look upon it."

"And it opened for you?"

"For us Malachite. I've never been able to open this seal before. I watched my mother do it with my father before he passed, but never on my own. I knew it would open with you because…of who we are."

"So what happens now?"

"Take my hand and place them in the stream."

"Why? What for?"

"I thought you said you trusted me?"

"Forever and always," he replied and dunked their hands in the water.

They both watched as the colors of Earth and Venus spilled into the stream and shot through the ground causing a cliff to emerge. A steady crack continued its path down the rocks until water burst forth following a path into the stream below.

"A waterfall," Mina whispered.

"Mina? What is this?"

Looking down at Malachite's hand she saw a bracelet had appeared with her planet's symbol in the center of Earth's. "I don't know Mal. Eros just told me what to do when I got here and if it worked, something beyond both of our imaginations would happen."

"And it has my child," a voice said.

"Whose there?!" Mina called out immediately going into her solider mode. "Answer me!"

"Such ferocity my child. So like her great-great grandfather, I'd say."

Stepping in front of Mina, Malachite said, "Show yourself. Now."

"Oh yes, Mina. Yes, he truly is your match. I am so proud of you granddaughter."

"Granddaughter?" Mina asked moving around Malachite. "It's really you. I thought…"

"That I was another myth spun by your subjects. No, child it is I."

"Mina who is she?" Malachite asked as he looked upon this elder woman with long strawberry blonde-gray hair and cornflower blue eyes. Mina's blue eyes.

"My great-great grandmother. You really did seal yourself within this place?"

"Your grandfather did as well. He wished to be here but he felt it be better if I showed this time."

"Why have you come?"

"Love's truth was revealed Amina. You were right to believe this man was your soul mate because he is. His soul now and forever will be bond to yours and yours is to him- the bracelet proves that. Very few people in this world find their matches, but you have. Cherish each and every moment you have together. Trust in what your heart tells you Amina. For as my great-great granddaughter that is where your world begins and where it will end if you deny it. Malachite, I thank you and ask that you take care of my Amina. She is our future and our planet depends on her, her light, and her love. Never doubt what you two share. Love each other as your grandfather and I do. Blessed be," she said and vanished from their sight.

END OF FLASH BACK

"That was a long time ago," he replied.

"And yet it's still wrapped around your limb. You're worse off than Jason dear friend. A psychic link that they share can always be severed within time and with the right people working towards it. That bracelet, is beyond anyone's powers but the goddess herself- and I doubt that she's going to break that bondage," he said pointing to the object in question.

"Whether it can or cannot be done is none of your concern, Nephrite."

"Nor is she," he whispered looking to his left.

Standing on the same pathway they soon were too go was none other than Mina Aino looking Matt dead in the eyes.

"As I said dear friend…only the goddess herself," Nate finished laughing.

"My parents didn't die in a plane crash…I mean those people did die, but they weren't my parents. I'm…I'm actually not even from this time period…"

Why is she stalling? Micah asked Persephone.

I don't know…what is she doing? Persephone replied.

Look at the DOC! Look! You gotta do something!

Why me?!

Are you honestly asking me that? Hurry up!

"What I'm trying to say is that…I'm your brother's daughter from-"

"I know Lily. I know," he said and walked over to here. "And I'm not gonna leave you again, I prom-"

"No, Darien she's lying again," Zach said. "Tell the truth Liliana. The real truth."

"She is telling the truth, Zach."

"The hell she is! I knew Randolph and he would never have had a daughter like her!"

"He was my brother-I believe I would know him better."

"Obviously not. He may not have held prejudice in his heart but he damn sure never would have risked his standing by going against his laws."

Lily when I get my hands on you Persephone started as she worked her magic over herself and Micah.

I know I know. I'm dead, but

No buts! Now hush I have to focus

"What the hell are you talking about?! My brother loved everyone. He was the best of all of us."

"Couldn't agree with you more. That's why I know she's lying. Randolph never stepped foot on the Moon."

"The Moon?"

And here it comes Micah said. Hey you think she's scanned us yet?

She'd be looking at us like she is at Lily if so Persephone replied. Not like she'd find anything if she did

It's freaky your vast amounts of knowledge. Sexy, but freaky

Keep dreaming

"She's part Lunarian," Amy responded.

"What are you talking about Amy? That's not possible," Darien said.

"It is if she's from the future. 30th century to be exact. She's part you and Serena-or future descendants of you."

"As in a grandchild?"

"Grandchild of grandchild, I would guess. She is from 1000 years in time. I highly doubt any of us could live for that length of time."

"Excuse me?! I'm sitting right here you know," Lily shouted.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Darien asked her.

Go with it Lily Persephone said.

Are you two pollo loco? I thought you were hiding us from them

I did, but she already knew of Lily. I had to rework some wires. It's a convincing story, go with it

I thought we weren't into lying. I thought lying didn't get us anywhere he mocked through their link.

So says Mr. Omission of the Truth.

That was like-

Every other day!

I'm getting tired of you yelling at me woman!

WOMAN! My name is PERSEPHONE! I am not your woman.

But you want to be.

In your dreams, Micah

FOCUS YOU TWO! And majority rules, Micah.
"Are you going to answer me Lily?" Darien asked.

"I didn't know how to. How was I supposed to tell you without having you flip out on me? I mean I live in another century."

"So I surmise that you two are from there also?"

"We choose not to answer any of your questions," Persephone replied.

"Did you get anything?" Zach asked Amy.

"Something's blocking my powers. I can't get a hit on either of them," Amy said. "Do you sense anything?"

"That's Jason's job, Ice."

"Can you get him down here?"

"Without them evading us? I doubt it."

"These pocket conversations are not working for me," Micah said. "So girly here and I are going to leave you docs with Lily while we roll."

"I don't think so young man," Zach said as he moved in front of Micah.

"No offense, SIR. But it be in your best interest to move aside."

"Is that a threat? Didn't anyone teach you how to respect your elders?"

"Yeah, my mom instilled it in me real good. Unless those elders are threatening those I am to protect. Now back off."

"Look kid, I can't let you leave. You and your friends have some more things to explain to us."

"Wanna bet?" he asked as his eyes flashed.

"What the..." he started when he saw Micah's eyes. Before he could say anything he watched as he grabbed Persephone and disappeared in a puff of smoke.

"Where did they go?" Darien shouted.

"They do that alot," Lily provided.

"Do they? Well then I think you and I have some serious talking to do Liliana."

Seeing that Darien had settled down to speak with Lily, Zach pulled Amy outside and down the hall.

"Zach what's wrong with you? You look awful."

"I...I think I know who that kid was."

"What? Micah? Who?"

"Jason."

"A pregnancy book? Raye that's beyond strange and quite eerie," Lita said over the phone as she placed her fresh bread into a box.

"You don't think I know that? You know Mr. Cham and his grandson, they wouldn't-"

"They're not the joking type Raye. You've known them longer than I have."

"Then what was with that book? And then everything that Mr. Cham was saying."

"You don't think you're actually pregnant do you? Have you been sleeping with Chad?"

"NO!! Are you crazy? Have you been checking out your new waitress lately?"

"Good point. You can't be pregnant then Raye. Unless…"

"Unless what?"

"No I'm all over the place."

"Bring yourself and your thoughts my way."

"How much do we know about reincarnation?"

"We were reincarnated from the magic Queen Serenity used. She gave the last of her power and self to give us a second chance."

"What if that meant everything apart of us?"

"No, no that's not possible. If that were than I would be…"

"Pregnant. Raye…you gotta be sure. You gotta go and get a test taken."

"Oh and how do I explain to my doctor that I have an immaculate pregnancy occurring?"

"It wouldn't exactly be immaculate if you look at the circumstances. Jason did impregnate you-"

"No he didn't! I never slept with him."

"Okay, fine Jadeite knocked you up. Either way if you are you need to find out now and get yourself in for prenatal care."

"Are you meeting us at the gym?"

"Changing the subject won't help you, but yes. I expect to have you gotten some type of results even if it means peeing on a stick. If not I'll have hold you down and have Amy scan you my damn self."

"You do realize that I could be carrying the spawn of the Negaverse don't you?"

"Which is all the more reason to find out soon so we can bathe him in light and goodness."

I'll see you when I get there," Lita said and hung up the phone.

&&&&&&

"Hey Mina. Coming to check out the new muscles?" a girl asked from behind the counter.

"No, I'm just here to meet the girls and workout. Have you seen Raye?"

"Yeah, she came in bout 30 minutes ago. I saw her walk over to the punching bags 20 ago."

"Punching bags?"

"Yep. Hello gentleman welcome to Juban Sports and Fitness. Are either of you members?"

"We're under Serena Tuskino's account. Hearth and Pathfinder."

"Oh of course! Ms. Tsukino called all that in this morning for you. Here are your keys and towels. If you need anything please let me know."

"What do you think you two are doing? Are you following me now? If Serena knew about this-" Mina asked stopping them from entering the locker rooms.

"We're going to change clothes. Most of us don't workout in skirts and corsets," Matt replied.

"Asshole."

"That language isn't befitting of a lady in your station," Nate said. "What would your people think?"

"You dare to speak of my home? My friends? My family after what you did?"

"What did I do Amina? Have I offended you in some way?"

"You don't deserve your rankings. You don't deserve to be on this Earth."

"Why? We were reborn just as you were. We didn't just pop up on Earth full grown."

"Nate," Matt cautioned.

"I'm simply giving her the facts since she's too bore-minded to listen to reason. And what you think Ms. Aino, makes no difference. We are Serena's guards. Not you. I'd accept it and move on."

"Not for long."

"You plan on knocking us out and stealing our places? I doubt you could pass for Matthew no matter how hard you tried," Nate said and entered the rooms.

"I'm well aware of what Nate has said. That is why I'm challenging you two."

"Two against one doesn't seem fair and we play on fair grounds," Matt replied.

"Oh no, I have my others here. Do you have a third joining you?"

"I surmise you do. What's your challenge?"

&&&&&&&

Standing alone in a room with several bags Raye threw kick after kick into the bag. If someone e had walked into the room they would have thought she was beating up a person. They wouldn't have been wrong for all her thoughts were focused on one person. The person who had put her in this position, the person whose face she could not seem to escape, the person who she felt starring at her backside even as she thought of him.

"Go away Jason. I'm trying to enjoy myself in peace," Raye said as she hit the punching bag again.

"Don't you people usually meditate for that?" Jason asked as he leaned against the wall.

"You people?" she screamed as she turned to face him. "You people!"

"Calm down Phoenix. I was only jesting."

"Stay away from me Jason," she said and walked back out of the room.

"Or else what?" he asked from behind her.

Not bothering to turn around she said, "Or else I'll burn you alive with a smile across my lips."

"You planning on telling me who were you thinking of that would have been 'breathtakingly gorgeous'?"

"What?"

"Earlier today. I think you were leaving a bookstore-can't be sure since so much was going on at the time. This town is full of too many angry people. Fear overrules it of course, but the numbers are astronomical."

"Can you get to the point?"

"For just a split second you let your guard down today. Just a split second-but long enough for me to here, '…would have been gorgeous. Breathtakingly gorgeous'. So who?"

"Our-it's none of your damn business," she said turning around. "I thought we had agreed to stay out of each other's head anyway." 'Focus, focus.'

"Focus on what? What are you trying so hard not to think of?"

"Look! Just because we're linked to each other on a telepathic level doesn't mean you have the right to invade my privacy! Allow me to paint you a picture, Jadeite: I do not like you. I don't love you nor do I want anything to do with you. You are not-"

Jason grabbing her and pulling her in close cut off her statement. "Shut up Raye."

"Excu-"

He placing his lips upon hers once again cut off her words. It felt like heaven to Raye to have his lips atop hers again but she knew it was just a trick to suck her back into his web of deceit. And yet she couldn't help but want to be near him more and more each second that his lips caressed hers.

"RAYE! What are you doing?" a voiced screamed from behind them.

Don't pull away just ignore it

No, it's Mina. Let me go

To hell with her. This is about you and me. You can't deny how we feel about each other

Pushing away from him with her strength she catch her breath and look at him with anger in her eyes. "There is no you and me and the only feelings I have for you is hate," she said and walked over to Mina. "Just stay away from me."

"Are you going to spend the rest of your life denying how you feel?" Jason questioned.

"I'm not denying anything. I told you how I feel-if you don't believe it that's your problem."

"I don't believe it because it goes against everything I know."

"Well know this Jadeite-you mean as much to me as that dead carcass on the side of the road. If not less."

