From Betrayal to Redemption

by Selene Grace

LAST CHAPTER IS UP FINALLY! Set after SD break: the scouts and Darien have betrayed Serena leaving her alone to defend for herself she flees to America. Read inside for summary and q&a. Involves scouts&generals pairings

28. Chapter 23

Hey everyone! Okay don't be mad! Just know that I wanted to post this months ago but I was adding in more things and I was busy finishing up my semester at college and taking my Praxis exam. I'm heading into my last semester and will be graduating in May (YEAH!) so I'll have a smaller load to carry and will be focused on finishing this story. We are almost there yall! I really want to thank everyone who continued to send me reviews. It really kept me focused on the task at hand. So rather than rant on anymore I will simply give you the recap and legend below and move on with the story! Oh and I don't own Sailor Moon or the characters BUT I do own this story and will sue.

Recap:

"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.

&&&

"No…no I've had my share of parental haunting from the past. That's out of the question." Micah stated

"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," Persephone argued.

"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.

Legend:

Bold italics: conversation in a mind link

Italics: flashback occurring

The four dots (….): same scene/people different location

---

"How sure are we that this will work?" Zach asked Amy. She had come over that morning before heading to the restaurant to meet Darien and the girls. She wanted to make sure that Zach was on her same page of thought before this afternoon when they all met together again.

"Not at all," she replied. "Just make sure they are present and I'll do the same for my four."

"Can we teleport them to a safe dome too?"

"There won't be any need for that. We're all adults here."

"You do realize that your leader hates mine, don't you? Your third wants to filet my third?"

"We agreed not to attack each other. You control them and I'll control the others."

"Air and Ice working collaboratively," Zach smirked causing Amy to laugh.

"Good morning Zachary. Isn't it a beautiful day?" Serena said as she descended the stairs. "Ooh isn't it a bit early to be making house calls Amy?"

"Serena," clearing throat. "Um…I… I mean…"

"No matter the time or century dear Ames will always be caught speechless. So do you two have plans for today?"

"Other than our meeting today at the temple?" Zach asked. "Your twin in crime hasn't convinced you otherwise has he?"

"You wouldn't happen to be joining us at breakfast would you Amy? I know my mother would simply love to see you."

"I actually have a previous engagement that I need to be getting to," she replied.

"Would my beloved cousin also be attending this engagement?"

"Why so intrigued?"

"I'm not," she replied and went into the kitchen.

"If she's not then I'm a Neptunian in disguise," Amy whispered.

"She's a character that one," Zach replied.

"You met Neptune? When? I didn't even know Serenity had sent them here with us."

"She didn't. They live on the outskirts of the galaxy protecting us from larger threats."

"As only they can. I have to get to the restaurant."

" Have you two finished strategizing?" Serena asked as she peaked through around the corner.

"Have you finished eavesdropping?" Zach asked.

"We need to get going or we'll be late. Or do you plan to accompany the Ice Princess?"

"I'll leave his devices to my future queen," Amy replied as she walked out the door. "I'll see you later."

"I see that you and Amy are becoming closer," she said leaning against the island.

"You're very observant," Zach replied moving past her.

"What are you two planning?"

"Excuse me?"

"I know better than to leave two of the universe's most intelligent people alone and not expect more than idle conversation."

"Serena-"

"Don't explain Zachary. Like I said, I expected it. Can you go grab Jason and the others for me?"

"Oh you planned to send our French poodle to come get me. That's quite sweet of you Serena, but I prefer a more resilient creature," Jason replied as he descended the stairs.

"Can we not have you two arguing today? I want my family to meet the gentlemen I live with not the hoodlums."

"Sorry Sere, you know I was only joking," he said kissing her on the cheek.

"I know. I forgot something upstairs I'll be right back," she said heading up.

"We need to talk Jason," Zach said.

"Is this about the poodle thing? It was a joke," Jason replied.

"It's not that. I'm used to your antics remember? We need to talk about Darien."

"What about him?"

"I understand you don't like the guy-"

"Because of what he did to Serena."

"There was once a time when we served him- do not forget that."

"I never served that man. My lord was Endymion and the lord I served would have never hurt the woman he claimed to love."

"Understood. Either way, Darien is the reincarnation of said lord. He may no longer be your lord, but as Gaia's son-"

"He doesn't even know-"

"As Earth's governor he deserves our respect. And he will have it-from all of us."

"Says who?"

"Says me," Matt said from behind him. "You can have your vendetta all you want, but what you fail to see is that this battle with Darien is hurting Serena."

"She would have told me-"

"Not with how you've been acting. It seems as if Raye and Darien topics are closed lipped with you two. If that's the case fine, but in Darien's presence you will give him the respect he deserves. Understood?"

"Perfectly."

"Wow you could cut the tension in here with a knife. What'd I miss?" Serena asked from the landing.

"Nothing of importance Serenity. We'll take two ca- where's Nate?" Matt asked.

"Downstairs meditating. Been there all morning," Jason answered.

"I'll go get him."

"No, I will. We'll meet you at the car," Serena said heading downstairs to their Panic Rooms. Opening up the door colored in green with a star line horizon she peeked around. The room was designed specifically for Nathan so that he could commune with the stars even if there were none visible in the sky where he resided. "Nate, are you down here? Nate?"

Exploring the space more she came across him leaning over a desk with his head in his hands.

"Nate?"

Taking a deep breath he leaned back and said, "I'm fine Princess. Just lost track of time."

"What have they told you?"

"It's unclear- almost as if they've been warned not to share the details with me because I was the one who told them not to. What sense does that make?"

"Perhaps there's something you are blocking even from yourself. There must be valid reason."

"Not for this. Something is coming- it's already here and I've never felt power such as this. The stars' messaging is vague and unfulfilled. I fear that we're walking into dark shadows unprepared."

"We've handled things like this before. Before you were even here to guide me by their messages. We will do so again. Come on, there some people dying to meet you."

---

On the other side of town:

"Well look who finally decided to grace us with her presence," Lita said bringing out more coffee.

"Am I late?"

"After being with Serena, I consider lateness after 30 minutes. Did you want coffee or tea?"

"Coffee."

"Be careful Lita, wouldn't want you pulling back a frozen Popsicle for a hand," Darien joked.

"DARIEN!" Amy laughed. "That's not a joking matter, it's serious."

"Very much so. Glad to see the water is flowing again though."

"Are we missing something?" Lita asked.

"Nothing of importance. What have I missed?" Amy countered.

"Not much. We're just trying to figure out what to do about Serena," Raye answered.

"What do you mean do about her?" Amy asked. "She's not an animal that needs to be controlled."

"Raye didn't mean it the way it sounded. We're still sticking with our previous plan- showing her not telling her," Mina explained. "We just don't want to wait forever for her to realize her mistake."

"So what do you propose?" Amy asked grabbing a Danish.

"We were hoping you could give some insight on that."

"Because I'm already on the inside? You want me to use Zach to gain an advantage?"

"Isn't that what you've been doing?" Raye asked.

"No. I care about him."

"You mean you love him," Mina said. "Amy how could you do this again?"

"My personal life is my own, Amina. What I decide to do with it is none of your business."

"It is if it's damaging to scout business."

"Let's not discuss what one scout does that is damaging to the team."

"What is that supposed to mean?" she demanded standing up.

"Take it how you like Venetian."

"Look here Mercury-"

"No, you look! You have no right to question me on my personal life."

"I have every right!"

"What logic-'

"Retract those claws ladies!" Darien shouted. "Can we at least get through the eggs and rice before attacks are thrown?"

"Sorry Darien. I didn't mean to snap Mina, but Zach and I know what we're doing," Amy offered.

"'Zach and I'? What are you a team now?"

"We both have the same mission and goal. We want things back to the way they should be. As Serenity hoped it would be."

"He's with us," Darien finished.

---

"Okay, this is going to be good. It will. Remember no talk of magic or monsters or Queens or Kings or star messaging or soul reading," Serena commanded.

Giving her the eye Jason said, "Don't you think it would be easier just to say 'hey parentals, I'm Sailor Moon and a reincarnated Princess of the Moo-"

"Serena!" a young woman exclaimed opening the door. "It's so good to see you!"

"Who's the redhead?"

"Her brother's girlfriend Mika," Zach answered.

"Mika, you look amazing. I can't believe how much you've grown," Serena replied.

"Well I couldn't be ten forever you know," Mika laughed. "Come on, everyone's dying to see you," she added dragging Serena into the house. "Mrs. T! Come out here."

"Mika, why didn't you tell- Sammy! Ken! Get in here," Ilene yelled. "I swear the men in this house. Hello, I'm Serena's mother Ilene."

"Mrs. Tsukino," Matt began.

