Chapter 9

Tuxedo Mask, Sailor Mercury, and Sailor Jupiter were quick to get me out of the rain. "We don't need you catching a cold, Sailor Moon," Sailor Mercury said.

"Spoken like a true future doctor," Sailor Jupiter said.

I felt like my limbs were full of heavy sand and could barely convince them to move. Eventually, Tuxedo Mask decided the best option was to carry me home. I rested my head on his chest as he quickly made his way through the city. As I closed my eyes, I realized that everything in my body ached. Not just physically, but emotionally and mentally as well. Maybe Darien was right saying that we were getting old for the superhero business. I certainly didn't recall feeling so defeated so early on in a war waged on any enemy.

Suddenly, I felt myself slip into a dream, but it was more than a normal dream. I felt lighter than a feather as I drifted through space. Eventually my body settled on the moon, where the Moon Palace stood before me, shining in its former glory. Ribbons surrounded my body as I became Princess Serenity. Lifting my head up high, I carried myself into the palace. I inhaled deeply, the sent of roses surrounding me. I felt much more at ease than I had and equally more rejuvenated. As I made my way through the familiar, majestic hallways, I eventually found my way to the prayer room, where I met Queen Serenity.

"I have been waiting for you, my precious daughter," the Queen said.

I smiled. It had been some time since I had seen my mother of so many years ago. The sight of her reminded me of happier days as well as a source of strength. As I approached her, she reached her hands towards mine, sending a surge of warmth and love through my body. "I have missed you," I said, my regal voice of yesteryear replacing that of my every day life.

The Queen smiled before embracing me. She then held my shoulders before drooping her hands back to mine. "My, you have grown, my daughter," the Queen looked thoughtful, "You must be nearing the age of your marriage, is that so?"

I nodded. "In a matter of a few months, I will be married to my dearest. That is, if this new enemy can be defeated."

The Queen's face fell. "I knew there was some special reason why you were brought to me."

I lifted my head to meet her eyes, "It is the most formidable enemy yet, Mother. He takes the lifeblood from helpless victims. He has taken Sailor Mars and Sailor Venus with him in order to make them weapons against us. Worse even still, I have no power of my own to defeat him. I am at a loss."

Closing her eyes, the Queen responded, "I see. It appears that it is only a matter of time before he overtakes the city and all that you love."

Trying as hard as possible to stop the tears from flowing, I choked out, "Yes, it does seem that way."

Her lips curling up every so delicately the Queen teased, "Oh, Princess Serenity, have you not learned a thing or two by now? I am always here to provide you with sources of strength." She held her hands up above her head, palms meeting at the base before opening up through her fingertips. In a flash of light, a new object appeared in the Queen hands. She took hold of the short rod and held it out towards me. "This should give you the power you need to defeat your new enemy. Just say, 'Everlasting Moonlight.'"

"Everlasting Moonlight," I repeated as I took hold of the rod. It was about a foot long and was made of silver. The emblem on the top consisted of a crystal crescent moon with the center of the curve meeting the rod, creating an upturned moon. In the center of the crescent moon was a golden crystal heart, suspended by thin golden rods. On top of the golden crystal was a small golden crown encasing a pink gem. The entire wand was intricately decorated with pink and gold designs, creating a truly beautiful wand. I closed my eyes as I felt the energy of the wand surge through me. "Thank you, Queen Serenity."

"No, thank you, my precious daughter for living out your dreams and defending the Earth that you have always loved so much. I could not be any prouder than I am now, but I must go."

In a bright flash of light, the Queen, the palace and the Moon Kingdom disappeared. I felt my eyes flutter open and found myself resting on Darien's bed. Was that a dream? I took a deep breath and sat up. Amy, Lita, and Darien were surrounding me, Darien holding my hand. I looked at him and his eyes instantly showed a great sense of relief. "How are you feeling?" he asked, still showing a measure of concern.

I smiled, "Much better, actually. I had a dream that I met with Queen Serenity and she gave me a new power. I feel renewed and full of strength."

Darien returned my smile apprehensively, "That's good. You have been knocked out for over 24 hours."

I felt my eyes widen and my jaw drop, "Over 24 hours?" It hadn't felt like more than 20 minutes, how could that dream possibly lasted 24 hours. "Have there been more attacks."

Darien shook his head, "None that we have seen and the news has quieted down quite a bit. I think that last hit that Valentino took did a number on him and he hasn't been able to make a deadly attack lately. It also appears that Sailor Mars and Sailor Venus lack the ability to attack without him as neither of them have been seen, either."

I looked outside and saw that the sun was beginning to set. "I have a feeling that a new attack is going to happen soon." Turning to Darien and the girls I smiled and said, "Let's get some dinner! No use in fighting on an empty stomach, right?"

With small smiles, everyone agreed and filed into the dining room. Darien and Lita went straight to work preparing rice, hot tea, and beef curry for us to eat before embarking on our next mission. Once everything was ready and put on the table, everyone ate in silence. While I was certainly thankful for a delicious meal, the other three seemed quite focused on something other than the food in front of them. "Is everything alright?" I asked, my mouth full of delicious curry.

Amy responded, looking at Darien and Lita first, "I think we're all mentally preparing for this next fight. We now know that Lita and I have a combination attack that works well against Valentino, at least as a temporary solution, so hopefully your new power will yield a bigger effect."

Still processing Amy's words, we all jumped when we heard a scream coming from outside. "He's here! Let's go!" I shouted, running out the door of the apartment and throwing my hand into the air. This time, I know I'm ready.