Jason, we need you in the locker rooms

I'm busy right now Matt

That wasn't a request

Without saying anything to Raye or Mina he walked off to the locker rooms.

"Did you get anything?" Mina asked her.

"Just anger and frustration. What's going on?"

"We gotta find Lita and I will explain."

"Are you insane?! We can't just leave Lily there with them!" Persephone shouted wen they landed in the park.

"She's a big girl, she'll be fine," Micah replied nonchalantly.

"Fine my ass! You take us back there right now!"

"You wanna go, fine go."

"Don't make me hurt you Micah."

"I'd like to see you tr-OW! OW...OW..OW!!! Let me go you psycho."

"Take us back!"

"No," he screamed as he wrenched his arm away. "We can't go back even if we wanted to. The docs are too suspicious."

"So you leave Lily there to fend for herself? How heartless can you be?"

"Will you please calm down? You're shouting won't help the situation other than giving me a migraine."

"To hell with your migraine! We didn't come here to traipse around the past we came for Lily. PERIOD."

"I sometimes wonder if you and I were switched at birth or if our mothers had affairs with our fathers. You're temper is too familiar."

"Dad says it's from his family. They had some fiery temp-STOP CHANGING THE SUBJECT! What are you going to do about this?"

"We know why Lily came back here right?"

"What's your point?"

"That is the point. She shouldn't be in this time even if her motives are noble."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning that leaves us with one option."

"No…no we're not doing it!"

"What other choice do we have?

"ALOT!"

"Well I'd love for the great Persephone to come up with a better idea."

"Give me a minute."

"We don't have a minute, woman! Lily is probably spilling her guts to the docs as we speak and Selene knows what else! We have to do this."

"They are not going to be happy about this."

"Let's weigh the odds shall we? Destruction, terror, mayhem, our families eradicated-possibly our entire existence, with no home to return to because THEY have taken over or getting a tongue-lashing by the past and our present future plus Pluto? Which we're going to be getting anyway for coming here."

"We could go back for her!"

"Try again Nancy Drew. We have no choice."

"Fine...but we do this MY way or no way at all."

"So who to first?"

"According to history, the outers haven't arrived in Tokyo yet-"

"But that doesn't mean we can't grab them- I say we go find Pluto and get her-"

"Excuse me! Did I not say MY way? Thank you. We can't go on a manhunt for the outers because it may bring them into history before they are supposed to be here. Our own futures could change because of that."

"So who to first?"

"I'd say Apollus."

"NO WAY IN HELL!"

"MY way."

"Didn't you just say that we couldn't mess with history?"

"Who else do we have? Venus, Jupiter? You may be Mr. Jujitsu, but I happened to slack in that area. Mercury, Mars? I'm not getting psycho analyzed nor am I having my mind probed."

"We could rationalize and explain the entire situation to them."

"And they'll probably think we're crazy and trying to kill the princess."

"So instead you want to go to Apollus and tell him that we're from the 30th century and the children of-"

"No, that's just stupid. He'd call the others in a millisecond. We'd never make it out of there alive."

"So why are we going to see him?"

"He's the most sensible."

"No, Mercury is the most sensible."

"Logical. But Apollus will know what to do with the situation. That's why he's the solar advisor."

"So how do we go about finding him oh great one?"

"History shows he was always able to be found at one specific place."

"Do you realize how many people are there during this time of day? It'll be like picking a needle out of a hay stack."

"Not exactly. His aura like ours radiates differently than the quote unquote normal human. Being Apollus his aura shines as bright as its source."

"But he didn't come into his full powers until right before the century hit."

"But the past has changed here though-we saw that in the hospital. The generals have arrived earlier than history shows-which leaves me to deduct that he has as well. If my calculations are right, based on the gravitational pulls the Earth has been showing in our time plus the readings that were notated through the books, he should already be coming into a minimal level of energy. Though it could still be deduce that someone close to him may avert his energy spill so we also have to be careful of that. However I am confident that with our skills we should find him quite simply."

"Never...speak like her again. It's downright freaky and weird."

"Did you hear anything I said?"

"Uh-huh...well, your the computer wiz so get to it!"

"You're the spirit bearer."

"No, that's Victoria. I'm just a projecting vessel."

"Projection my ass," she said as she pulled her computer out of her pocket and got to work.

"What do you mean Jason?" Amy asked. "I thought you said Jason was at the house-WHAT DO YOU MEAN JASON?"

"When I 'challenged' him a few minutes ago, something came over his eyes. I've seen that look a hundreds of times with Jason since we were kids. Whenever he doesn't get his way and lately when he feels Darien is over stepping his bounds."

"You think he's a descendant of Jason's?"

"He's obviously not the past or future Jason."

"Are you mocking me?"

"Of course not love. Why would you ever think such a thing?"

"Move it Earthman," she said and turned to walk back into Lily's room.

"Let's give them a couple of minutes shall we? Lily has some serious explaining to do about her lying schemes."

"I still don't understand how those tests results came to be what they were."

"What tests results?"

"The ones Darien, myself, another doctor and a lab tech ran on their DNA. They hold alleles in common-and not the ones you should if you're great of greats grandfather and granddaughter. All four tests were unanimous in conclusion-she's his niece."

"And your Mercurian knowledge says the exact opposite."

"It just doesn't make any sense."

"Maybe you're test were just-"

"Don't even think of saying those words Zoicite, if you know what's good for you."

"Fine, your intelligence surpasses all those around you. The point still remains that something is off. Why would she be proven as Darien's niece if she's really his great of greats."

"Because she's really not," Amy said and looked at her watch. "Come on."

"What are we doing here Amy?" Zach asked when they walked back into one of the labs on the lower floors.

"Time periods…30th century…additives…DNA…but what if…that would make perfect sense…why didn't I think of that? Time travel…advancements in…improbable yet possible…"

"Okay baby I'm trying to jump on your thought train but you're too scattered."

"We know for a fact that she is from the 30th century, right?" Amy asked when she turned on him.

"So she said. But I really don't think we can-"

"Who knows how advanced their technology is in that century. How has their DNA advanced in their time?"

"Uh-huh."

"What if they knew this, so us testing anything would automatically come off as inclusive? She's smarter than we've been giving her credit for. She knows that for a fact and she also has the upper hand advantage being she's from 1000 years ahead in time. She's conniving and manipulative and-"

"Like Serena a millennia ago."

"Exactly. Which makes no since if the test came back as Darien's niece. There should be no relative comparisons between the two."

"But there… …are?"

"Obviously."

"So you think a mistake occurred with the blood work?"

"Have you not been paying attention? It's not all to do with the blood work it's our machines too. There's something advanced about their cell structure."

"Not to sound unsupportive, but can you prove this theory?"

"Already did. Take a look," she said as she pushed the microscope under his eye. She typed a few things into her laptop and watched as the screen took on the image of a DNA structure with a quadruple helix.

"That's not possible," Zach muttered as he moved between the microscope and the image.

"It is if our labs are not equipped to noticed this kind. Darien and Serena-none of us for that matter- are exactly human."

"Thanks for the reminder."

"Because our machines aren't as upgraded as say their own are, it would read off the first thing it could. Do you see here- whose structure is that?"

"Endymion's."

"He's more dominant in her directly. So when the test we ran it came out with a nine alleles in common-when in fact if you multiple the helixes from the chromosomes it'll give you a different outcome."

"Amy…Amy, look at this…whose structure is that?"

"That looks like…"

"Who the hell is she? She has too much Earth in her to simply be a great anything."

"And too much Lunarian."

"I don't even see any other distinguishing markers here."

"Would you even notice?"

"Look, you may be the smartest Mecurian this universe has seen in a millennia but I happen to analyze blood for a living. Plus I've scanned Serena's blood before- I know what her structure looks like. This kid is too closely matched to the both of them to be anything other than-"

"She couldn't be. We're special not immortal."

"Then who else is in her line? DNA doesn't change Amy. If she's a descendant of Darien and Serena then whom else did they sleep with? All the Lunarians are dead and gone-never to return. We know that for a fact. We have all the royalty here on Earth with us and in a remarkable close distance. The only other planets have female counterparts."

"There's a lot of Earth in her so maybe some where along the line her Lunarian lost its edge. Maybe Serena and Jason-"

"Don't. Even. Go there. Jason's structure is expansively complicated because of his powers. That would be recognizable even to your eyes. Plus, they tried it once and it only strengthened their friendship."

"Serena dated Jason?! Why didn't you-"

"Can we stay on topic? Thank you. You know the girls-would Darien ever…"

"No. There was a Raye thing at first but it was on her part mostly. He loves Serena."

"Then what the hell is going on?"

"I wish I knew. I wish I knew."

"So…what are we doing out here? Apollus is inside," Micah said.

"I'm starting to think this wasn't a good idea," Persephone replied.

"Wow! Aren't you just Ms. Suzie Sunshine!"

"This is serious, Micah!"

"Why? What's the problem now? You were all gung-ho on marching in there with speech in hand earlier. Now that we're here you wanna chicken out on me? All the girls from your planet are exactly the same-all talk but no action."

"Oh and the men from your planet are any different? You talk so much ca-ca that it's falling out of your ears. Your people act too rashly and never think about the consequences!"

"Life itself is a consequence!"

"That's the most idiotic thing I've ever heard. Learn to keep your mouth shut when you choose to speak."

"How about I choose to do this," he said and grabbed her around the neck and kissed her lips.

When she pulled away from him she said, "I could have your head for that."

"Good thing we're both royalty of the same alliance."

"My father will still kill you in a spilt second."

"He had ample chance to do so earlier today. But he knows I'm the only protection his precious goddess has."

"You can't just walk around kissing whomever you choose."

"That's why I've only kissed you."

"Let's just get this over with," she said and slipped pass him to only bump into a woman coming out the building.

"Oh! I'm sorry, that was my complete fault. My mind wasn't even on this planet," the woman replied.

"No, it was my fault. Always in a rush," Persephone admonished and looked up at the woman. "Serenity," she gasped when she noticed whom she had bumped into.

GET OUT NOW! Micah screamed.

"Excuse me?" Serena asked. "What did you just call me?"

"I…I…You just look so serene in this light. The word serenity slipped out. I wouldn't be surprised if you wore that perfume, ya know?"

Stupid, utterly stupid

Will you shut up!

"That's funny actually. My name is Serena, yours?"

"Persephone."

"Hmmm…wife of Hades-god of the underworld. Your parents must have had an odd sense of humor."

"Also daughter of Demeter. Goddess of the harvest-they say that after her daughter was taken from her by Hades, she was in such sorrow she created winter. A life full of snow and ice."

"I see you also know your history."

"You have no idea how mine it is," she whispered.

"I have this strange feeling that we've met before. But I can't seem to place your face."

"I've been told I have one of those faces. Happens all the time."

"Your eyes…they…are you sure we haven't met before?"

"Not in this century."

"Are you related to anyone in town? Maybe that's it. Your eyes are just so familiar."

"No relation has been established at this point."

"You're looking for your relatives then?"

Don't say anything else

I don't see your half-breed tail out here helping me! I can't believe you're the son of-

She's waiting for an answer

"There are a few people I'm searching for. Checking them right off the list as I go."

"Persephone, we should really be on our way," Micah said when he came from across the street.

You teleported

Later

"Hi, I'm Serena. Is this your sister?"

"No way in hell! She doesn't have enough fire in her to be apart of my family. She's too frigid," Micah replied.

"FRIGID!" Persephone shouted.

"You two remind me so much of these people I know. Two of my best friends actually."

Just couldn't keep your mouth shut, could you Micah

Like you did any better

"We really should be going, Serena," Persephone replied. "Come on Micah."

"Wait! If you need any help with trying to find some people-let me know. Here's my number. Call me if you need to."

"You normally give your number to strangers?" Micah asked.

"Sometimes Micah, a stranger can hold more trust than someone you've known over a millennia. Take care Persephone," and continued her walk down the street.

Once she noticed that Serena was out of earshot, Persephone turned to Micah and squealed, "Serenity, was so cool! I mean she's cool now with everything we do-mostly- but she was like super cool in this century!"

"Did you catch that line she used on me?"

"She's probably just talking about her tiff she had with Prince Endymion some time ago. Did you see how she just gave us her number?"

"Talk about easy catch."

"We don't even need to go to Apollus now. I'll run this number in my computer, get an address and we'll go straight to her."

"I'm forgoing that idea and sticking with the original."

"Why! What can Apollus do for us that Serenity couldn't?"