"Ilene. I insist- by all of you."

"It's a pleasure ma'am," Zach added. "I'm Zachary Coldstone and this is Jason

"Specter! Serena told me all about you. You have to be the coolest guy on this side of the Hemisphere. That's what's up man," Sammy interrupted shaking hands with Jason.

"Sammy, you act like he's Haruka Ten'ou. Stop ogling," Ilene said. "It's nice to meet you two. And that would make you gentlemen,"

"Matthew Haven," Matt offered.

"Nathan-"

"Pathfinder? Oh my god, you're like the model with the hottest career in America. Ralph Lauren and Fenmore almost died when you quit Fashion Park. Oh my god and you're friends with Serena who happens to be the sister of my boyfriend. I can't breath," Mika wheezed out.

"Mika! He's a person not an ogling toy," Ilene reprimanded. "Gentleman this is my husband Kenneth Tsukino."

"Sir," they replied.

"Hi, Daddy," Serena whispered walking through and giving him a hug.

"I'm glad you're home baby. We've missed you," Ken replied.

"I've missed you too."

"But I'm not sure I like the idea of you living with these men."

Pulling away slightly she smiled, "Just get to know them before judging, okay? I promise you'll like them."

"We'll see," he said. "Well gentleman, my wife has cooked us a delicious breakfast and I for one don't want it to go to waste."

"Lead the way sir," Nathan said.

---

After they had eaten breakfast the conversation had continued with what to do about the generals. As usual it turned to something not so pleasant with each side taking a different standpoint.

"This is about more than you Raechal! It's more than all of us!" Amy shouted. "We're a family. Serenity wanted more for us than we ever foresaw and I won't let you stop us because of how YOU feel to one man. This is bigger than that!"

"Arguing won't settle this. And if you break my furniture you'll be playing in water and electroshocks," Lita replied.

"Lita's right. Considering that they were my guard," Darien began.

"Are your guard," Mina interjected. "I'm not giving my post up to an Earthling. No offense."

"Some taken. Those men are Earth bound, no matter how Jason would like to spin the tale. And I swear on everything I hold dear that those men we faced that night and six years ago, were not my generals."

"Darien-"

"Mina let me finish. Just as you know your friends, your cousin, I know mine. I grew up with them just as you did with this lot. The look in the eyes I saw from them, were not familiar in any way shape or form. It wasn't them."

"You weren't even on the battleground. You and Serenity were on the balcony facing off Beryl," Raye replied.

"And where was I six years ago? I worked with Malachite remember? I faced off against all four generals just as you did and those men and woman weren't mine."

"I know," Mina whispered.

"What did you say?" Lita asked.

"I know it wasn't them," Mina repeated.

"Mina what are you talking about? What do you mean you know it wasn't them?" Raye asked.

"You've been lying to us?" Amy accused.

"Exactly what kind of game are you playing Mina?" Lita questioned.

"I had suspicions, that's all. Just as Darien knew from experience that they weren't the generals, my heart told me that the man I fought wasn't the same I had surged a bond with."

"And you kept this information from us?! What is wrong with you?" Lita asked knocking over a chair.

"More to the point, why have you been convincing us that they are the enemy if you knew all along that they weren't?" Amy asked.

"Just because it wasn't them, doesn't mean that they aren't up to no good," Mina defended.

"Ha! You really have yourself fooled, don't you? This has nothing to do with them or even us. It's you and Matt. It's always been about you and Matt."

"Amy-"

"Don't Amy me. You've watched how Raye and Lita have been combating with themselves over those men for the past days and you haven't done anything! You just sit there with your own agenda acting as if you are a god. Well I have a news flash for you- we're children of gods too. And as Hermes' daughter I have a message for you. You are no leader of mine."

"Amy!" Lita called out as she rushed to the door. "Amy, come back!"

"You had better start talking now and fast Mina," Darien said.

"I'm sure whatever reasons Mina had are understandable and for our benefit," Raye replied.

"How did I know that you would agree with whatever our faultless leader decides to do," Lita snapped. "Who gave you that right? WHO!"

"You knew all this time Mina? Why wouldn't you say something? You had us wasting useful time for what?" Darien asked.

"For the greater good," Mina replied. "You have no idea who or what they are capable of."

"I don't know? I don't know? They were my generals before they were any of your lovers."

"I'm sure I knew Jadeite better than you did," Raye threw out.

"Did you know that he almost died when he was twelve trying to save my family? That to save my father he switched souls even though the laws forbid it? No comment? You don't know everything. None of you do, because we weren't given the chance too. And thanks to your leader here, you may never have that chance," he finished grabbing his jacket.

"Darien where are you going?" Lita asked.

"As far as I can get. I'm with you on fighting whatever evil is hurting my Gaia, but whatever this is, I'm not apart of it. Word of advice Lita since you seem like the only sensible one left; make your own decisions and stop following after someone else blindly."

"Are you gonna kick me out now or let me explain?" Mina asked when Darien left.

"Why should I?" she sneered and went into the kitchens.

"I support you Mina. I know you only did what you felt was best," Raye assured.

"Did I though? Maybe Amy's right- maybe I am trying to hurt Matthew. Hurt him like he hurt me."

"Mina-"

"I should know better than anyone- there is a thin line between love and hate," Mina said walking into the kitchens. "Lita?"

"If you're here to order me around forget it. I follow the orders of my Princess alone."

"Which you rightly should. I understand that you're upset with me, but I only did what I thought was right."

"Attacking an innocent man is right? You and Raye are classic phenomenons. Most people seek revenge on those who have done some form of wrong or guilty action. You two though seek revenge because they did the admirable thing- protected their people. And then you become more upset that they got captured by the Negaverse and instead of getting themselves killed, they were cloned. Instead of attacking the true source of your anger, you go for the easier target. If that's not a displacement theory I don't know what is."

"You've been hanging out with Amy too much."

"Better than following after you. If you don't mind I have a business to run. You can see yourself out."

"What happened?" Raye asked when Mina returned.

"She's Zeus' daughter, I'm surprised she didn't strike me where I stood. Do you want me to drop you back off at the temple?"

"No, I'm going to walk. Don't be so hard on yourself- you did what you felt was right."

"Right," she said and walked out of the restaurant.

---

Walking in the park Darien found himself in the gazebo he had found years ago as a teenager. The same gazebo he brought Serena too when he told her he loved her. As he looked around the rose garden he realized that he was always brought back here because this gazebo was his. 'The Terra Palace Gazebo- outside my chamber windows.'

"The palace was right here in Tokyo, Japan. In Juuban."

"That's why Serenity reincarnated you here. The other planets were too sterile to hold life but Earth still had hope especially a thousand years from then."

"Luna?"

"Your highness," she replied walking into the rose garden. She had taken on her human form but was dressed in street clothing. "You seem pensive. What's on your mind?"

"I think we both know the answer to that."

Sitting down on the bench next to him, she said, "Feeling sorry for yourself or the situation isn't going to help you get her back."

"Who says I want her back?"

"Feeling bold today Prince of Terra? What is occupying that mind of yours?"

"Gaea."

"Mother Earth herself. She's all around you Darien. Every breath, every sight, every taste of life is she. She never truly left you, Endymion- you were just unwillingly to open yourself up to her."

"I spent years alone- years. No family, no home, nothing until I met Andrew and even then I was still empty until Serena came into my life and she thinks I wasn't open to her? I was waiting for her, for anything."

"And in that time you became coldhearted, closed off and un-accepting. Not even Gaea could break down that barrier that surrounded your heart. So she did the only thing she knew how- she gave you Tuxedo Mask."

"What? No, I became Tuxedo Mask because Sailor Moon needed me."

"No, you became Tuxedo Mask as Earth's savior. No scout was known for this planet and it needed a defender as much as the others. She gave you something that would recognizable and hoped that it would bring you closer to the truth. Tuxedo Mask was the form you took when you stuck off to visit the Moon Princess. Did you honestly think that Gaea did not know? She knew everything that concerned her children."

"Randolph."

"Your brother and first born prince of Earth. When you lost him, Gaea never thought you'd be the same again. She'd never seen you so forlorn, so retreating not only from those around you but from yourself."

"Lily…she…died that night…she was trying to find us but they found her first."

"Beryl."

"She took everyone from me- everything."

"Not everything Endymion. Never everything," another voice replied from Luna's mouth. Looking over he saw her body dissipate into another form that looked just as familiar. She was a bit taller than Luna with strawberry blonde hair trailing down her back and eyes the color of the ocean at midnight. 'My eyes…'

"Luna…you're Gaea? How…you've been…this whole time?"

"No, Endymion. Luna is quite herself, I simply took on her form to better asset the situation."