"Yes, what could I do?" Andrew's voice said from behind them. "Why don't you two come inside so we can chat? Oh and don't try to teleport Micah-I may be new into my powers, but I'm still faster than the speed of light."

You just can never shut up, can you he asked Persephone.

Sorry

"You want to tell me the real reason why you're here?" Darien asked.

"What do you mean?" Lily countered.

"You're parents obviously aren't dead and you weren't born twelve years ago-"

"Actually I was."

"In this century."

"Well if you put it that way."

"Lily."

"Okay, okay. What do you want to know?"

"How about the truth for once? You do know what that means don't you?"

"Yes," she mumbled and looked down at her hands.

"Let us see if we can try that."

After a moment of hesitation she said, "Bad things are happening in my time. Really bad things."

"What does that have to do with you being here?"

"Everything! My…parents couldn't or at least haven't been able to stop the bad people from hurting everyone. Mama and Micah's mom are within the center of everything. They can't help us now because…"

"Because what Lily?"

"They're trapped."

"What do you mean trapped?"

When she didn't answer him he asked, "Who are these bad people?"

"I don't know. I ran before they found me."

"And in all that chaos you rationalize to come to this century and hide?"

"This didn't just happen. They have been planning to hurt our-my family for years! I couldn't just let them."

"What do you want from this time?"

"Sailor Moon."

"Sailor Moon? Why do you need her?"

"She's the only one who can help us! She has another silver crystal and can use it to save my home. Please Darien. You have to help me get to her."

"I don't know how I can help you do that Lily. I don't know Sailor Moon anymore than-"

"Cut the crock your highness. If anyone can help me find Sailor Moon it's the Earth Prince. But if you won't help me I'll just ask Princess Mercury."

"How do you-"

"Honesty works both ways Prince Endymion. Plus only a pure Mercurian can do what I saw Doc Ames do. And I have Earth in me too ya know? I can feel a kindred power to mine. I may be twelve but I'm not stupid."

"I never for a minute thought otherwise."

"So will you help me?"

"Where are Persephone and Micah from?"

"I can't answer that."

"I thought you said that honesty-"

"This has nothing do with honesty. Honestly. There is much I cannot say because of the timelines. I think I've already messed things up."

"I'm sure it will correct itself in time. Don't worry over it," he said and stood to leave.

"Wait! Are you going to help me?"

"Only if promise to stay here. You still managed to sustain some injuries that require healing. I'll be back to check on you."

"I'm gone for the day. Make sure Jessica gets her second dosage at the hour. McNair is due for surgery in the morning so make sure his paper work is ready. Don't forget to schedule-"

"We got it Molly. Go home and get some sleep. We'll see you in the morning," a nurse interjected

"Go visit that Melvin of yours. I'm sure he hasn't seen you in awhile," another nurse said.

"I know someone else who hasn't seen you in awhile," a voice said.

Turning around Molly almost fell back against the other nurses before launching herself into her friend's arms. "I never thought I'd see you here again. What are you doing here? You said you would never grace this city as long as you lived. I thought that Melvin and I were supposed to come out there next quarter to visit with you."

"Things changed for me. Perhaps you and I can talk about everything over a late lunch?" Serena replied.

"Yes! Of course. Let's go," she said ushering her out of the hospital.

"And you said we'd never get her to leave," the second nurse commented.

"We didn't. She did," the first said and went back to her station. "Come on ladies, we still have work to do."

Outside of the hospital Molly couldn't help but stare at Serena as they walked down the streets of Tokyo. Her friend had matured and become the woman she always knew she was meant to be but at the same time the Serena she loved was still there. "So I'm guessing you don't want to go to the café or restaurant, right?"

"The restaurant? That's a perfect idea…let's go."

Twenty minutes later they were seated outside of Lightning Rose munching on an appetizer as they waited for their plates of food to arrive.

"Why so quiet Molly? You finally get me back in town after years of being MIA and you have nothing to say?"

"I just didn't think you'd want to be here."

"You mean Lita's restaurant? She has no power over me anymore. She never did, I only thought so."

"I still don't understand how you all became friends. I mean you five were so different and yet you seemed closer than you and I ever did."

"We had a special bond back then that I thought would have lasted forever. The hopes and dreams of a teenager are rarely close to the reality of a situation. It turned out that our differences were too much after all and we split ways."

"But I still see the others together every now and then. Not to pry, but it seems like you were the one who noticed the differences and scrammed."

"I did notice them Molly, but it was those differences that I loved about each of them. From Amy's acute intelligence to Mina's love for life and Lita's unwavering strength down to Raye's fiery spirit. And yet each one of those traits ended up turning on me in the end."

"I just can't believe you left us because of them. And don't say that it had nothing to do with them because I know better. I may not share whatever this secret is that you five have, but I'm not blind or stupid. Please don't insult me by acting naïve to the fact you have one. It's okay, I've never pushed you to tell and I won't because I know in my heart you'll tell me when the time is right. Just know that I'm always here for you," she said and squeezed her hand.

"Thank you Molly. You have no idea what it means to me to have you say that. Especially after all this time."

"Not everyone can go off to America and change who they are."

"Hey! Is that some kind of wise crack at me?"

"Oh and I thought America was supposed to smarten you up? Seems like you came back just the same."

"Why you!"

"I love you."

"Whatever," Serena mumbled and cut a piece of the bread that had been placed on the table. "Ooh, sweet potato…I haven't had this is in years…If I knew Lita served this here, I would have came by sooner."

"She doesn't. She only serves that over in her café during brunch on Sundays- nowhere and no time else. It's considered a special treat for those that come in. It's not even on the menu. How did you even get it?"

"The waiter dropped it off," Serena said as she continued to eat another slice. "You say she never serves it here?"

"Not as long as I've been coming. Oh wow, look she just came out of the kitchen."

"Damn her," Serena muttered and put the bread down. "Trying to soften me up with food. Low…so low."

"She's coming out here."

"She wouldn't dare."

"Daring she is…Hey Lita how are you? I love the new look for the place," she said when Lita stood next to Serena's chair.

"Thank you Molly. I hope you two are enjoying your meal. Did you like the bread Serena?"

"It was okay," Serena replied.

"Just okay? I remember when you couldn't get enough of my sweet potato bread. You would speak with me at random hours in the night to make sure I would have some with me at school the next day. Remember?"

"That would explain why you were always late to class. I'd be tired too if I was up late making calls to the future chef of the century," Molly replied.

"That wasn't why," Serena countered. "If you don't mind my friend and I would like to finish our lunch without interruption."

"Oh sure, I didn't mean to rude. I just wanted to let you know that your meal is on the house today."

"We don't need any favors, Ms. Kino. We can kindly pay for our meal, thank you."

"Oh I know you can. I wouldn't ever presume that you couldn't take care of yourself Serena. You may think that I don't notice, but I have. I can see that you are more of the woman I have always admired everyday and yet still my best friend from so many years ago. Just think of this as my peace offering."

"A peace offering? Is that some kind of joke?"

"No, just a peace offering. Enjoy your lunch Molly," she said and went back to the kitchens.

"That was…odd to say the least," Molly replied. "Serena…you okay?"

Serena however could not take her eyes off the piece of paper Lita had dropped unseeingly into her hand. The same piece of paper that had traveled through space and time again and again to find them as they became friends. The one that engraved all five of their symbols within one: the pentagram

"Let me get this straight," Andrew began. "You're from the 30th century and have come back to this time to retrieve the princess of your time that you are meant to protect, but cannot tell anyone who you are?"

"That's it-perfect! So if you don't mind we need to go," Micah said.

"Where do you think you're going? You don't honestly believe that I fell for that cockamamie story you pulled do you?"

"It wasn't a story it was true," Persephone replied.

"Right and I'm the heir of the Silver Millennium."

"Actually Serenity is, but if you mean in our time then it's-"

"You can't keep us here against our will," Micah countered. "And you can't stop us from leaving."

"I thought we got this over with when you entered the arcade. You may have the power to teleport wherever you choose, but I'm faster than the speed of light."

"How did you know he could do that anyway?" Persephone asked.

"I saw him appear from behind Serena. Not to mention I sensed the shift in energy."

"I thought you had taken care of that," Micah seethed at her.

"How was I supposed to know he had that much control over the universe already," she shot back.

"And you call yourself the daughter of-"

"You're one to talk!"

"Excuse me, love birds. You can stay here and argue out all of your problems, but you're not leaving the premises."

"Look here Apollus! I'm tried of you adults in this century bossing Persephone and I around as if we're dogs. So here's the news flash: we're leaving and there's not a damn thing you can do about it."

"Really?" Andrew asked and powered up before them. "Try me."

"You think you got fire power? Try this on for size," he said as his eyes flashed and he glowed a deep undertone with a symbol flashing broadly upon his forward. "So you going to let us leave or what?"

"You're the son of-"

"Glad you finally came to this revelation," he said and powered down. "Do you mind letting us go?"

"Wait, Micah-maybe he can help us," Persephone said. "Maybe he can help us all."

"I'm not letting you leave here until you promise me."

"Molly…"

"Say it. Say it."

"I have to go meet my family for dinner."

"Does my face read concern?"

Laughing at her friend Serena finally said, "I promise that I'll bring the guys over for dinner with you, me and Melvin."

"Serena…"

"Scout's Honor!"

"You never were a scout!"

'Yeah unh huh sure,' she thought before smiling and saying, "I promise, okay? Now I have to go before I'm late."

"Say hi to your family for me," Molly said and she turned the corner.

"Say hi to Melvin for me!" Serena shouted out as she turned to head in her own direction.

Stopping to enter into the parking garage Serena noticed she still clutched that piece of paper in her hand. Looking down at it she took a deep breath and leaned against the wall. She thought of her time with the girls on the Moon and here on Earth over those first years.

"Why couldn't they just have trusted me? Believed in me?" she asked herself.

"Some people aren't capable of believing in others," a voice replied.

"Whose there?!"

When no one answered she figured she was simply tired and had been hearing things. Walking back over to her car she could feel the hair on the back on her neck standing on end. Remembering what Matt had taught her she immediately went on the defense and started scanning the area. "I know you're here," she whispered. "Why are you hiding?"

"Who says I was hiding?" the voice replied.

Wheeling around Serena came face to face with a tall man with almost white hair and striking dark blue eyes. He donned a white suit and cape that made him look surreal against the shadows.

"Dear sweet Serenity."

"Excuse me?"

"You cannot deny who you are from me, angel. You have her eyes. So exquisitely beautiful," he said as a third eye opened upon his brow.

Before Serena had a chance to shield his powers from her or call out to the others her body hit the pavement and was knocked unconscious.

"You can't be serious," Jason said. "They want to compete against us? What the hell for?" he questioned after hearing Matt's encounter.

"For Serenity what else. Well they got another thing coming cause we are not doing it!" Nate exclaimed.

"They don't want Serenity," Matt sighed out. He was tired of all this strife between the eight of them. His former prince and his now princess…the Sailor Scouts…Moon Guardians… 'My loyalty is with Serenity… I made a vow to her.'

'You also made a vow to your childhood friend centuries ago. How can you turn away from that?'

'How could he?'

'He thought he was protecting her. Doing what was best for her safety.'

'Well now that's my job.'

'Malachite, you know that things are amiss within the balance. As the first it is your duty to set things right.'

'Gaea? No, it can't be…she's dead.'

'Trust your instincts, Malachite. I have.'

"Yo Matt! Earth to Matthew…Come in Hearth," Jason shouted as he waved his hands in front of Matt's face.

"Do I look like a plane to you?"

"Well if you hadn't have gone into la-la-land…"

"Emerald don't…"

Ceasing his statement, Jason looked around the room asking, "Did you guys hear that?"

"You mean you rambling…Yes. Can we get back to the matter at hand? What do they want Matt?" Nate asked leaning against the lockers.

"The knowledge," he replied.

"What?" Jason asked. "Go to a library and read a book."

"The knowledge that they are the better team to protect Serenity."

"Mina believes that we'll bow out of our guardianship if she beats us," Nate added. "She thinks we'll think of Serenity's safety and the fact that we can be beat by women so easily."

"What type of match are they proposing?" Jason asked.

&&&&&&&&&

"Any word yet?" Lita asked when she came back into the locker room. She had arrived shortly after the Mina and Matt made their deal.

"It's been over twenty minutes. How hard is it to decide yes or no? If they were going to chicken out they should have said so," Raye seethed.

"They aren't chickening out. They're strategizing. Malachite will never walk into unfamiliar territory without some foundation to stand on," Mina replied.