"Another tale, another piece deception right?" he said moving away from her.

"Your anger is understandable and expected, Endymion, but this is not the time nor the place."

"When would you say is the time Mother? Do you have any idea what I went through here- alone? Did you even care?"

"Of course I cared Darien! You pushed me away, not the other way around. I had been with you from the moment of your rebirth here with the Shields family- you knew me then and loved me as the mother you lost but cherished still. I was with you that day you lost your parents but when you woke up you didn't even recognize me. You were so scared that you had lost your family; that you couldn't remember them or yourself that you withdrew. It wasn't until a little girl with pigtails came into the room a few days later to give you a rose that I even saw a glimmer of my son."

"Serena."

"Yes. I could tell even then that she was my Endymion's Serenity."

"So who am I? Endymion or Darien?"

"You are Darien Shields as much as Darien is Endymion. You are becoming one in the same rather than two separate entities as you were in your younger years. You're no longer rejecting him," she finished when he sat down next to her. "But you are Darien Shields- Endymion is of the past, he simply is a part of you that has been locked away for too long."

"This is great to know Gaea, but…"

"You see not how it will help you to win your princess?"

"I don't want to win her- she's not a prize."

"Then what is she?"

"It's not a what- it's…it's a who. She's everything that is pure in this world. She's the light to my dark- the complete opposite of me, but we complete each other. Two halves of one whole. Her laugh and her smile are at times all I need to get myself through the day. If she's happy; I'm happy."

"What if she's happy without you?"

Standing to walk around the gazebo, he inhaled and exhaled deeply. "I'd let her go. But only if I knew for sure that was what she wanted. But couldn't- she can't."

"There is a destiny that makes us all Darien."

"No one goes his way alone, right? So what do I do now?"

"You are the true prince of Terra, Endymion. She calls to you and speaks through you- listen to her for she will never steer you wrong. And nor will I," she finished and turned to walk away.

"No, wait!" he said standing. "Please…Mom."

"I love you Endymion," she whispered as she disappeared with the wind.

"I love you too," he said sitting back down the bench. "I love you too."

Starring out across the park he thought of what she had said. "Serena," he said dialing a number on his cell phone. "Don't hang up please. If you know where Serena is I'm asking you not as your Prince, but as a man in love to tell me."

"We're at her parent's house."

"Thanks Zach," he said hanging up the phone and making his way to the Tsukino's household.

---

"Micah?"

"I'm still here," he replied looking at Persephone waking up. "How'd you sleep?"

"In between you creating a smoke screen and keeping a check on Lily's vitals every hour- take a gander."

When no reply came from him she went over and touched his shoulder. "Hey, we're going to be okay."

"I thought I was supposed to be reassuring you."

"You can't always be the strong one Micah. You're not an Amazon."

"I would hope not. We need to wake Lily and get going."

"She's not strong enough. What will people think when they see an empty bed where she's supposed to be?"

"That's not our concern. She is."

"I know that, but we can't damage-"

"Enough damage has already been done."

"Oh sure so why not throw in some more? How illogical is-"

"Have you two thought that your children are going to think that arguing is a healthy part of being in a relationship?" Lily asked sleepily. "I've never seen anyone argue as much as you two."

"You must not see his parents enough," Persephone replied.

"Can we focus on the issue here?" Micah ordered. "Lily how are you feeling today?"

"I think we need to find out what's happening in the past."

"We are in the past Lily."

"I don't think it has to do with my parents, at least not both."

"What are you thinking Lily?" Persephone asked sitting next to her.

"I'm not sure, all I know is that I'm feeling better since I woke up. Something must have happened."

"Whatever that something is it still doesn't change anything."

Starring out the window, Micah replied, "We have to go see Andrew."

"Apollus? You found Apollus?" Lily questioned. "I'm coming too."

"No, you're not," Persephone countered. "You're staying right here where you can stay out of trouble."

"She needs to come with us, if we're going to the temple," Micah argued.

"When we get there, you can bring her to us. We can't have her walking the streets with us."

"I wouldn't be walking, I'd smoke in with you guys," Lily said.

"Not happening."

"Look, it's a waste of time for me to sit here anymore."

"Maybe you should have thought of that before you lied to get in here!"

"God, Persephone you act like you're the only one who can help our family. You're not the only one born of Earth, ya know? Just cause you have a mother whose-"

"Don't you speak about my mother in that tone Liliana!"

"Persephone!" Micah interjected. "Lily, you stay put. Persephone, let's go have that talk with Andrew."

"Fine," she replied following after him.

"Hey!" Lily called out. "What am I supposed to do while you guys have the fun?"

"You think this is fun? You think trying to find someone to help us find Sailor Moon to save our families is fun?!"

"I didn't mean it that way," she said tearing up.

"I'm sorry Lily," Persephone said lifting her face up to hers. "I shouldn't have yelled at you. Just stay here and out of trouble. If you want we'll keep the link open for you to listen in."

"Promise?"

"Promise," she said kissing her head and walking out with Micah.

---

Knocking on the door, Darien could hear his heart pounding in his ears. Taking a deep breath he waited for her to open it.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Jason asked when he opened the door. "Are you stalking our princess?"

"What I do is not your concern," Darien replied.

"I beg to differ. As her guardian it is my duty to protect her from all threats."

"Jason. Keep in mind what we spoke on," Zach warned from the opposite door.

"I am brother. I am. I ask again what are you doing here? Your presence is not wanted nor welcomed."

"I came to speak with Serena, not you Jason."

"Serena doesn't want to speak with you," Sammy said coming out of the kitchen.

"Sammy, no," Serena interjected. "I can handle this. Let it be known Darien that I do not appreciate being interrupted at my parent's home. I find it very rude."

"Please accept my apologies."

"I stopped doing that years ago. Jason, I will meet you at the temple."

"Serena don't," he began.

"You are my friend Jason not my father. Please don't act as such," she said still holding Darien's eye contact.

Watching the exchange between the Prince and Princess he replied, "Call me if you need me. Hey Mrs. T, can I get some of that to go too?"

"Are you really leaving with this guy Sere?" Sammy asked.

"Don't worry so much, you'll end up with more wrinkles than Dad."

"Be careful. He doesn't deserve you."

"Tell Mika I said bye," she said hugging him. Turning to Darien she asked, "Are you ready?"

"I thought we'd take a walk in the park."

"I wouldn't expect anything less."

Walking into the park Darien led them over to the rose gardens. He knew she thought it to be one of their favorite places too. It almost seemed magical there- like nothing could touch them.

"You think you can rekindle something by bringing me here?

"Nothing to rekindle, simply to regain."

"My love is not for sale."

"I already have that. I'm working on you trusting me again."

"Gaea won't help you do that."

"She is me and I her."

"You don't even know her."

"I know her better than most. I understand now why things happened the way they did. I was being tested as I had been once before, but I did not know her or myself then so I failed. Gaea did the only thing she knew how- sent my own to the one person she knew would protect them as I would. My Serenity."

"Glad to hear you got a history lesson. That still doesn't justify anything."

"They are still my actions yes. I should have known better and trusted in you more."

"That's an understatement."

"I get that you are upset."

"You don't get anything. You never have Prince of Terra. I am not Serenity of the Silver Millennium. She is dead and gone alone with her civilization. I am not your little fourteen-year-old Serena hopelessly in love with you. I am Serenity of the 21st century and future queen of this universe with a whole new outlook on life. You want to gain back my trust and woo me, you had better step up your game because this wimp sissy earth shit is not cutting it. I do not need you any longer. I am self sustaining and will never be submissive to another male."

"I don't want a puppet Serena. I want my equal-a partner. You. Just you."

"Darien-"

"No don't say anything. Just think of what Serenity and Endymion had. What Serena and Darien shared and what it could become for us. I know that my future is with you. I know that- not because of fate or destiny but because no other woman had captured my heart in over ten years- in over centuries. I love you and if I have to prove that to you everyday I will. I can give you the time you need, but I'm not giving up. I won't."

"Maybe you should," a voice above sneered.

Looking up Serena whispered, "No," and moved to step in front of Darien.

"You don't have to fight him alone Sere. He can't hurt you," he whispered back standing by her side.

"I don't want to hurt her. I simply want her," Diamond replied as his third eye came into view.

Serena's face immediately went blank and she couldn't seem to move her body. It was just like before but the power behind it was stronger. Much stronger and she started walking towards him.

"Serena? Serena what are you doing!" Darien shouted.

"Come to me Serenity. Take your rightful place as my queen," Diamond smiled and he used his powers to levitate her in the air.

"Over my dead body!" Darien yelled and threw a rose at Diamond that scarred his cheek and broke his concentration causing Serena to fall back down into Darien's arms.