"Shouldn't we be doing the same?" Lita asked.

"No."

"Mind if I ask why oh-great-Venus?"

"We pair off as we did centuries ago. Don't underestimate Jadeite's methods or potential Raye just because he holds feelings for you. This new and improved Nephrite is only an illusion Lita, he'll kill you as swiftly as he did back then."

"You evaded my question."

"No, she didn't. But they wouldn't be that stupid to repeat the manners of the past. They can't show their powers in public. It would be as they were falling right into our hands."

"That's what I'm counting on."

"I know you two have this deep-seeded hatred for them, but they aren't stupid. They wouldn't risk showing their powers in public just to get rid of us," Lita said.

"Isn't that what they want? If we were off the map, no one would be there to protect Serena," Raye replied.

"Are you two listening to yourselves? They don't want to kill us. All that they want is to fulfill their duty."

"Our duty. They're trying to take our place."

"We gave that place up years ago, remember? You were the one who was so gung-ho on doing so if I remember correctly! Now all of a sudden you want to jump back on that shiny horse and 'fulfill your duty'?"

"It was a lapse in judgment."

"A lapse? You call what you did a lapse? Well, I can't even imagine what you would call what Hannibal Lector did to his victims."

"Are you comparing me to a cannibal?"

"Will you two shut up? They're coming," Mina said as a knock came to the door. Opening it she saw the three generals facing her with Matt in the front.

"We refuse your challenge."

"Excuse me?"

"We are disinclined to acquiesce to your request," Nate offered.

"You can't be serious," Lita replied.

"Simply put: WE ARE," Jason said.

"I told you they would chicken out," Raye countered. "They know they don't stand a chance."

"Don't bet on it Phoenix."

"Don't you call me that!"

"Why are you so offended by that name? Unless it means more to you than you're letting on."

"You bastard," Raye snarled and slapped him. When she went to hit his other cheek he grabbed her wrists and growled, "I let you hit me once. Do it again-love or no love and I will hit you back."

"You dare to refuse my challenge?" Mina asked Matt.

"I dare Amina," he replied.

"You're pathetic and weak."

"The thoughts of a bitter ex-leader."

"BITTER?"

"Do you think this is funny?" Lita asked Nate.

"Not in the least, Litianya. I'm simply doing my duty," he replied.

"A duty that is not yours to have."

"So says the Jovian."

"Like the Earthling before me is any better."

"Whatever mistakes I made were not in my right state of mind. It was not even my own. Your actions were done under complete care and knowledge of the situation."

"Interesting how you specify that yours was a mistake while my actions are just that."

"Misguided are those who do not seek before accusing."

"One's true nature is always revealed when they dwell in secrets and lies."

"You would know."

"I could have your job for this."

"But you won't and we both know why," he said walked closer. "You take too much pride in having me under your scrutiny eye. You wouldn't dare let me slip away when you have me so close within your grasp."

"You don't know anything about me."

"But I do Lita Kino. I know everything about you- you haven't changed in a thousand years. You've had your faults and mishaps over the years but you're still my Amazon Goddess."

"I'm nothing more than your boss Pathfinder."

"History shows differently."

"History shows you murdered me in cold blood."

"It's been proven that it wasn't me."

"Doesn't change the fact your face is what I looked into as it smiled with glee of my death."

"It is your choice whether or not to get past that."

"Please explain how I get past my lover performing my execution?"

"It's understandable Amina. I'd be as well if I was passed over for someone more qualified," Matt said as he leaned against the wall.

Before Matt could catch her hand this time Mina slapped him across his right cheek. "I'm not bitter. I'm mad as hell!"

"And no longer within the range of sanity."

"You don't deserve this. You know you don't so why fight for it?"

"What makes you think I think so?"

"You forget I can read hearts as clearly as your friend can read spirits. Yours doesn't call to the Moon and its Alliance. It's here on Earth with your Prince. So why fight what your heart clearly wants?"

"My heart wants many things Amina. Should I not fight against those either?" he said moving closer to her.

"This is an exception."

"But you can't allow one side and not the other. It would appear bias, unfair, unjust."

"That's sometimes how the crumble cookies."

"Cookie crumbles."

"Don't contradict me. If I said it I obviously meant it that way."

"Your pride won't help you with this Amina. You should just bow out while you still can.

"I'm a Venusian Princess. We never bow out and I'll be damn if I let you destroy my family again."

"This argument is pointless."

"Because you know I'm right."

"Because you refuse to listen to reason. How Serenity ever appointed a woman as you leader is atrocious."

With a cry of outrage Mina raised her arm to strike at him again.

"You would hit a woman?" Raye asked.

"You think I'm capable of killing the woman I love. Why shouldn't you think me capable of hitting her?" Jason countered.

"Proves just how despicable you are," she said snatching her hands away from him.

Holding tight to her wrists he pulled her back to him and whispered, "If I've become despicable its because of what you've done to me."

"What I did to you? What I did to you? You killed me!"

"As you did me."

"I thought you said it was a clone."

"It was. I speak of the night you threw you me out. The night I asked you to marry me."

"Please, you can't compare-"

"I loved you and you laughed in my face as if I was nothing. You threw my proposal right back in my face and couldn't even get over yourself enough to hug me goodbye when I left for Earth."

"For good reason as I was later shown. You joined sides with Beryl-"

"I've told you that was a clone!" he said tighten his grip again.

"Let go of me."

"I haven't let you go for the past ten centuries. What makes you think I will do so now?"

"You have nothing left to hang on to. I don't want you anymore. Just get a reality check and move on!" She screamed snatching her hands away from him.

'You cannot deny who you are from me, angel. You have her eyes. So exquisitely beautiful...exquisitely beautiful…beautiful…beautiful….'

"NO!" Serena shouted sitting bolt upright. Placing her hand to her chest she tried to calm her speeding heart. Looking around the room her pulse sped back up when she realized she was not in her own home but somewhere she did not recognize. Before she could do anything else, a voice said, "You're awake."

Lifting her head in the direction of the door she saw the same man who had attacked her in the garage. Narrowing her eyes she sized him up and said, "No thanks to you. What did you do to me?"

"Nothing you can't recover from, Serenity."

"I feel at a disadvantage. You know my name and yet I do not know yours. Care to share?"

"Haven't you figured it out?" he asked.

Accessing him she finally replied with, "Diamond."

"That I am Serenity and you will my queen."

"That's a laugh," she said and searched for her locket.

"Looking for this?" he asked holding her locket within his grasp. "Intricate gem you possess. Amazing how history never shows that only Lunarians can harness its power."

"To our benefit I like to think."

"And others demise."

"How perceptive. What do you want?"

"Simple. You."

"Sorry, I'm not for sale," she said and willed her locket to her.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you. You'll only harm yourself in the process." Walking closer to her he circled the opposite side of the bed. "Curious to know why? You're too close to the dark crystal."

"The dark crystal?"

"It's what powers my kingdom, my people. We draw our energy off of them. As will you."

"That'll never happen."

"Oh but it's already happened. When you arrived, I gave you your first dosage of the dark crystal."

"My own would have fought it off. My light is-"

"Quite strong, but not enough," he said opening her locket.

What she saw almost brought tears to her eyes. Her heritage, her crystal- the last thing she had from her mother, no longer held its bright luster of life. It looked dead- without life.

Feeling the rage building within her she forced her the little of her energy to propel her towards him. Knocking him off his guard she slammed him into a wall screaming, "What did you do!"

"Such ferocity Serenity. You and I will make quite the team."

Snatching her hands away from him she glared while saying, "You're sick and despicable. Do you actually think this will win you something? That your sick twisted-"

"Watch your tone Princess. My wrath is not merciful."

"I bet. How many people did you have to kill to power that anyway? How much blood covers these castle walls?"

"How much blood covers yours, Princess?!" he seethed glaring back at her.

"I have never killed for pleasure or caused harm to anyone unjustly."

"Not yet," he said turning to the door. "Don't try to escape, Princess. It's futile. All contact with your precious Prince Darien and scouts have been taken care of," and closed the door.

Alone in the room Serena did the thing Diamond told her not to- try to escape. She had no idea what Diamond had meant by the scouts and Darien being taken care of but she couldn't let them be hurt because of her. They weren't even her guardians anymore and they still were brought into her problems. It seemed like hours went by of her walking around the room or sitting on the floor to looking out the large bay windows. In the distance she could see what looked like another castle but it appeared deserted and decimated.

"It's called Crystal Tokyo."

"Emerald. How's that shiner doing?" she asked turning around.

"I'm going to make you pay for that," she said waving her fan.
"Do you really think your prince would care for you harming me?"

"What Diamond doesn't know won't hurt him."

"You couldn't beat me then and you can't now."

Focusing her energy Emerald sent a wave of green fire towards Serena. Having the upper hand Emerald caught her off guard and encased her in a bubble that sucked her energy away.

"It looks like I can. You don't deserve him. You don't deserve that crown."

"I don't want it," Serena pleaded from her prison.

"Shut up! It's always Serenity this, Serenity that. No matter where we go, no matter what time period, he finds you and becomes obsessed."

"Emerald don't-"

"I said shut up. I've been with him every step of the way. Following his every order with explicit precision."

"Maybe he wants a partner not a lap dog," she managed before passing out completely.

"It won't matter now. Once you're dead I'll have his attention again."

"Emerald, what did you do?" Sapphire asked when he appeared next to her. "You said you only wanted to talk."

"I changed my mind. Who thought I could get rid of a Queen twice," she snickered and disappeared with Sapphire following after.

&&&&&&&&

"Take it easy love," Diamond said when he saw Serena beginning to stir. "You've had a massive dose of dark energy pumped into you."

"What did you do to me?" Serena asked holding her head and trying to move away from him.

"I did not cause you this pain my love. But rest assure the one who did will be punished."

"I'm not your love. If you plan on keeping me prisoner, do me the favor of leaving my presence."

"You surprise, Serenity."

"If I cared the least I'd ask why."

"You're nothing and yet everything like her."

"Like whom?"

"You're future self."

"No matter what time period, he finds you and becomes obsessed…obsessed…time period…" hearing Emerald's words again she looked at Diamond with closer scrutiny. "Why do you want me?"

"Why wouldn't I? You'd make a perfect Queen to my kingdom."

"It doesn't matter that I don't have feelings for you nor that we don't know each other?"

"That will come in time."

"You can't make someone love you."

"But I can, Serenity. I can make you want me and no other. I can make you have thoughts only of me and love only me."

"You can't do that. You can't change people's emotions."

"Would you care for me to demonstrate?"

Without replying she heaved herself off of the bed and rushed to get to the door. Before she could even grasp it she was flung back towards the bed and hovered mid-air. Catching her breath she saw Diamond floating up to her and she tried to force her body to move.

"Don't over exert yourself. You'll hurt yourself in the process."

"What did you do to me?"

"Nothing. Yet," he said as his third eye opened and Serenity started to feel her mind going blank and saw herself moving in closer towards Diamond.

'No…come Serena just move your arm. Just move it forward. I can't let him do this to me. His lips are so cold…they aren't like…I can't stop him. He's so strong…I have to be stronger, but I'm so tired…my heart…Jason…Jason… Jason can you hear me? Help me…JASON!!!!' she thought before blacking out again.

"AH!" Jason moaned grabbing his head.

"Raye? What did you do to him?" Lita asked.

"I never touched him. He just keeled over from his own stupidity," she replied backing away.

"Oh!" Mina gasped out clutching her chest.

"MINA!" Lita and Raye screamed.

"Get away from her!" Raye shouted. "I'll kill you if you've-"

"My hands never touched her and you know it," Matt replied.

"She fell over just like Jason. Jason can you hear me?" Nate asked.

"Se…ren…ity…no…" Jason moaned.

"Sere…Se..rena….help," Mina's voice followed.

"Are they channeling Serena? I thought only you could do that?" Lita asked Raye.

"The connection…their blood bond," Raye replied as Nate said, "Their friendship…the connection."

"What?" the other asked each other.

"We have to get him out of here and now," Matt stated grabbing his arm and picking him. "I suggest you do the same with your friend. Make sure she's stable before moving her. That bond they share has transcended through time and space. It's viable to kill her is she doesn't control it."

"Do you think he'll be okay?" Raye asked Lita.

"He's their leader. He's calm under press- oh. You meant your past lover? You wanna know so badly, find out."

"Jason, Jason man it's us. Can you hear me?" Nate asked again leaning against a door.

"Serena…Sere…" Jason groaned.

"Serenity…hold on…please," Mina choked out. "I…can't breathe."