"Are you okay?"

"Took you long enough!" Serena shouted.

"No! She will be mine," Diamond sneered.

Placing Serena down Darien countered, "She's not property to own," and lunged at Diamond.

"Stupid Earth Prince," Diamond laughed as he dodged him. "Your future self does not deserve her! I will have Serenity, be it now or in the future. I will have you."

"Are you hurt?" Serena asked once Diamond had left.

"Is that concern I hear in your voice?" Darien asked.

"I may not want to be with you, but I still worry if you are injured."

"I'm not."

"We need to contact the others. Can we-"

"We're already meeting at the temple in a few. I'll inform the scouts if you inform the generals."

"Sounds like a plan."

"Sorry our day was ruined," he said walking out of the park.

"It wasn't Endymion. It wasn't," she said kissing him on the cheek and heading back towards her house.

---

"Hey Andrew, some guy just walked in here asking for you. He's over at the booths with some girl," Lizzie informed coming around the counter.

"What guy?"

"Over there," she said indicating. "Wouldn't even let me take his order."

"It's okay, Liz. I'll take care of them," Andrew said walking over. "You two trying to get caught?"

"Are you going to help us find Sailor Moon and her crystal?" Persephone countered.

"I told you before-"

"And we told you that we're running out of time. We have to find her now before everything is lost," Micah interjected.

"What happened?"

"Lily's doing better but we don't know how long that will last. We have to get her back to the future with Sailor Moon."

"You said you would help us," Persephone added.

"And I meant that."

"So make the call," Micah ordered. "The faster you set up this meeting the faster we can get back to our lives."

"Aside from the fact that I don't take orders from teenagers-"

"Who are future rulers of-"

"Future being the key word. You two don't exist yet."

"That's what you think," Micah replied.

"Excuse me?"

"Nothing."

"What do you mean that's- stay right here. Don't move," he said heading to the front.

"Who does he think he is telling us what to-"

"Micah…Micah look! No, don't be so obvious."

"How am I supposed to look and not be obvious?"

"There's no way we're getting out here unnoticed," she said taking out her computer.

"Why? Whose here?" he asked turning around. "Oh shit. Work fast, work very fast."

"Jason! What brings you here?" Andrew asked leading him over to the opposite side of the arcade.

"I thought I'd come and see what was so great about this place. Serena could never stop talking about it," he replied.

"Maybe its great cause I'm here."

"I thought that too at first, but then I realized you're not that good looking."

"Funny man. Come on I'll get you a cup of coffee."

"Tea. Who are those kids you were talking to?"

"Blackberry, Orange Citrus, Apple Cinnamon or White?"

"What no green? White."

"Lemon, sugar?"

"Andrew- the kids?"

"Why so curious? I thought Matt's job was to be suspicious of everyone. Aren't you the free spirit I do what I want type?"

"Are you avoiding my question?"

"Aren't you tired of asking it?" he countered handing him the tea.

"We're having a meeting in a couple hours at the temple. You might want to come."

"A meeting about what?"

"Serena was kidnapped last night."

"What?! And you're just telling me this now? Why wasn't I told?"

"Probably because Serena knew you'd act like this. It all happened so fast nobody thought of anything but getting her back."

"Who was it this time?"

"Diamond."

"Nemesis."

"I know Sere would appreciate it if you could come. Plus I think it's time that everyone knew you were back."

"Hmmm."

Putting his money on the counter he said, "I'll see you there, if you come. If not, I'll drop by later to fill you in."

"Thanks man. Hey let Serena- watch out!"

Before Jason could stop himself, he had spilled his tea down someone's shirt. "I'm sorry man. I wasn't even looking at-"

"That's an understatement. Andrew, I thought you had policies against letting animals into your establishment," Raye replied grabbing napkins.

"Raye-"

"Raye what? Shouldn't you be bothering some other innocent bystander? How do you even know Andrew?"

"Serena introduced us if you must know. I'm sorry about the shirt. I'll pay to have it dry cleaned."

"Don't bother," she threw back sitting on the stool.

"No, I insist."

Taking in his appearance she looked at his eyes and cautiously asked, "Why are you being so nice?"

"Just because you claim not to love me doesn't mean I can't be civil. Andrew, have a good one."

"Hey, you want a refill on that tea? On the house," Andrew offered.

"No, I think I've had my full share. Ms Hino."

When Jason was out the door Andrew looked at Raye asking, "What was that about?"

"I'm not sure I know."

"So how do you know the illustrious Jason Specter?"

"Serena introduced us."

"Right. Well what can I do for you Raye?"

"I wanted to know if you've seen Serena lately."

"Yesterday afternoon not since. Why?"

"I just…never mind."

"If you want to talk with her-call. I'm sure she'll meet with you."

"No, I'm seeing her tonight I just-"

"Wanted some private time?" he interjected.

"What happened to her Andrew? I mean in America."

"She grew up," he replied coming around the counter. "I gotta get back to customers. Take care."

"Yeah," she said looking at the door before rushing off.

"So what do you think?" Persephone asked as Micah starred after Raye.

Taking a minute to process he said, "She's…wow."

"Yeah I know."

"You know what?" Andrew asked standing above them.

"He's a bit sentimental. What did they want?"

"You two are going to a meeting with the royals."

"Seriously? Wait, you told them about us? And-"

"Calm down. You're coming with me."

"Wow," Persephone breathed. "That's so brave."

"What is?"

"That you're willing to die for two kids who don't exist yet," Micah answered.

"Oh. Wait, what?" Andrew asked flabbergasted.

….

"Jason? Jason! Wait," Raye called out hurrying towards him.

"Can I help you Ms. Hino?" he asked stopping.

"Why do you keep saying that?"

"We're not on the same mindset of who we are to each other, so as respect, I'll stick with your surname."

Surprised by his bluntness she asked, "Are you heading to the temple?"

"Not for another hour or so. I was going to head to the University."

"Trying to get a younger new girlfriend," she joked.

"Sorry to disappoint but no. I wanted to meet with my department head."

"Your taking classes?"

"Why so inquisitive?"

"Can't I be curious?"

"Curiosity killed the cat."

"And satisfaction brought her back. But seeing that I'm of no feline lineage I'm exempt. Care to answer my question?"

"I'm working there as a philosophy instructor."

"Philosophy? I didn't know you were certified."

"There's much you don't know about me Ms. Hino. If you'll excuse me," he said turning to leave.

"Do you have to meet with him today?" Raye called out.

Turning back to her he asked, "Did you have other plans in mind?"

"I thought we could get a head start on the meeting. Or even talk about Japanese culture in reference to religion."

"You remembered."

"Just because I was being thrown into flashbacks and threatening your life doesn't mean I'm deaf. What do you say?"

"Is this some ploy by you and Mina? Trying to trick me into something?"

"Why so suspicious?"

"Matt taught me well," he replied. Looking at her as she had done with him before he questioned further. "Why the change of heart?"

"Maybe your words yesterday had some effect."

"Affect?" he repeated contemplating. "Maybe. Maybe not." Exhaling the breath he didn't even realize he was holding, he said, "After you."

---

"I see you cooked a feast for the girls today," Nate said when he walked into the kitchen.

"That I did. Did you enjoy your breakfast at the Tsukinos?" Lita asked grabbing a paring knife from the rack.

"Spying on me Litaniya?"

"Keeping my ears low to the ground Nephrite," she said walking over to the sink. "We have a large party coming in, in one hour. I had the meals prepped last night so all that needs to be done is the oven work."

"Whose party?"

"The daughter of our politician. She's having an afternoon bash for her 21st. After that I have a party coming in for dinner and I need those appetizers and first courses to have been started by the time buffet has been-OH!"

"Lita? Lita what happened? Here let me see-" he said grabbing for her hand as Lita's eyes glazed over.

FLASHBACK

"Litaniya? Little Litaniya… … hahah. You never could keep up with me."

"Who is that? Whose there?" Lita asked in the distance.

"I know who you are little sister- do you?

"What? What does that mean?"

"Take a look for yourself," the voice replied bringing forth a memory of a little girl with brown hair in a high ponytail running through a forest.

FLASH

"Athena! Athena, Papa said come in now. ATHENA!"

"I'm right here Lita. I swear the researchers on Io heard you."

"Papa wants to speak with you."

"Do you plan on filling me in?"

"There's a man from Uranus in the throne room with him. No, it's Pluto. Maybe Saturn."

"Well which one?"

"I don't recall."

"What do you want?"

"You to come with me to Venus to train with Mina.

"What? No!"

"Eros, will be there."

"Well in that case…"

FLASH

"Hey Amazon we've been looking all over for you," Athena said walking into the throne room.