"Mina? Mina!" Ray exclaimed. "Mina I need you to listen to our voices."

"You can breathe Mina. Inhale and exhale," Lita instructed.

"It hurts so much, she's…my heart," Mina cried out.

"Jason, come on snap out of it."

"Nate…? What happened?" he asked when he opened his eyes.

"Yeah I'm here man. You're going to be just fine-"

"She's…she's hurt Nate. We gotta save her."

"She's trapped," Mina whispered through closed eyes. "She's… dying."

"What do you mean Serena's dying?" Lita asked.

"Exactly as she said. Come on guys we have to get to her," Jason replied.

"You're not going after her. We are," Raye countered.

"You three can do what you want but I as her guardian I'm doing what I vowed to do. Excuse me."

"Jase!" Nate called out before following him. "We need to call Zach. I'll meet you at the car."

"We can't let them go off and get Serena. They may have planned all this to begin with," Raye said.

"Right we purposely harmed our princess. You're pathetic Raechel," Matt said as he walked out.

"We need to call Amy if we want a fighting chance," Mina said.

&&&&&&&&&

"I wonder who that is," Amy asked when her phone rang in her office. Her day shift had ended and she was heading home for some shuteye for at least six or seven hours.

"Maybe the future is calling to give you tips," Zach mocked.

"Very funny. Oh, hello Mina, how are-uh…ok,' Amy began when she answered the phone.

"What's going-" Zach the house now it's Serena Matt's voice screamed in Zach's head.

"I'm on my way," Amy said before hanging up the phone. "Did Matt contact you?"

"And Mina called you."

"Serena," the both said at the same time.

"Kidnapped?" Amy questioned. "How is that possible?"

"I don't know love, but she reached out to Mina and Jason."

"How can you be sure?"

"How else would Mina know? Jason has always been her first contact no matter what the situation. I think she's trying to tell us something."

"Or she subconsciously called out for Amina- it was as natural as breathing for her back then. I have to go and grab Darien. Can you get them to the temple?"

"Leave me with the hard work."

"Would you like to convince the girls that they shouldn't kill you on contact?"

"See you at the temple," he said and disappeared from her sight.

"Coward," she muttered before grabbing her keys and heading out.

Entering the hallway outside of the fire room, Mina turned Darien, Amy, and Lita. "Do we have any idea where to start?"

"What did Artemis say?" Lita asked.

"He's searching outside of Tokyo. He said he'd contact us as soon as he finds anything."

"So she could be anywhere in this galaxy?"

"Raye's trying to get the fire to narrow it down."

"Darien you didn't sense anything?" Amy asked.

"No. How can that be?" Darien asked.

"And why could Jason? You're her soul mate afterall," Lita surmised.

"He felt her pain? How are we sure he wasn't faking?"

"He reacted first. Nobody could fake that kind of anguish. I didn't think he was going to survive."

"We know she's alive- I can sense that. But she's closed our link," Mina added.

"Or it was unconsciously opened," Amy said partition to the fire room opened. "Raye? What'd the fire tell you?"

"Nothing. I don't understand. I've been asking it for an hour and still nothing. It's like it's ignoring my calls."

"We have to keep trying," Lita replied. "Maybe if we help again."

"It won't work this time either," Amy said as she went into the fire room. "There's only one way to get Serena back."

"Amy, this is no the time," Darien chided.

"We need the generals' help," Amy said ignoring Darien. "Wait, just hear me out. Serena called out to a scout and a general-her blood and her best friend. There has to be a reason for that."

"It doesn't matter the reason. We're not asking them to help us," Mina ordered.

"You'd rather Serena die instead?"

"AMY!" Lita exclaimed.

"I apologize for the harshness but it is a reality we may have to accept. We don't know where she is or how to get her home. Aren't 2 heads better than 1? Why wouldn't nine be better than five?"

"Those men aren't getting anywhere near my temple," Raye seethed.

"Why because you have problem with Jason? It's great to see where your loyalties lie."

"Don't you question-"

"You guys wait, this isn't a fight between us. Maybe we should listen to Amy."

"Lita, are you crazy? Those guys can't be reasoned with. Darien doesn't even have control over them."

"But Serena does. They obviously care about her or they wouldn't have freaked like they did today. I'm just saying to give it some thought."

"No, absolutely not," Mina replied.

"Our leader speaks. End of discussion," Raye stated.

"No, not end of discussion! Raye, the fire isn't helping us. Mina and Darien have no open bonds to link them to Serena and my technology can't find her anywhere in this galaxy or beyond. We have to do something else. Think outside of the box."

"And outside is calling in our enemies?"

"They aren't enemies! They love her as much as we do."

"They aren't coming into my temple!"

&&&&&&&

"Guys listen to me. We have to go to the scouts," Zach said. "We have to find out what they know and work with-"

"We don't need them. We can find Serena on our own," Jason interjected.

"I'm not saying that we can't but Mina felt that pull just as you did. She needs all of us," Zach replied.

"Says who? It may have just hit Mina by accident because she shares a blood line."

"Are you serious?"

"We can't work with them!"

"Nate will you please reason with him!"

"Jason it's not-" he began.

"You shut the hell up. You're only trying to suck up more to your Jovian chef."

"You keep your blond head out of my personal life."

"What the hell are you three arguing about? We have to find Serena and you're wasting time," Matt said when he came upstairs.

"Did you find her yet?"

"No, Zach's equipment can't get a reading on her."

"Because she isn't in this dimension!" Zach shouted.

"Maybe Luna can find something on the other planes," Jason said.

"Why aren't you listening to me?!"

"Because you're talking crazy. Working with the scouts is as ludicrous as Darien marrying Beryl."

"You think we should consult the scouts? Why Zachary?"

"There is a reason for everything, Matthew. You know that as well as I. Why would Mina and Jason feel Serena today if for no other reason that we must combine our efforts as one?"

"He does make a point," Nate replied.

"You two are crazy! And Matt if you agree with them, you're even crazier. Those scouts want nothing more than to kill us and take over where they left off. They won't do us or Serena any good now or in the future!"

"Jason," Matt began.

"No! I don't want hear any of that 'listen to reason' or 'think of what they feel' or any of that bullshit! They abandoned her remember? We were there for her, not them. We made the oath!"

"We also made another oath," Zach added.

"And look what that turned into?"

"I'm through debating with you. I'm doing this my way now," Zach said and held is hands up in the air bringing petals before them.

"What the hell is he-" Jason began and he and the others disappeared to reappear in front of Raye and the others. "Doing."

"GET OUT OF MY TEMPLE!" Raye shouted when she saw them.

Realizing where he was Jason looked at Zach and muttered an unmentionable phrase and told Raye, "Gladly."

"Jason wait!" Amy called out and grabbed his arm.

"Back off Amy. I'm no lap dog like my friend here."

"Lap dog? I think you may want to rethink your statement brother," Zach stepped forward.

"I'll leave the thinking to you and your little brainiac princess."

"Excuse me!" Amy shouted.

"I have my best friend to rescue."

"You can't do that without us," Lita said.

"Lita!" Raye shouted.

"Lita, nothing. I agree with Amy."

"Amy is blindsided by her love for that…that person."

"His name is Zach Raye," Nate added in.

"Did I ask you to speak? No. So do me the favor and shut up."

"You can't talk to him like that," Jason said.

"Guys! This isn't helping us to get to Serena," Amy interjected

"I can do whatever the hell I want. You don't own me, " Raye replied.

"You weren't much to own back then."

"Asshole!"

"Takes one to know one Phoenix."

"Don't you dare call me that you bastard."

"Your father!"

"Do something about your general!" Mina told Matt.

"As soon as you reign in your scout," he threw back.

"This arguing isn't solving anything. We both want Serena back so why don't we just work together, get her home and then go our separate ways?" Darien suggested.

"Oh shut up cape boy! Why are you even here? Serena doesn't want you," Jason responded.

"You cocky little-"

"Do something. Come on I dare you."

"What are you two years old? Grow up and be a man!" Raye yelled at him.

"Why are we fighting each other again?" Nate asked.

"This is ridiculous. Serena is danger and we're acting like children!" Lita screamed.

"I'll be damn if I work with that pig!" Raye shouted.

"Will you two stop thinking of yourself and someone else for once? Serena needs us, not just you. She's out there scared to death and fighting against Selene knows whom. She needs us," Nate said.

"No Serena needs us!" she shouted back pointing to the females and Darien. "You rejects aren't needed."

"Rejects? Who did Serenity choose to protect her daughter?" Jason countered

"Us!"

"Which proved as a mistake that she had to rectify."

"Not if I have anything to say about it," she said and turned to the fire.

"What are you doing?" Nate asked.

"A fire reading. I'm not going to sit around and wait for you to come up with an idea."

"Raye we tried that. It's not working," Lita said. "Something's blocking you."

"Because you aren't meant to find her. It's not your job princess. Leave it to the guardians," Jason replied.

"You are such a-"

"Will you two stop it!" Amy shouted. "This won't help us to get Serena back."

"Amy's right. Serena wouldn't want us to be fighting with each other. We need to work together to get her back," Zach added.

"I'm not working with him!" Raye replied.

"Then you're condemning Serena to a life of hell."

Hearing the words that Zach uttered Jason lowered his head and thought of what was happening here. 'What am I doing arguing with her? Serena's more important than any of this.'

"Who the hell are you to tell me that? Weren't you the one who betrayed your prince and sided with the lunatic who destroyed our homes?" Raye questioned.

"This isn't about him Raye! It's about SERENA. Remember her? She's more important than this goddamn battle you have with Jason and his motives. I could give a fat rat's ass if he was still working for Beryl and managed to resurrect her himself-if he can help us get Serena back than that is all that matters!" Amy started.

"Baby calm down-"

"No! When are you people going to understand that we need to work together rather than ripping each other to shreds?!" she shouted and stormed out of the temple.

"Amy-" Raye started.

"I'll go and talk with her. You two need to work out whatever problems you have and fast. Serena comes before all else and if you truly care for her as you say, you would know that," Zach stated and chased after Amy.

"Zach is right, we can't focus our energy if two of our strongest links to outside worlds are telepathically battling with each other," Lita said.

"You two need to grow up and realize what is at stake here. And if you need a hint: it's not your pride," Nathan added as he guided Lita out of the room.

"If anything happens to Serenity, Raechal, you'll beg me to kill you," Mina whispered and walked out.

"Fix this and now," Matt seethed before following Mina into a separate room.

"Darien-" Raye started.

"I care about you Raye I do. But I will walk over your dead body in a millisecond if it meant to save Serena," he replied and left.

"I can't believe he said that to me."

"You actually expected differently?"

"Don't you talk to me," she said and knelt before the fire.

"It's not going to work," Jason stated. "You think that if you ignore me and focus harder it'll give you an answer? Are you trying to kill yourself?"

"Like you would care," she muttered and whispered, "I call upon the powers of Mars and its past rule-"

"Will you stop it," he shouted and dragged her back to her feet. "It's not going to work!"

"At least I'm trying something!"

"Haven't you been listening to anything they've said to us? Hasn't it clicked in that thick skull of yours? The fire is ignoring you. Why? Here let me explain-you have so much hatred in your heart towards me, Aries, your past and whatever this secret is that you're hiding that you can't hear anything past those feelings. Your soul is no longer open for others to divulge into, you've closed yourself off to the one thing that can help you through this. You can't ask the fire for help while hating what it tells you at the same time. It doesn't work that way."

"You don't know a damn thing about me or what I've been through."

"Probably because you won't tell me."

"Why should I? I'm here because of you! I'm in this position because of you! Because you weren't strong enough to fight against Beryl's advances, because you weren't man enough to just say no and stay with me, because you weren't there when I needed you! I don't just hate you Jadeite, I LOATHE YOU!"

"You think I just gave up and let her clone me? That I actually didn't try and fight? For you-for us?"

"Lot of good it did."

"Raye," he said and reached out to touch her.

"DON'T TOUCH ME!" she screamed and pushed him away.

"Raye."

"Stay away from me Jason."

"No" he replied and walked closer to her. "I never would have left you if I had been given a choice. I loved you-I still love you. And yeah you may hate me, but that will NEVER change how I feel. You gotta let this go Raye. We can't change the past, what's done is done."

"But, I have to live with the loss," she whispered.

"We've all lost, Raye."

"Not like I have."

"What the hell does that mean? Each of us lost each other that night. We all lost the life that we should have had. But we have another chance to-"

"I DON'T WANT ANOTHER CHANCE WITH YOU! I WANT TO GET SERENA BACK SO WE CAN MOVE ON WITH OUR LIVES!"