"You know I have duties on the Moon now. I have obligations."

"You have obligations to your people too."

"My people have you to be obligatory to them. They chose me to hold obligations towards the Princess and Alliance."

"You are their princess too. You are their hope, Litaniya. Serenity may be the light, but you are the guide."

FLASH

"You and Eros, huh? He's a fruitcake," Lita said clashing swords with her sister.

"A fruitcake! Where did you learn such verbiage?" Athena questioned countering her attack.

"I heard our father say it."

"You my dear sister have been spending too much time with the king."

"Papa has a lot to teach me."

"Papa knows not how to raise a lady."

"Sorry I wasn't as lucky as you to have spent lessons with my mother," Lita replied dropping her sword and turning to leave the training room.

"Lita…Lita I didn't mean it like that," Athena rushed on chasing after her.

"We always say things we don't mean."

"Our mother would have been very proud of you Litaniya. You mastered more than she could have hoped for. Jupiter speaks through you. You are its true princess."

FLASH

"We're under attack! Gather the soldiers!" a man yelled.

"Athena! Athena!"

"Lita, no! You should not be here."

"This is my home too. I have to fight."

"No! Father and I will handle Jupiter. You need to go to the Moon and warn them."

"I can't leave you."

"You must! GO, NOW!"

"I…I…"

"I know. I know. Look, no matter what happens, I will always be with you. Always."

'Jupiter help me to give aid to you. Protect my people as they protect you,' Lita prayed.

As she looked up to the skies a bolt of lightning shot down and began to form a shield of electricity around the palace.

"Now only those of Jovian blood can enter. I love you Athena."

FLASH

"That was a lot to take in I'm sure," Athena said once Lita's eye found hers again.

"Athena? I…is this real?" Lita asked looking upon the woman before her. She was tall as she was with dark brown hair pulled back in a bun. She had emerald eyes like her own and Lita somehow knew that they had both inherited them from their mother. Athena's showing the wisdom and clarity while Lita's showed the strength and truth.

"Very much. I told you I would always be with you."

"But you're…"

"Dead? Yeah. But like you I was born into another life in another century as the Goddess of Wisdom- daughter of Zeus again."

"Why are you here now?"

"I'm just apart of your memories, sister. I'm here because it is time for Jupiter's true princess to reign once more. A storm is coming and only you can help to guide the others to shelter. The roll of thunder is your truth. Listen to its roar, its rumble and you will never go astray," she advised before disappearing.

"Lita? Lita? Hey, slowly now," Nate advised when she opened her eyes.

"Nephrite?"

"Nathan, but good start."

"Athena."

"Okay, Nephrite was on a better track."

"No, I saw her. She came to me. She…she was so beautiful Nate. Everything about her."

"What did she say?"

Standing up to be eye level with him she explained. "She…I remember what happened. The night Metallia attacked- the night we lost our lives. Our powers were so expansive back then but I don't understand what could have happened. How could Jupiter have fallen?"

"Lita, all the planets fell after the Moon did. Some of them before that."

"No, but I cast a protection spell on Jupiter. No one of Jovian blood could enter the palace- it should still be standing. We should have- oh. I cast it and when-"

"When you died it did too. Your magic is only as powerful as you are strong. It comes from within you- it draws from you."

"So it's my fault. It's my fault."

"What's your fault?"

"If I hadn't been fooled by that clone I wouldn't have fell. I would have been able to stay and protect the palace and my spell wouldn't have stopped. It's my fault they're dead. All those people, my sister, my father…that's why I'm alone now. This is my punishment for not protecting them like I said I would. I should have been there! Dammit!" she shouted slamming her hand onto the counter.

"Lita, Lita stop. Look at me, listen to me- you did nothing wrong. They loved you more than anything in this world and they never would have wished this on you. This life you have is no punishment they gave you- it's not a punishment period. Things happen in life to make us the people we are. Do you honestly think that you would be the woman you are today if you hadn't lost your parents, found Serena, and then lost her? Those tribulations made you into the strong warrior you are. An Amazon."

"It could have all been so different. We could have been…"

"I like to think of it that it wasn't our time yet. We shared something beautiful back then, but it simply was not our time. Yet."

"Yet?"

"I love you Lita- I never stopped."

"I know. I don't think I have either. It's crazy but I think I was waiting for you- waiting for you to find me," she said caressing his cheek.

"And now that I have? Lita?"

"Find me…that's it," she said pulling out of his embrace.

"What?"

"It's all connected. Queen Serenity said the same thing Athena told me. Follow the thunder's rumble and I'd find my truth. I'd find me. I'm going to get Jupiter back."

"Wait, Lita what?"

"Oh, I'm sorry Nate. I love you too I do, but…we gotta find the others. Come on!"

"What about the dinner party?"

"That's what Ken's for. Come on!" she said grabbing their jackets.

---

"I thought I'd find you here," Mina said as she walked over the bridge.

"I didn't expect you to be searching for me," Matt replied.

"I felt we had…unfinished business," she said leaning on the railing.

"You're entitled to feel however you choose."

"Are you trying to make this hard?"

"What do you want Mina?"

"Many things."

"None of which I can give you."

"You said that once before and you ended up giving me your heart."

"Malachite gave Amina his heart and she cherished it as he cherished her. I don't have that much confidence in her reincarnation."

"And yet you still wear the bracelet," she said reaching her hand for it as it glowed. "Did you think I wouldn't notice?"

Shaking his head he snatched his arm away from her and started walking back to the park.

"Don't you walk away from me Matthew Elliot Haven! Don't you dare walk away from me!"

Stopping in his tracks he turned to face her as she continued, "I asked you a question Matthew and you owe an answer."

"I don't owe you anything, Aino."

"And my grandmother? You don't owe her anything either?"

"Mina…"

"It's just a question Matt- why so afraid to answer? Scared to admit the truth to me or to yourself?"

"You can't goad me."

"Then just answer the dam question!" she screamed causing the bracelet to glow brighter.

Groaning in pain, Matt dropped to his knees and clutched his wrist. "Oh Selene!" she whispered rushing over to him. "Stop, stop, stop!" she hissed as the glowing came to a dull dimmer. "Matt? Matt?" she asked reaching out to him. When he snapped back from her touch she whispered, "I didn't mean for that to happen. I…you have no one to blame but yourself you know?"

Standing up to catch his breath he said, "That's what you call an apology Venetian? You want to know why I decline to answer your questions? Why I choose to sustain from revealing myself? Open your eyes Amina, you made the choice to refrain from revealing your secrets and in the end it has caused more damage and wasted time. You're right I owe your grandmother a great deal. She helped me to realize that opening my heart to another could bear the most amazing gifts this world could offer. That is why I still carry this bracelet. Yes, it was surged by their love and by the goddess' magic but when I came across it again as an adult- I had the choice to accept it or deny it. And I chose acceptance. Why? Because even though it is apart of us both it shows me that there is more to life than duty. More than what Amina or Malachite ever could have hoped for. You know, she'd be surprised if she saw us today."

"The man who broke her child's heart-"

"No," he interjected. "By the woman- her very own whose heart is colder than the rivers of Mercury and the barren mountains of Pluto," he finished and walked away.

Trying to control her anger by exhaling her breath, a solitary tear slipped from her eye landing in the river below. As it hit the surface the water rippled outward in a circle with a woman's face appearing and disappearing.

"Have I really become that? Worse than Hades," Mina said to herself. Wiping the tear streak from her face she collected her thoughts and headed to the temple.

---

"What are you two doing here?" Lita asked walking into the temple with Nate. She saw Jason and Raye sitting at a table talking intensely yet not violently. 'They seem almost conversational,' she thought. "The meetings not for another hour."

"I could ask you the same thing Lita," Raye replied looking at their joined hands. "I see you two have become better acquainted."

"Not that my personal life is up for discussion, but yes we have."

"Good. Great. Perfect," she said getting up from the table and leaving.

"Umm…did I miss something?" Jason asked. "What just happened here?"

"Nothing, she's just being Raye. I'll be right back," she said following Raye outside. Seeing her tending to her crows she walked up beside her. "Are you going to make this hard for all of us?"

"It's your life Lita, not mine."

"Right you are. But I would have thought that after today you would be a bit more understanding. You heard what Mina and Darien said- it wasn't them."

"I heard. I also heard that Mina believes they still shouldn't be trusted."

"I forgot, you and her have this Almighty Good Complex. Well in that case, we should shun Darien too."

"What are talking about?"

"I mean he was captured and not even cloned like his guardians. He was turned evil, turned against us, hurt innocent crystal carriers and even attacked us numerous times- almost killed me and Amy as he laughed at us, if that's not strikes against him under the Almighty Good Code, I don't know what is."

"Your sarcasm isn't needed nor required."

"Nor is the pedestal you've placed yourself on. Nate and the others are good men. Honest and un-intimidated men-which in this century is hard to come by. He loves me and Zach loves Amy. Why you continue to push Jason away I'll never understand nor will I for Mina. Unless for the fact that you two are more scared of the future with love on your side than you give credit to. Either way, I'm not going to let what my "leader" says or what you say stop me from being happy. And considering the position you may be in, you shouldn't either."

"Keep your voice down!"

"So you're sure now? Wow. This…I would have thought this would have clarified it all. A crystal clear destiny and yet…yet," she finished lifting her hands up in surrender. "Live your life Raye. I'd get it together though, the others are arriving."

"Raye," Amy acknowledged walking past her. "Lita- is Nate inside?"

"He's talking with Jason."

"Good. Zach and I came up with some strategic battle plans."

"Zach and I?" Zach questioned. "I recall you ordering me around."

"Now that doesn't sound like our Amy," Serena interjected. "You must have done something."

"I couldn't agree more. Amy is the sweetest person in the world. She wouldn't ever boss someone around without just cause," Lita joked.

"Right, all you Sailors gang up on the General. Sure go ahead," Zach said trounced.

"Hey! Generals never accept defeat. We band together as one," Darien said walking up.

"Like you two could take us on," Lita smirked.

"At these odds? No- we never fight unfairly. Right Darien?"

"Of course not. We wouldn't want you ladies to complain later about the unjust circumstances," Darien added.

"Is that a challenge Prince of Terra?" Serena asked.

"If that's how the Moon Princes takes it."

"Will you five cut the crap? We have work to do," Raye snapped.

"Someone woke up on the wrong side of the fire this morning," Serena giggled.

"Raye's right. Let's get this over with," Luna said walking into the temple.

"How does she just appear like that?" Zach asked Serena who simply shrugged.

As they discussed what happened the previous night, Mina with Artemis and Matt showed up individually surprised that the others had arrived earlier and before them. Taking their seats they joined into the conversation and listened as Amy and Zach explained strategic plans and looked at diagrams from Amy's computers.

"Not to stop the flow of progress but we still need to talk about those kids," Darien said.

"You said they were with that Lily girl right?" Jason asked.

"Yesterday in the hospital."

"The boy disappeared from our sight with the older girl in a puff of smoke," Zach added.

"I think- I'm not sure but I saw these kids today at the Crown. They were giving off intense energy signals but…"

"But what?" Serena asked.

"They just dropped off without any questioned. They were still in the place but I couldn't read them. It was for a split second but I swear…"

"That they tried to cloak themselves," Amy offered.

"Yeah."

"Like at the hospital," Zach started. "It was almost as if they knew Amy was going to target them next and she couldn't get a read on them either."

"What does all this mean?" Lita asked.

"I don't know. Nate?"

"The stars are being very evasive. I know as much as you do," he replied.

"Let's take a break. How about I whip something up in kitchen?" Lita suggested.

"We really should keep to this," Raye argued.

"Raye, I'm sure we could all use some nourishment. You included," she said giving her a glance over.

Taking the hint she said, "Fine."

"I'll help you," Nate offered.

"We'll be outside," Amy said taking Zach's hand leaving Matt, Mina, Serena, Darien, Jason and Raye inside the room.

"Yeah, this is too uncomfortable. I'll be in the kitchen with Nathan and Lita," Serena said leaving.

Looking out the window across the temple grounds, Raye could have sworn she saw a flash of light in the distance. 'Probably a blown light.'

'What's on your mind Phoenix?'

'Nothing you need to be concerned about.'

'My apologies, the door opened- I should have known better than to walk in.'

'We both should,' she said closing their link.

---

"Can we go already?" Micah asked impatiently. "By time we get there the meeting will be over."

"He's just a bit antsy. Don't pay him any mind," Persephone countered.

"I have every right to be antsy. We're meeting with the past royals who happen to be our parents."

"Would you rather I summon Sailor Mercury and Sailor Mars?"

"Persephone."

"Look, working yourself up about this won't help. Just calm down and wait. He'll be here."

"Speaking of me are we?" Andrew asked flashing in front of them.

"Where were you?" Micah questioned.

"Handling business," he replied. "You two ready? Where's the other kid?"

"She's back at the hospital. We're trying not to appear conspicuous," Persephone answered.

"And having him transport you everywhere in smoke shields is inconspicuous?"

"She wanted to rest some more," Micah replied. "She doesn't need to be disturbed for this."

"Your game plan. You sure you want to do this?"

"Yes. Are you sure they are in there?

"That was what I was told. Let me go in first and you follow."

"Lead the way," he said as he watched Andrew flash away.

---

"I hope you're not coming in here to help us," Lita leered when she saw Serena walk in.

"I'm not as bad as I used to be," she defended.

"Right. Nate hand me that pot."

"So what are you two making?" Serena asked hopping on the counter.

"Chili," Nate replied.

"And cornbread," Lita added.

"Mmhmm," Serena said looking at how the two worked with each other. It looked almost like a dance they were doing with each other. 'The cooking tango,' she thought giggling.

"What are you laughing at?"

"Just you two. I'm happy to see you two happy again. It makes me feel less regret for coming back here."

"Why would you regret coming home?" Lita asked stopping her stirring.

"Because this isn't my home anymore Lita. I have a life in the states now. A life that I am happy with and immensely enjoy."

"But…Tokyo is your home. I mean everyone who loves you is here."

"No, everyone who loves me I carry in my heart. I don't need to be near them to know or feel that. But let's not talk about that."

"Is it because the guy is here?" Nate asked cracking eggs.

"Don't flatter yourself."

"So what would you like to talk about Serenity?"

"How about this budding relationship between you and my general?"

"Um…what?"

"Don't 'um…what' me. Curious minds want to know-so spill. Are you or aren't you?"

"We-"

"SERENITY!" a voice shouted from the other room. "Get your moonling ass in here right now!"

"Mina…" Nate whispered.

"What is her problem? You'd think my mother put her in charge of me rather than Luna," Serena muttered.

"Perhaps we should go see what she wants," Lita surmised as Serena walked out. "Whew. Saved by the Venetian."

Back inside the other room Serena could see three of her former guardians cornering someone in a wall looking deathly upon him.

"How could you hide this from us?" Mina asked. "We're supposed to be friends."

"Looking at how you treated Serena, I don't think I want to be friends," the guy said.

"You lied to us!" Raye shouted. "You knew about us this entire time and said nothing."

"Which should prove to you that I'm not evil. I'm on your side- well Serenity's side."

"Lying to your friends. I thought I knew you better than that Andrew," Darien whispered from the corner.

"I wouldn't go down the road of who knows who better Endymion. And I never lied."

"That has yet to be determined," Mina seethed.

"You can't kill me Venus. I'm beyond your powers."

"Apollus?" Serena said as she pushed through the girls and Darien. "What…what are you doing here?"

"I came to see you and the others. We need to talk."

"You need to get your lying behind out of my temple," Raye said.

"What Andrew doing here?" Lita asked coming in.

"He's Apollus- Prince of Sol."

"Well call me Zeus. This is great."

"Andrew- what's going on?" Serena asked again.

He looked at Serena and said, "I received two visitors yesterday after you left speaking of fanatical things that I was forced to believe as truth."

"What things?"

"Let's take a seat."

"We'd rather stand," Mina said.

"Sit down Andrew," Serena said and knelt beside him.

"I spoke with them yesterday, last night and today. They are in a lot of trouble Serena and need your help."

"Well who did you see?"

"Persephone and Micah," Zach said when he walked in with Amy.

"Whose that?" the others asked.

"The kids from the hospital. They're here now."

"How do you know that?" Raye asked. "My temple grounds are protected from all-"

"Things evil. These two are of no such thing. They're more on our side than we think."

"This has to do with that Lily girl doesn't it?" Jason asked.

"More than you know," Andrew replied. "I brought them to you because I felt you could figure this out and help them more than I can."

"Where are they?" Serena asked.

"Here," Micah said and appeared with Persephone. "Thank you Apollus. You've done enough."

"That's his way to say 'thank you for your kindness but this isn't your fight.'" Persephone added.

"How did you managed to get onto my grounds?" Raye questioned immediately.

"And how you know Andrew," Darien added.

"None of that is important." Micah started.

"I beg to differ," Mina said.

"If snuck onto my grounds with some foreign magic then it is important," Raye added.

"You're knowledge of Apollus leads to thinking you know the rest of us," Darien replied.

"Will you guys just let them talk?!" Serena shouted. "The quicker they speak the quicker we can get the hell out of here."