"Well, too bad Phoenix cause I'm going to be apart of your life whether you like it or not. And you wanna know why? Because I love you."

"The hell you will. We didn't need you then and we sure as hell don't need you now."

Digesting what she said, he looked at her and asked, "Whose we?"

Realizing what she had said she turned away from him and made her way to the door. Jason anticipating her move he blocked her exit and questioned her again, "Who is we?"

"The Sailor Scouts obviously."

"The Sailor Scouts? I would believe that, but you're averting my eyes. Who is we?"

"I TOLD YOU!"

"And you also happen to have acquired a trait for lying in this century," he replied and grabbed her arms. "I'm going to ask you one more time. Who is we?"

"If you think you know why don't you tell me?"

"Stop the mind games! Just tell the truth for once. Be honest."

"You want honesty?"

"YES!"

"I wouldn't spit on you if you were burning within the flames of Hell. You're right I do hold hatred for you, but my hatred for you is nothing compared to the loyalty in my heart to Serenity. We will never be together, in this lifetime or any other. I made a mistake the day I let you into my heart-one that I will NEVER-" her word were cut off by Jason crushing his lips atop hers. Instinctively her arms went up and tried to push against his chest but to no avail. He grabbed her arms and placed them behind her back while pushing her against the wall.

Wrenching her mouth away from his she breathed out, "Stop it."

"Why?" he asked as he looked her in the eye. "Why?"

"Because you're making me want to vomit!"

"Amazing, your mouth says those words, your body doesn't know what to do with itself, but your spirit-your spirit is calling out to mine. They recognize each other Raye and they want this."

"No, they don't."

"You sure? You can hear them too can't you?"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Dammit! Why can't you just admit it?!" he asked and pushed away from her. "You're so stubborn and pigheaded about the simplest things in life. Why is it so hard for you to say that you love me? That you still love me."

"Because I don't. I never did. You were nothing more than a lousy lay to me. Why do you think I turned down your proposal? Why would I ever have wanted to have my life tied to a loser like you? I'm a princess and you're nothing more than a 3rd ranked general. What could you do for me? Guard my palace walls? Be second, no third actually probably fourth since I wouldn't want any idiotic Earthling of any kind heading over my army. Did you really think I would want someone like you to stand by me as King? In the name of Mars, you were nothing more than a chance for me to sow MY wild oats. You crackled my fire and now that's its burnt out, I have no use for you. You're useless Jason-you're nothing but a abysmal bedmate."

Not turning to even look at her he walked out the door without a word being said. If he had turned around he would have seen her sinking to the floor and silently crying out her anguish. She wanted to let it all go but there was so much. So much anger, so much hate, so much pain that it seem to be eradicating her very soul with it. She turned to the fire and saw a man's face becoming clearer.

"No...go away. Leave me alone!" she screamed and turned her body away.

"You know what Phoenix, I don't give a damn if you want me gone cause I'm not- Raye? Oh God baby, please don't cry," Jason said when he came back through the door. He had decided to just let her live her life the way she wanted- if she didn't want him then to hell with her because he wasn't going to beg any woman to be in his life.

But then something in him started to break down and he realized that he wouldn't have any semblance of a life without Raye apart of it. So he turned back around to tell her so himself when he came upon her on the ground crying.

"Leave me alone," she said as she wiped the tears from her eyes. "I don't need you."

"But I need you," he said and pulled her up. "You don't wanna be with me fine-I have to accept that sooner or later- but you can't hate me Raye. You know just as well as I that if you continue down this path it will eat you alive and your powers will forever reject you. I love you too much to let that happen."

"Meaning?"

"We don't have much time-can you clear your mind and let go of all this anger."

Looking behind him at the fire she whispered, "I can't."

"Do you really hate me that much that you can't let it go for a few hours?"

"It's not you!"

"Then what is it?"

"It's him!" she screamed pointing at the fire and seeing Aries face clearly through it.

"Raye...what is he doing... Raye, look at me focus. FOCUS!" he said causing her eyes to meet his. "You have to let him go."

"I can't...I hate him so much."

"You have to. Your powers are doing this!"

"No, I don't... I don't want him here..." she said as his body started to take shape in the fire.

"Hate is more than an emotion Raye...it's food for the cosmos. It feeds on whatever you throw out and continues to grow from it. You have so much hate within you for so many people that what else would you expect? LET HIM GO. Stop hating him for what he did. It's over."

"No, it's not...it's not over..." she said as her hands went to her stomach.

"Dammit Raye look at me!" he screamed becoming more desperate. "There's more important things in life than him. He doesn't even exist anymore-let him go, he's nobody to you."

"On the contrary, as her father I'm everything," Aries' voice said. "Hello daughter."

"Bastard!" Raye seethed and rushed to him but Jason held her back before she could touch him. "Why can't you just leave me alone?"

"And watch you make the same stupid mistake you did then? As your father and King I won't allow it."

"I guess it's a good thing you're dead. Let me go."

"Raye, I don't think that's a-"

"You dare to question my daughter? Have you forgotten your place general?"

"Son of a bitch," he muttered. Turning Raye around to him he said, "You can make him go away Raye. You brought him here-all you have to do is let him go and he'll disappear."

"I would if she had been the one to bring me here," Aries replied.

"What the hell are you talking about old man?"

"Insolence!"

"Get a clue Aries! This isn't the Silver Millennium anymore and you have no reigning power here. And even if you did, you're on Earth where Endymion is in control so shove it."

"And you actually want to live a life with this...abomination here?"

"Who the hell are you calling an abomination?"

"My grandchild will not be raised by this man."

"You have no say in whatever Raye and I-what grandchild?"

"Ah, he does not know does he Raechal? Then it will be my pleasure to inform him."

"NO!" Raye screamed and moved between him and Jason. "Don't listen to him, he doesn't know what he's talking about."

"Don't I? Your powers are not strong enough to bring me back from the realms. But someone else's are."

"Raye, what's going on?" Jason questioned.

"Yes, Raye let us tell the little general what the big secret is. Here's the question: Being that my daughter Raye has the powers of telepathy and the element of fire how did she manage to project me here from another realm?"

"Jason, please! Just ignore him. He's not even real."

Ignoring her he said, "The spirit realm is a powerful entity. It absorbs everything that is felt amongst it in adjacent realms."

"Plausible, but not even the emotions swimming through Raye now could have brought me back in body."

"Will you shut up!" Raye shouted. "Jason, please let's just go. We don't need to be here with him. He's trying to break us apart."

"I thought you said there was no us?"

"I...I lied. I love you. I do. Just please don't listen to what he's saying."

"But that curiosity is getting the best of him isn't it?" Aries interjected. "You know as well as I that Raye could perhaps bring me to the fire, but having me stand before you whole? No, my daughter isn't that powerful. But if you add my grandchild to the mix, she could be. I have to give you credit General Jadeite, you have produced a fine heir to my kingdom."

"Heir? Raye...wait Raye and I never...we just met...Raye!"

"I...I..."

"Stop your blubbering girl! Be proud-at least the Earthling did something right. If I had known the offspring between an Earth General and my daughter would be so powerful I would have married you off from the cradle!"

"You heartless-"

"Watch that tongue Raechal."

"Raye, you're pregnant?" Jason asked. "How is that possible?"

"Thought you could taste the milk before buying the cow huh? To think my own advisor had to inform me a man-not just any man an Earthman was caught leaving my daughter's chambers in the middle of the night with his clothes askew. Then to find my daughter in a crying heap upon the floor...I expected better of you daughter."

"Serenity sent everything left on the moon to Earth to be reborn…you were pregnant back then and didn't tell me?" he questioned. She turned away from him and he grabbed her to face him while saying, "You let me get on that ship and didn't say a word?! How could you do that to me? How could you do that to us?"

"Jason..." she said reaching out to him.

"Don't touch me! You make me sick! You don't know anything about loving someone. Don't you understand that I NEVER would have gotten on that ship had I known. I would have stayed with you...MARRIED you. Do you realize how much could have been avoided?! You stole that from me!

"You didn't even give me a chance to find out, to make things right. You're no better than him," he said pointing at Aries. "Cold, heartless, selfish, uncaring bitch. You two deserve each other," he said and stormed out.

"Jason...no! Jason!"

"Calm down Raechal. It's unbefitting for a princess to act as such. You don't need him...I am here," Aries said as he took her in his arms.

"No…No...NO...NO!"

"Raye! Raye!"

"NO! Leave me alone," she screamed again.

"Raye, it's us. Just us. Deep breaths. Easy," Amy advised. "What...what happened to you?"

"Aries...where did he go? Is he still here?"

"Aries, your father? Raye he's dead along with everyone else, you know that."

"No, he isn't. I saw him come back. Jason saw him too. He was right here in the temple. TELL THEM!" she told Jason when they made eye contact.

"Baby, Aries wasn't here. No one's come here since we arrived," Jason replied.

"That can't be...I saw him."

"It must have been a dream Raye. Jason found you out passed out in front of the fires. You must have gone back to them after he stormed out," Mina said.

"The fires?"

"Do you remember what happened today?" Amy asked. "Do you remember why you and Jason were talking?"

"Serena...we have to get her out!" she said and pushed herself up.

"No, Raye you need to relax. You were out of it for a while. The fire and you need a break."

"I don't need to use the fires. I..." she started and thought back to what her dream had shown her. 'If that dream was true then I am with child- Jadiete's child, but I can't tell him. I can never tell him.' "I have a new…power...we can bring her back!"

"New power? How the hell is she hitting the power lottery and I'm getting zilch?" Lita asked.

"Raye what new power?" Darien asked.

"I need all of you to focus on Serena. Think only of her, okay?" Raye replied when she re-entered the fire room. "I need all of you to circle around and place a hand somewhere on me."

"We don't have time for this! We need to get Serena now," Matt seethed.

"If you shut up and do what I said then we will."

"We might as well give it a try. Raye wants Serena back as much as we do, she wouldn't risk her life for nothing," Amy added as she placed a hand on Raye's shoulder.

Once the others had followed suit, Raye said a silent prayer and focus her energy on Serena as well. As she looked at the fire in front of her she saw Serena's face start to come through but there was another with her.

"Raye who is that?" Darien asked.

"Stay focused!"

Serena appeared to be distressed by this man but his face was unclear. She stalked around the room trying to avoid him but it was to no avail for he teleported in front of her blocking her escape. 'I gotta get her out of there.'

Closing her eyes she willed Serena to her and the others. She opened her eyes when she heard Serena's voice screaming, "Jason! Matt, help me! It's Diamond, Zach he wants me for-NO!"

"She was coming through the fire. What the hell happened?" Nathan questioned.

"She's still there, just keep focusing," Mina hissed.

Pushing harder through the block that was put before her once Serena had screamed out, she called out to her unborn child's powers for an extra boost but she still felt her body becoming weaker.

Sensing her shortage Jason moved behind her and placed both hands on her waist while giving his energy to Raye.

Thank you

None necessary. Bring her home

As all nine of them watched, Serena's face became clearer through the fire until she herself was lying on the floor before them trying to catch her breath. When the eight surrounding her removed their arms, Raye collapsed into Jason's arms after muttering, "You're welcome."

"They thank you love, they're just excited to see the princess. You did good."

"Mmmhmm," she said before she falling to sleep.

"If only," he whispered to himself as he look at her face. "How is she, Zach?"

"Still shaky, but unarmed," Zach replied.

"Who was that guy with her?"

"Diamond," Serena muttered as she opened her eyes. "Thanks guys."

"Don't thank us, thank Raye," Jason said as he picked her up and carried her to her room.

"Why?" asked after Jason and Raye had left.

"She used her some new powers of her to bring you back. It was amazing Serena," Amy replied.

"I would deduct that is was some semblance of projection," Zach added.

"Raye, doesn't-nevermind. We have work to do," she said as she stood up but as Raye she too collapsed, only in Darien's arms.

"You're still weak from the transfer Serena."

"She has some foreign energy in her. It's fighting to gain control," Amy said looking up from her computer screen.

"What? I didn't see that."

"Now, honey you know Mercurians have better technology than anything Earth made. Not to mention our intelligence."

Laughing at Amy, Serena said, "Zach, did she just insult you?"

"I think something harsher for insult is in need. She racked you over the coals," Darien replied.

"Can we get back on topic? Serena, what's this in you?" Zach asked.

"The dark crystal. He...he was pumping me full of it. The Silver Crystal fought it as long as it could by taking it into itself, but even that started overflow into me."

"Where's the crystal now?"

"It's not working Amy. He...he did something to it," she said handing over her locket.

"Maybe I can help," Darien said taking the crystal in his hands as they began to glow a golden color.

"His healing powers...you never said you had regained those," Zach commented.

"I didn't know until now," he said as the last of the dark energy was washed from the Silver Crystal. "It should heal you now," he said handing it to Serena.

"Do you think you could do it?" Amy asked. "Just as a safety precaution. We don't know how much energy exactly is in Serena and it may overpower the crystal again. We want to avoid any and all mishaps from now on."

"There's not even an ounce in-OW!" Zach said cradling his side.

"It would be better for everyone involved. We don't want to take any chances."

"Alright," Serena said and turned to Darien as he placed his hands over her chest. As his hands began to glow she could feel a part of himself seeping into her and cleansing her of the dark energy. Oddly, she felt at home in that split second-loved even. 'Damn you Amy.'

"You should feel better now," he replied as he helped her to stand.

"Thank you."

"Now that you're back to yourself. Can you explain to me what you were screaming about earlier?" Matt asked.

"Diamond kidnapped me."

"I got that far. Why?"

"Why else? He wants me for himself so that I can rule by him as Queen," she said and walked away from them. "That's all that he kept saying."

"Did you hear anything about his plans? What his men are thinking of doing? Why their here?"

"Matt, give her a rest. She just came back from a traumatic ordeal. Who knows what that ass did to her-"

"HE DIDN'T DO ANYTHING TO ME!" Serena shouted. "HE DID NOTHING!"

Surprised by her outburst, Amy turned to Zach and said, "Can you get the guys out of here? Take Lita and Mina with you. I want to talk with Serena for a minute alone."

"Maybe Mina should stay too since they are-"

"No, all her and Mina will do is argue. She doesn't need that now. Please, Zachary."

"Take care of her, Ice," he said as he ushered the five others out of the room.

"Serena, is there something you want to talk about?"

"No."

"It's okay to tell me. I won't tell the others if you don't want me to. You can trust me."

"I know that Amy-I wouldn't have let you stay in my house if I didn't."

"Talk to me, please."

Walking over to the partition that separated the two rooms she wrapped her arms around herself and said, "He was so cold and yet so alluring at the same time. Like how Darien was when he was brainwashed but colder-unfeeling."

"You were gone for quite some time Serena. Did...did something happen?"

"I guess I have more to thank Raye for than her using these new powers of hers," she said and slide the partition aside.

"Serena, wait-"

"I'm fine Amy. I'm going to check on Jason and Raye and then I want to call a meeting. Can you get everyone together?"

"Of course," she said and went out the door to collect the others.

Heading down the hall to Raye's room Serena bumped into a hard chest and felt herself falling back to the ground. 'This is going to hurt.' Surprisingly the impact of the floor never came and instead she felt a pair of strong arms around her waist. She looked up to see Darien standing above her with a concerned look on his face.

"You can let go now."

"Sorry. Are you alright?" he asked as he fell in step beside her.

"I'm fine."

"Good," he said and searched her eyes for something he once knew.

"Stop it."

"Stop what?"

"Stop looking for something that isn't there. I've called a meeting in the other room. There are things we have to talk about."

"I couldn't agree more. I need you to know how sorry I-"

"I didn't mean that 'we'. There's nothing for us to speak on Darien. It's over and you need to accept that."

"How can I accept losing the best thing that came into my life?"

"You should have thought about that before you pushed her away. Now excuse me I have to check on Raye," she said and moved past him.

"Serena!" he called out.

"No, Darien!" she said and turned back to him. "You still don't get it do you? I'm not her anymore. She's gone."

"That's what you'd like for everyone to think, but I know different. I see her every time you're with Jason and you think no one is looking. You look at him how you used to look at me."

"That's ridiculous! Jason is my best friend."

"Best friends make the perfect lovers."

"Are you jealous? That's what this is about-you're jealous of Jason."

"Now that's ridiculous."

"And you're too prideful to admit it. Too prideful to think that your general has captured something you once had," she said as she snickered. "This is classically unreal. Darien Shields is jealous!"

"I'm not jealous," he seethed.

"Yeah and I'm a monkey's uncle. Curious of what we've done together? Wondered if he captured more than you did? Wondering if he's had his hands on-" Her words were stopped by him slamming her against a wall and saying, "If I even thought that one of my generals laid a hand on you, I'd have his head."

"Well I guess it's a good thing he's not your general anymore since we have more of a past than you'd think."

"What the hell does that mean?"

"Figure it out Sherlock. Now let go of me."

"Serena, please...please tell me that you didn't...that you and him..."

"Why does it matter to you so much? You didn't want me anymore remember?"

"No, that's not true. You know why I did what I did back then."

"I also know that those dreams had more to do with you than they did with me. Let me go."

Moving away from her he whispered, "I never meant to hurt you."

"But you did Darien and I've had to live with that for six years. Serenity loved Endymion, I never did. I loved you-Darien Shields. Even when you made fun of me and when you forgot about us, I still loved you. It was never about Serenity and Endymion. Yes, I remembered what we shared back then but it was the past. I wasn't always Serenity ya know? You met me as Serena."

"And I fell for you too. Yeah, I know the teasing was immature but it was the only way I could show myself without getting hurt."

"I know that Darien. But what you still don't understand is that you don't know me anymore. You say that you love me, then prove it."

"How?"

"If you have to ask me that...then you need to just let me go," she and walked out of the door.

&&&&&&&&&

"What are you doing out here?" Mina questioned.

"I can't get some fresh air too?" Matt asked.

"There's another clearing on the opposite side of the temple."

"Does my presence bother you that much?"

"Yes, it does."

"The Mina I used to know wouldn't have let someone's presence deter her from her goal."

Turning around to face him she said, "I'm not the Mina you used to know. I'm smarter and stronger- I won't ever fall for you tricks again."

"As I recall, you and your brother were the ones into playing tricks."

"Don't you dare speak about him. He died trying to save our people and I won't have his name falling from your vile mouth."

"You blame me for his death too don't you?"

When he received no reply he lifted her face to his and asked, "When are you going to realize that that wasn't me?"

"I have no reason to. I know what I saw and heard from your mouth that night. I believe what I see, Mr. Hearth."

"What does your heart believe?"

"What?"

"You used to believe in what your heart told you. What did it tell you that night?"

"It doesn't matter what it may have said. The fact is that-"

"Deep down you know it wasn't me. Why are you hiding that from everyone?"

"You have no idea what you're talking about."

"Perhaps," he said and turned to go back in the temple when he saw Amy standing before him. "What happened?"

"She's called a meeting."

&&&&&&&&&

"Stress seems to be a key factor tonight," Nate said when he entered the kitchen to see Lita opening and closing cabinets.

"I'm not stressed, I'm-"

"Worried. Frustrated. It's mutual."

"You certainly wear it well," she said turning to look at him. "But I can see you're worried too."

"It's my job as her guardian to be worried."

"It's my job as her friend."

"Are you sure about that? I think you're more angry that she called out to us rather than you when she was in danger than at this new threat."

Turning away from him she leaned on the counter and said, "It hurts, ya know? We've always been able to depend on each other. In battles I was always there to have her back. Strongest fighter out of all of us."

"To be expected-you were the head trainer for the armies."

"So I recall. I feel as she's just passed us over for you -no offense."

"None taken-seriously."

"I know we fucked up-big time, but we're trying to make amends and she's not even giving us a chance."

"Do you really believe you deserve one?"

"YES!"

"After everything that has happened? You still deserve to be apart of her guard?"

"Our destinies were chosen for us eons ago. I know your precious lights in the sky haven't told you that this is your new path. You're Earth bound."

"Not even the stars can tell all Lita."

"Serena's called a meeting," Amy said as she knocked on the door. "In the fire room now."

&&&&&&&&&&

"You look bummed," Zach commented when Darien came back to the fire room.

"Why can't she just listen to me?"

"Ah yes Serena."

"Yes Serena. She is so stubborn sometimes."

"And yet you still love her."

"She won't listen to a damn thing I have to say."

"What have you done to show you deserve to be heard?"

"What?"

"What have you done to show her you deserve to be heard?"

"I told her-"

"And this is where your problem begins. You could tell Serena anything in the world and she would believe it. But you broke that Serena and now she's stronger than ever before- harden in a sense. You can't tell her to do something and tell her what you want to happen: that whole destiny speech-she's past over it. You gotta get to know her again- ask her questions."

"What questions? I know everything about her!"

"Did you know she can play the guitar and flute?"

When he was met with silenced he asked, "How about that she won all star for her high school track team? That she was close to being asked to go to Wimbledon?"

"I didn't know."

"Try asking questions, my prince. You'd be surprised how quickly she'll open up."

"What happened to her in America Zach? Really."

"She grew up."

"Into this? That woman is not my Serenity."

"And you my friend," he said placing a hand on Darien's shoulder. "Are not her Endymion. Get the picture?"

"Let's hope so for our future is at stake," Amy said when she returned. The others are coming-Serena's called a meeting."

&&&&&&&

"God, you'll never keep me not worrying about you will you?" Jason asked aloud to an unconscious Raye. "But I wouldn't trade a minute of it for anything else in the world."

Looking down at her sleeping form he could see the woman laying beneath all the anger and callousness. The other side of Raye that he had fell for. He couldn't seem to understand why she wouldn't accept the way things were and accept him again in her life. Their past life wasn't an easy stroll in the relationship department, but they made it work for them. She had denied him once before but she wouldn't do it again in this life. She loved him-he knew it and he wasn't going to let her run away from it again. Even if that meant giving up his title as a guardian- he wasn't going to live his life without her again. He loved her too much to let that happen. He just wished she would open her eyes so that he could tell her how he felt.

"She's not going to disappear if you blink. She appears pretty comatose."

"That's not funny Serena. She risked her life to save yours-you should be grateful."

"That's what I'm curious about," she whispered and went over to Raye's bedside. "She put a lot of energy into bringing me back here. A lot of yours too as I see."

"I offered it to her willingly-no Martian magic."

"She just keeps on throwing surprises my way, doesn't she?" Looking over at her friend she placed her hand on his shoulder and said, "She will be okay. She just needs some rest. I've called a meeting in the other room with everyone. That includes you too."

"I'm not leaving her side."

"Jason, she'll be fine I promise. You're needed at this meeting."

"Is that an order?"

"I'd rather not have to take those measures, but if I have to I will."

"Serena, you're my best friend-closer to me than any of the guys and I knew Zach when we were in the playpen together. You're also my princess who I will serve with my last breath and come back from the dead if need be to protect. But lastly you are my sister by heart-as that woman, I'm asking you to understand that I am not leaving her until she awakes. Until I know for myself that she is okay."

"Fine, but I ask you to give me a moment alone with her. Please, you know our history isn't a pleasant one, but I need a moment alone to thank her before she awakes. I'd rather not hear her sniding remarks after."

"You got it," he said and kissed her forehead before walking out the door.

Making sure she was alone she turned back to Raye and kneeled down to whisper in her ear. "I know that you hear me Raechal, even if you are unconscious. I know that you can understand every single word that I say. I don't know what game you are playing but I will stop you. I won't let you hurt him like you did in the past. He is my friend and I will not stand by and watch you play with his emotions. I thank you for what you did today-for saving my life. You will never know how thankful I am to you for that, but I also know something the others don't. You never had the power of projection in any of your lives. How that power came to be in you I will find out and if its what I think it is…well let's both hope it's not that. Do wake soon Raechal- you're expertise is needed in the adjacent room."

Pulling back to look at her face she could see that it was still as it had been when Jason had left. Opening the door she saw Jason leaning against the wall. "Take care of her."

"Will do. I'll be linking up with you every few minutes for updates," he said and went back into Raye's room.

"Before we have this meeting, Zach and I have something to tell you," Darien said and stood before them.

This should be a kicker Jason said to Serena.

I can't concentrate with you doing that she replied back.

"Darien and I discovered something...not so normal earlier today...Amy too," Zach continued.

"Amy mostly," she muttered.

"Don't be cocky dear."

"Can you two-three, sorry- just tell us already," Lita asked.

"We think we may have come across some future offspring of ours."

"Excuse me?" Mina asked.

"Offspring? As in children? Our children?" Serena asked.

"Where? When? How?" Matt questioned,
"That's not possible," Nate whispered.

"Just because the stars didn't foresee it doesn't make it untrue," Lita added.

No way in hell Jason said.