"I'm afraid your highness, that won't be happening anytime soon," Micah said.

"Why would you call me that?"

"It's who you are, Princess Serenity. But we didn't come here to chit chat. We came for your help."

"With what?" Matt asked.

"If everyone would please sit down," Persephone asked.

"We'll stand," Mina responded.

"It would be better for all if you sat Princess of Venus."

"Excuse me?"

"Now isn't the time for games Amina. We have much to tell you and very little time. Micah?"

"She's fine- let's stay on task and then we'll go for her," he replied.

"Go for whom?" Nate asked.

"Okay, everyone let's all take a breather and sit down- yes, you too Amina- and listen to what they have to tell us," Amy offered. "Like Serena said, the quicker we figure this out the quicker we can get back to business."

"Alright, we're listening," Matt said.

"We know that this may be difficult for you to grasp, but what we say is true. We're from future Tokyo where things are rapidly changing. An evil has been released upon our people and is slowly turning them against each other. An evil that you have faced before and conquered."

"If it was conquered how could it have returned?" Mina asked.

"Dark magic is very powerful where we come from. Fueled by hate, distrust, deceit, secrets and treachery."

"What does that have to do with us?" Jason asked.

"You're connected with what Lily told me. The evil that's hurting her family and why she's looking for Sailor Moon."

"Sailor Moon? What does she need m-" Serena began.

"It may be better if I explained," Andrew interjected and began to tell them why Micah and Persephone were in the 20th century. Starting from retrieving Lily to realizing that they needed the power of the royals in this time to help them defeat the evil of their time.

"We're royals in the 30th century?" Lita asked. "All of us? How is that possible?"

"You're all princess of your respect planets. You took the necessary steps and resurrected your planets. We know that your powers aren't anything compared to what they are in our time but they can at least help us,' Persephone said.

"I meant the thousand years in between here and then. Nobody can live that long."

"You guys did. Please don't ask why or how just know you are who I say you are."

"Why can't the Sailor Scouts help you?" Serena asked.

"The Sailor Scouts are a memory in our time. They disappeared shortly after the planets were fully restored. It's rumored that they returned home body and soul to their planets."

"What about Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask?" Darien asked.

"He's real too?" Micah asked.

"What?"

"We just found out that Sailor Moon wasn't a fairy tale our parents spun for us. She's obviously in this time, but she no longer exists in our world. Tuxedo Mask was just another tale attached to hers."

"So they no longer exist neither do the scouts?"

"They never existed in our century. We know for a fact that the Sailor Scouts were there during the beginning of our century, but no Moon or Mask were ever present. If they are tales told now then they probably died before the century hit."

"How is that possible?" Serena asked Zach. "How can we be alive and not be alive?"

"They must not know that you are both. Perhaps as queen you chose to refrain from sharing such secrets," he replied.

"What is this evil that you're facing?" Serena asked. "If what you say is true."

"It is Serenity. They speak the truth in volumes," Andrew replied.

"You keep quiet sun boy!" Mina shouted.

"I'd watch my tongue Amina. My wrath is not one to be matched."

"Look! If you two want to fight go outside. That goes for everyone here, understood?! There will no more interruptions of the sort," Matt ordered.

"An evil force entered our world a few months back. We didn't think anything of it because others protect our barriers in alliance with us. When they started to break down barriers and infect our kind with their poison we had to make the choice of expelling them from the cities or healing them if possible," Persephone explained.

"Who is this evil?" Serena asked again.

"Her name is Metallia."

"That's not possible…we destroyed her years ago," Mina said.

"Nothing is ever as destroyed as we believe. She combined her powers with a man by the name of Wiseman who had corrupted the thoughts of a people living their lives on a planet called Nemesis. With the power he gave her she was able to reconstitute her servant Beryl."

"And who did Beryl bring back?" Nate asked taking hold of Lita's hand. "Who did she reconstitute?"

"Your clones," Micah whispered as she saw Serena's face go from confusion to disbelief to utter fear.

"No…no…that's not…I can't do this… not again," Serena said and walked out of the temple.

"Serena, wait!" Amy called out and went to go after her.

"I'll go talk to her," Jason said. "You stay here and help to figure this out. I for one don't believe that kid as far I can throw him."

"Keep her calm, Jason. We don't need another event as the previous night," Luna advised.

Nodding his head he rushed out of the temple doors and chased after his best friend.

"And you say that she is just so cool?" Micah sniped to Persephone. "God, I knew we never should have come to them. They can't help us. SHE can't even handle having them cloned evil again. And they aren't even her guardians-they're his!" he shouted and pointed to Darien. "This is all a waste of time."

"I'm astoundingly curious as to whose kid you are because you surely need an attitude adjustment," Lita said.

"My mother would say the same about yours."

"Micah!" Persephone shouted. "Please excuse him he left his manners when he jumped the time loop."

"We're leaving, they can't help us anymore than they can help themselves. We'll get Lily and figure this out on our own," he said and grabbed her hand. Wrenching it away from him she said, "No Micah. We need them as much as they need us."

"Like hell."

"Yes, Micah- hell is what we will be returning to if you don't get off that damn high horse of yours. Yes, my father put you in charge of my protection, but he's here now and we can fix this."

"Here now?" Darien asked.

"Persephone, don't," Micah cautioned.

"How can they help us if we keep secrets from them? Serenity always says that secrets cause nothing but trouble in the end. They break families apart and create pockets for evil to seep into."

"You know the rules better than anyone Persephone! You can't tell them."

"What difference will it make? Our world is practically gone! The Queen is damn near dead, the King is dying from grief, our mothers are dying trying to protect our world so that we can have a future!" she sobbed out. "We have to do something to help them! If telling them everything helps then I'm all for it. Those time loops didn't just open for any reason, we were meant to come here. Not just to find Lily but to restore all that we know-all that we have. You know that your father wouldn't give up like this. He'd fight till his last breath to save your mom, why aren't you?!" she screamed as she hit him in the chest. "This is our family, our home! If we don't save it who will?"

Wrapping his arms around Persephone he took a deep breath before exhaling and whispering okay in her ear. Looking up at the people surrounding him he said, "My name is Micah Alandros Specter. Prince of Crystal Mars and first born to Queen Rachael and King Jadeite."

"Sere! Sere, wait!" Jason called out and caught up to her. "Hey what happened to you back there?"

"I'm sorry I just needed to get some air," she said and leaned against a tree.

"You really shouldn't be out in the opening like this after what happened. Diamond could strike-"

"At any minute I'm vulnerable. I know. Anything is better than being trapped in that room with them listening to..."

"Trapped is a bit harsh, don't you think? We're all fighting towards the same cause Serena."

"Are we? I thought we were here to rid Tokyo of this new threat and get back to our lives in America. Things seemed to have spun out control more than we expected."

"We'll handle it like we always do."

"Like we're handling it in the future? Our past has come back to haunt us-literally and it appears as if my guard is slowly having second thoughts."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"You think I haven't noticed it yet? Your bond with Raye is becoming stronger every minute you're in close quarters. Zachary is helplessly in love with Amy-and I couldn't be happier for them both, but I know that he's never going to leave her- Nathan is slowly showing Lita that he is not the man she once thought him to be and she's moving past her duty to blindly follow behind Mina. And my first: Matthew. He'll never admit it, but he's questioning himself- questioning whether or not this is his new path of destiny."

"That's not true Serena. We love you and we're not thinking of leaving your side."

"Not at this precise moment no, but it will happen. I know that now," she whispered as she wiped a tear from her eye.

"Sere…"

"Let's get this over with," she breathed out and made her way back to the temple.

"You don't have to put this front up for me, ya know?" he said when she walked past him. "What happened to you?"

"I underestimated his power. If Raye and the others hadn't…ugh it's over that's all that matters."

"Did he try to-" he started but couldn't even finish his sentence. "Come on, we have work to do," he said and took her hand to go back when he felt a rush of anguish from Raye.

"Jason? What's happening?"

"Raye..." he whispered and ran back into the temple to hear Raye screaming, "It's not true. You're lying. You can't be- it's not possible."

"What the hell happened?" he asked everyone when he saw Raye slam her door. "What did you do to her?" he asked as he grabbed Micah by his collar and pushed him into the wall.

"MICAH!" Persephone screamed. "Let him go! Jason, please stop."

"Jason, let him go," Matt said trying to pull him off of him.

"I swear I will rip you limb from limb if you've hurt her," Jason whispered.

"I would never hurt her," Micah replied glaring back in Jason's eyes. "I love her."

"What?!"

"Jason come on man," Zach said and pulled him back. "You gotta calm down. This isn't helping anything."

"What the hell does he mean by he loves her? She's almost twice your age!

"You might want to sit down," Amy interjected.

"I don't need to sit. I want answers dammit!"

"This still makes no sense. How can they be…I mean they were born in the 30th century," Nate asked.

"Actually I was born in the 20th century," Micah replied. "So was Persephone."

"Who the hell cares when the kid was born?" Jason asked. "What's wrong with Raye and what did he do to her?"

"That's the problem, Sherlock. He's a 20th century product of you and Raye but happens to live in the 30th century," Mina replied.

"What?"

"I don't think I stuttered nor do you have a hearing problem."

"No way in hell."

"Like father like son," Persephone muttered. "I guess I should tell you who I am too."

"Mina you may want to sit down," Lita advised.

"Shut up Lita," Mina replied.

"She's not Mina's daughter, are you Persephone?" Serena asked as she walked closer. "I knew I recognized you from earlier."

"And you were right. I do have the same eyes someone else has. And no, it's not you Mina."

"Then who?" Lita asked.

"My name is Persephone Hermosa Anderson Coldstone. Princess of Crystal Mercury and first born to Queen Amelia and King Zoicite."

"King who?" Zach asked. "Queen what?"

"For the smartest man in the universe you sure do happen to not catch on too quickly, Dad."

"Dad?"

"This is crazy. This kid is not mine," Jason said.

"They must be the children you and Raye lost back then." Lita told Amy.

"I don't know, but if she is who she says she is-"

"I am. How do you think I knew to block your technology with my own at the hospital?" Persephone replied.

"How old are you?"

"We can't tell you that," Micah interjected. "We've already told too much and if ages were revealed, it could mean the catastrophic event of us not existing."

"He's right. We have to handle the here and now and not focus on proceedings of the future," Persephone replied.

"She's definitely your kid," Nathan said to Zach.

"Mom, Dad I know this is difficult for you to swallow but it's the reality. I am your daughter in the future and I need your help. Please don't turn me away now."

"We could never do that Persephone. We accept the severity of the situation and we know you speak nothing but the truth. We're going to save your future I promise," Amy said and hugged her.

"And get you back to your time without any repercussions," Zach finished and placed hands on their shoulders.

"Not to seem rude, but we do have a situation on our hands here," Micah said. "If Diamond gets through to another time frame everything we know will be lost."

"Other soldiers are now guarding the gates while Pluto works on closing the loops," Luna said when she came back into the room. "She has quite a range of words to speak with you two on, but that will be handled later. Jason could you please go and collect Raye, we have much to discuss."

"Don't we always?"

"Micah, go with him."

"That kid isn't going anywhere with me," Jason replied.

"This kid happens to be yours whether you like it or not, jackass," Micah replied. "I'm her son too and I'll be damn if you're going to keep me from her," he finished and pushed past him.

"Your offspring, your problem," Matt replied when Jason looked back at him.

"Can we start without Raye or do we need to wait on them?" Darien asked.

"It would be best," Luna replied.

"Well in that case, I want some answers from you Apollus."

"Come on man, don't look at me like that. I couldn't say anything," Andrew said as he came out of the shadows.

"I'm your best friend! I shared my secret with you-"

"I didn't know I had a secret at that time. When I did realize I felt it wasn't my place to say anything until I had spoken with Serena."

"Serena?"

"Our families have been in alliance with each other for eons. I owed her that much."

"Owed her? Yeah just great."

"So are there anymore people in our lives that are connected to our past? Any other surprises Serena?" Lita asked.

"Life is a surprise Lita. You should know that."

"Raye? Raye are you in here?" Jason asked when he opened her door.

"Stay away from me," she called out.

"Mom what are you doing?" Micah asked as he saw her throwing clothes into a bag.

"Don't call me that! I'm not your mother and he is not your father. This isn't real. It's another mistake."

"Are you kidding me? I come all this way for your help and now your denying my existence? How can you not see that I'm your son? I have Dad's eyes and your hair. You raised me here in this temple."

"I haven't done a goddamn thing!"

"Raye!" Jason shouted. "I understand that this isn't the easiest thing to accept, but it's the truth."

"How the hell do you know that?"

"I may not be a Martian, but I'm not powerless. His spirit is his own but it strings from halves- yours and mine. Why I didn't notice it sooner is still questionable-"

"Exactly! If that is your power, why didn't you notice it as soon as they walked into the temple? Why not as soon as they came onto the property of the temple? He isn't who he says he is."

"God, you're more crazy now than you are in the future! He didn't recognize me because Persephone has more knowledge of technology than a thousand Einsteins. Combine that with her knowledge of magic, which she learnt from your future self, she's a walking powerhouse. She created a cloak for us before I teleported onto the grounds."

"Teleported?" Jason asked and watched as Micah vanished in a puff of smoke to only appear next to Raye's side.

'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!'

With Ares' words running through her head she looked from the boy next to her to the man in front of her and began to see the resemblance. His eyes, her hair, his nose, her mouth, hisdimple, and she knew deep within her that his eyes held her fury at times and his mischievous glint at others.

"Oh dear God."

"Now do you believe me? I'm not here to hurt you or to ruin your life, I'm just trying to save mine," Micah replied.

Taking a deep breath and closing her eyes she said, "Let's go save your home," and moved past them.

"That's it? After all the fighting and the upstream trip of De Nile, you just accept it?"

"Even I can't deny the obvious, right? He's our son, Jason and his future is at stake. That's all that matters."

'Is that all that matters Raye? Or is there something you're not telling me.'

'Reading me again are you.'

'What are you so conflicted over? There's another war going here but it resides in you.'

'And its one that I will win on my own. I don't need your help.'

'Looking at the kid you obviously did.'

'I have no idea how his conception came about, but mark my words.'

'It won't in this time? Already planning to kill him off without even giving him a chance?' 'That's real motherly of you.'

'Are you saying you want this future? We can't even be in the same room without fighting.'

'We're not fighting now.'

'What the hell do you call this?'

'A civil conversation with opposing views. People have them every day you know.'

'You're crazy.'

'In love.'

"Not to interrupt the conversation you two are having- and no I didn't hear it. Seems like even now you two are able to block others from your thoughts including me. But Luna is knocking at the door," Micah said.

"Come on, Luna has something to tell us," Jason said and ushered the other two out of the door. 'We'll finish this later.'

'Keep dreaming.'

…

"If you and Micah are from the 30th century and children of us, then what does Lily have in this?" Amy asked.

"We can't tell you that," Persephone said. "She's already caused so many problems-"

"She's a kid Persephone," Micah countered when he came back in. "She thought she was doing what was best for her family. You can't fault her for that."

"Even if it means losing her forever."

"What do you mean losing her?" Darien asked.

"Dire things are happening at home. Diamond and his minions have taken over the planets but each of the queens managed to seal the palaces with their elements of powers before going to Earth to protect the rest of us."

"You weren't at home with our future selves?" Amy asked.

"You can't teach me everything Mom. The children of our century rarely stay at our home planets due to our studies."

"I didn't exactly learn the power behind constellations from you two," Micah told Raye and Jason.

"What did you mean by losing Lily?" Darien asked.

Looking at Micah Persephone silently asked him what to do. Nodding her head she turned back and said, "Lily's parents are dying-in our time. And it seems like they are rebuilding their lives-in this time but there's no guarantee."

"Who are her parents? Maybe we can save them before its too late," Serena replied.

"You called her Princess in the hospital…she's royalty like you two isn't she?" Zach asked.

"Her helixes," Amy whispered. "Oh my god."

"Yesterday you said…No…there has to be some kind of mistake," Serena said. "She can't be."

"She told me she was my great great-great-grandchild," Darien said.

"And you believed her?" Micah asked. "I thought you at least would have figured it out."

"But my parents did," Persephone replied.

"Are you bragging?"

"Whoever this girl is she isn't our daughter," Serena shouted. "It's not possible."

"But she is," Darien said starring at Serena. "There's too much of you in her-why didn't I notice this before? She has that same stubborn mouth and nose."

"What a minute! Serena and Darien have a kid?!" Jason yelled. "What the hell kind of future is this?"

"The Moon and Earth joined- that's where Crystal Tokyo came from didn't it? His planet with her powers," Lita whispered.

"We shouldn't even be telling you this now. We know that you two aren't together in this time," Persephone said. "And we don't want anything we say to influence your decisions."

"We don't?" Micah asked.

"No, we don't. If it's meant to be it will. For now we need to concentrate getting Lily home and getting rid of the Black Moon."

"How can we do that?" Darien asked.

"How do you guys feel about time travel?" she asked.

---

Whew! Finished. I'm going to try to get the next chapter out by the end of the month since I have much more time on my hands. Please do send reviews...Bless it be!

Selene Grace