"You say that you discovered this today? What took you so long to inform us?" Matt asked.

"I happen to find this as pertinent information Amelia," Mina added.

"How do we know what you saw was really our future kids? I mean did they actually say, 'hi I'm Lita's daughter'?" Lita commented.

"One question at a time. We said 'we think' but Amy is still running tests."

"What type of tests?"

"Those aren't conclusive yet and I refuse to divulge that until I know for certain," Darien interjected.

"Okay, I guess that answers that question. To Serena, not our direct line, but possibly grandchildren-they said they were from the 30th century," Zach said.

"30TH CENTURY?!" everyone shouted.

"Perhaps we should start at the beginning?" Amy offered. "With no interruptions."

While the three doctors explained what happened at the hospital Raye was just beginning to come back to the world of the conscious. Slowly opening her eyes she noticed that she was back in her room but couldn't remember how she got there. Sitting upright she tried to remember what had happened and only came to right after Jason had left her with Aries.

'But that was a dream and Jason still…he still doesn't know,' she thought placing her hands to her stomach. 'What happened after that?'

You shouldn't try to force it Jason's voice said.

Get out of my head

It's sort of hard when you pull me in

I didn't

You still don't get it do you? You may deny how you feel but your spirit never will. It called out to me as soon as you awoke

What happened to me

Relax and focus he told her and played back the events for her.

"Serena," she whispered.

"She is fine," Jason said and came out from the bathroom holding a damp rag. "You on the other hand are not and need to rest."

"I can't rest when she's out there. She needs me to be there."

"She needs for you to rest."

"Don't you tell me what she-" her words were cut off as a part of her started to pull something from her subconscious.

'I know that you can understand every single word that I say. I don't know what game you are playing… I won't let you hurt him like you did in the past. He is my friend and I will not stand by and watch you play with his emotions. I thank you for what you did today…you never had the power of projection in any of your lives. How that power came to be in you I will find out…'

"Raye are you listening to me?"

"How could she know that?" she whispered to herself.

"Know what?" Jason asked.

Looking up at him she asked, "How close exactly are you and Serena?"

"What?"

"You and Serena-how close?"

"Why so curious?"

"Answer the question," she said standing up to him.

"Close enough."

"What does that mean?"

"Take it however you want it. You don't want to be with me anymore, remember? I'm just an abysmal bedmate."

"I didn't mean that."

"Could have fooled me," he said and walked away from her.

'Wait," she said and went to touch him but pulled back. Sensing her hesitation he turned around and said, "Seems as if you did-you never would have feared to touch me before. No matter what you may have seen."

"I never thought you would have betrayed all you knew for power, but I was wrong."

"I'm not going through this with you again. I didn't side with Beryl. She cloned me against my will and if you don't believe that that's you're problem. You need to rest, you've been through a lot this evening."

"So should you," she said remembering that he gave her is energy. "Why would you do that?"

Knowing exactly what she was speaking of he closed his eyes and took a deep breath before saying, "I can't help or change how I feel Raye. I love you even when you're spitting fire at me but I can't make you see the truth. My assistance to you was out of my control-my body felt yours weakening and immediately took on the slack. I'd do it again in a heartbeat, but I'm finished."

"Finished with what?"

"Finished fighting for you. I finally get it-amazingly. There are things in life that some people will never be able to accept. My weakness against Beryl is obviously your number, so I'm finished. Do what you want because you believe that I will."

"What about our spirits being connected?"

"I'm sure with your Martian magic you can surpass whatever your spirit sends out. I've had this power since the beginning of time there isn't much I can't handle. Like I said you should get some rest," he said and walked out of the room. Leaning against the door he sighed a deep breath and told himself, 'If she really loves me, if we're meant to be, she'll fight for me.'

"Rest? I don't have time for this," she said and slipped her shoes back on. With Serena's words going through her mind, she cleared her mind and went into the adjacent room where the others were meeting.

"…. but Lily holds a remarkable connection in DNA to Darien and Serena."

"That has yet to be proven," Darien stated.

"My DNA? How is that possible?" Serena asked.

"We're still not sure. We suggest though that they be kept on watch."

"How can you be sure they are even related to us? It could be a trick, if they really are from the future," Matt asked.

"Who knows how magic has advanced in that time. They could be working for the Dark Moon," Mina added.

"Isn't that more reason to watch them closely?" Lita asked.

"No, Amy scanned their bio-structures," Zach explained.

"One of them. The other managed to block my computations somehow. However, Zach mentioned that the boy had a familiarity to him," Amy offered.

"What familiarity?" Raye asked.

"Aren't you supposed to be resting?" Matt asked when he saw her in the archway.

"That's what I tried to tell her," Jason said.

"I'm a Martian Princess not a Terran one. We happen to take our responsibilities very seriously," she replied.

"Seriously enough to commit treason," Nate replied.

"Are you picking a fight?" Lita asked standing up. "Cause if you want a fight with her, you got one with me instead."

"Amina, get control of your soldiers. Show some manpower!" Jason said.

"Remember your place General. I still outrank you no matter who you are guardian too," she replied.

"Can we please focus?" Darien shouted. "Those kids came back to this time for a reason-something is wrong with their time that is turning the people against each other. The same evil that we are fighting, they are too."

"Diamond is straddling two centuries?" Serena asked. "It all makes sense now."

"What does?" Amy asked.

"That's why he came to this century-he couldn't stop our future descendants in his time, so he attacks them where it hurts the most-their ancestors: us. If Diamond wipes us out then there is no future for them to go back too-they cease to exist."

"Makes perfect sense to why he would want you at his side. He could start over and build the dynasty he always wanted. A dynasty of pure evil," Raye added.

"No way in hell," Jason said and went to stand next to Serena. "There's no way that's happening."

"And what exactly are you going to do?"

Knowing she only wanted a fight from him he turned to Matt and said, "We need to strategize."

"Let's go," Matt said. "Thank you for helping to bring Serena back."

"Wait, you're just going to leave?" Lita asked.

"It's not you're job to protect Serena anymore. We'll call you if we need you," Nate said and moved to follow after Matt and Jason.

Sensing the anger rising in Mina and Raye Amy stepped forward and said, "I think the girls are right."

"What?" they asked. "You do?"

"We weren't able to get Serena back by ourselves, we had to work together and even then it had to be done through Raye's powers. We're never going to be able to protect Serena from Diamond and defeat this evil without working as a team. I know that there isn't a joint effort put forth with this group, but stop thinking of yourselves and think of this planet."

"This is as much our home as it is theirs. We have to give it as much chance of survival as possible and that means working together. All this fighting isn't helping anyone anymore. Serena didn't bring us here for this and you three know it."

"Are you lecturing us?" Jason asked.

"No I am," Serena replied.

"Serena-"

"Don't Jason…just don't. Zach and Amy are right-as always. Luna told us when we arrived here that we needed to work together as one to defeat this. My powers caused a lot of problems that have yet to surface. Diamond isn't going to stop nor or those that follow him. We can't do this without them. As your princess I'm pulling rank-as once a guardian of this planet you should be more forthcoming. We're working together," she finished and walked out the room.

"As you wish," he mumbled.

"I suggest us all going home for the night and getting some rest. It's been a tiring day we more handled than required. We'll meet back here tomorrow afternoon," Zach said. "All of us. Agreed?"

"Agreed," they said in unison.

"Micah? Micah is that you?" Lily asked turning towards the window. "You shouldn't stare at people- it's rude."

Coming out of the shadows, Micah smirked out, "I'm a guardian- it's my job."

"Where's Persephone?"

Waving his hand in a semi circle next to him, Lily watched as Persephone's body appeared in a flame of smoke. "Took you long enough."

"Can we not argue tonight?"

"Where have you two been?" Lily asked.

"We ran into our solar advisor outside of the- Lily? Lily what's wrong with you? Micah she's…"

Smiling at them Lily said, "I'm okay. It's not as bad as it looks."

"The fact that you're hand is transparent isn't a problem for you?"

Wiping a tear from her eye, she whispered, "What are we going to do?"

"I don't know. I don't know," Micah taking her other hand.

Standing up Persephone walked over to the window. Looking out over the city she said, "We're going to do the only thing we can do. We have to find the scouts and tell them the truth."

"I don't think that's a good idea," Micah replied.

"It wasn't a good idea for her to come here but look-"

"Something must be happening to Tori in our time or…"

"Or your parents aren't fairing out as well as history shows," Lily said.

"They weren't always the picture perfect couple like yours Lily. But they love each other just as much."

"Uh huh."

"Lily? Lily, open your eyes. Lily!"

"I'm not deaf Persephone."

"Don't do that. You might fade away faster."

"What if it's not my parents or Tori for that matter? If it were she would just return to our time no worse for the wear. She wouldn't be…how she is now," Micah stated.

"You think it's her parents?"

"More probable don't you think?"

"But what about…"

"He could already be dead…her parents aren't exactly the happiest couple walking around."

"In our time they…"

"Things are different here. Look at my parents. Your mom looks as if she's already Queen and the next century hasn't even started yet."

"Micah…'Seph…I'm so tired."

"We know Beauty. We know. And I promise you that we will fix this. We're not leaving this time without you. Even if that means I have to make a deal with the dark moon itself."

"Persephone…" Micah warned.

"Get some sleep. Just rest. When you wake up everything will be, as it should. Micah, I need to talk to you outside."

Grabbing her hand once they were outside he snarled out, "You can't make a deal with anyone from Nemesis! They'll kill her and you without a second glance. She was smart enough to hide herself in a hospital where it's protected by Earth and Mercurian elements. Now you wanna go traipsing off and kill her anyway?"

"What do you expect me to do?!" she countered shaking him off her. "Look at her! She's slipping away and I can't let that happen. I won't! She's just a kid Micah. She has her whole life ahead of her"

"And you don't? You speak as if your 900 years old instead of 17. You still have a life to live too ya know? What about what we promised each other? Did that mean nothing to you?"

"That's not what this is about."

"The hell it isn't!" he snapped grabbing her shoulders. "I'm not going to let you do this. I can't lose you too."

"So what do we do? We have to protect Lily above all else."

"Maybe if we take her home our parents can-"

"Our parents are protecting the palaces and our people. They can't help us anymore than they can help themselves. We have to deal with them now."

"No…no I've had my share of parental haunting from the past. That's out of the question."

"So we just let Lily die? You took an oath damnit and by our forefathers you will abide by it. You don't want to deal with the scouts, fine. All I'm saying is give the royals a chance. They may be more help than you think."

"Fine tomorrow."

"We need to start at the temple."

"Wait a minute. You can't just waltz over to Cherry Hill like that. You think you can get past all that stuff she has around her grounds? She'll spot us a mile away. "

"We didn't meet Andrew for nothing today," she whispered and grabbed the phone on the wall.

&&&&&&&&&

"Lizzie? I need a favor for tomorrow," Andrew said when he hung up the phone.

"Let Mom know I'm really sorry Sammy. Things just got out of hand over here. Yes, I'll be by tomorrow for breakfast. Yes, I'll bring the guys. Well I'll try to bring all of them. No, I'm fine. Yes, I love you too. Yes. Yes. Goodnight Samuel," Serena finished as she hung up the phone.

"At least I know the chatter is hereditary. He can talk a storm," Jason said lounging on the sofa.

"How can you still be up? Everyone else crashed as soon as we got home."

"You're more important than sleep."

"I told you I was fine. You're starting to become as paranoid as Matt."

"His paranoia has saved my life countless times."

"Goodnight Jason," Serena said ascending the stairs.

"Don't think you can take over my entire bed cause you're bunking with me either!"

&&&&&&&&

"I guess that dinner is postponed?" Darien asked the girls.

"What if we do breakfast at the restaurant tomorrow? I never open anyway till 10, so we can meet at 8 and hash out things."

"Count on Lita to want to cook when danger is luring ahead."

"We all have our vices, Phoenix."

"You two please don't start. We meet at 8-all of us. That includes you too Amy," Mina stated.

"I never thought otherwise Amina. Have a goodnight sisters, Darien."

"Are we sure she is on our side?" Lita asked.

"She is," Darien answered.

"How are you so sure?" Raye asked.

"We discussed things last night- things that she only would have brought up if she wanted what we wanted. She's fighting for us from the inside- she's fighting for her own future."

"Well in that case, we better win," Lita said and walked off.

WHEW!!! Well I hope everybody liked it! Please do send your reviews. I can't wait to hear what you have to say about it. And of course I'm gong to churn out the next segment as fast as possible.

Bless it be!