Chapter 15

The Blue and Yellow Stones

It was a lot colder than it should have been. Sunlight could barely creep through the dark monstrous clouds that hung over the capitol. The black crystal wedge was steadily growing and its presence was known to everyone who had a TV or eyes. The girls all huddled in Serena and Darien's apartment to watch the news.

Mina was sitting on the edge of the couch, carefully stroking Rin's silver hair with gentle fingers as she tensely watched news broadcast after news broadcast.

"This has turned into a terrible situation." Luna sighed, sitting between Ami and Lita. The girls were in silent agreement.

"Isn't there something we can do to counter it?" Lita asked in concern. Ami gently shook her head in response.

"That will be impossible unless we collect more data on just how powerful that enormous Black Crystal really is." She explained.

"We just have to wait until Artemis and the guys come back with the results of their investigation." She had not seen any of the guys or her kitty in about three days since Caleb's appearance. Mina looked down at her future daughter with a bit of worry. She was a lot like Kunzite, calm and composed, but Mina knew better. She wondered what was up with both of teens from the future. She would tense when Caleb was mentioned and all together stopped visiting him. Little Caleb was the only Caleb she would give attention too.

"It looks like we can only be on stand-by until then." Raye said softly and leaned back on the couch. Mina looked past Raye at Serena who had her hands clasped together in quite concern. She was staring at the TV, but wasn't watching the program. Her blue eyes were dark and troubled and she closed her eyes and breathed Rini's name. Mina bit her lip to keep her bubbling emotions from spilling because she really wanted to cry for Serena and Darien. But she was the leader of the Scouts and because of that, she needed to be strong. She knew she wasn't the only one who thought like her. All the Scouts including Rin said nothing to her, just silently grieved for Serena and Darien.

"Cheer up Serena." Raye put a hand on Serena's knee. The blonde broke from her thoughts and looked up. Raye leaned in and put their heads together in comfort, her lips trembling as she spoke.

"Don't worry. If we put our powers together, I'm sure we'll be able to restore her to her old self." Mina felt comforted too, hearing Raye say that and she allowed her tears to gather. Uh, she was so emotional these days! She thought and sniffed loudly, wiping her cheeks.

"Jeeze, mom. Do you want some tissue?" Rin scoffed playfully and leaned her head back on Mina's lap.

"I'm sorry. It's like everything makes me cry these days." She said with a smile. The girls laughed.

"Soon you'll have the weirdest craving and make poor Kunzite go to a cheap all night stores to pick up some tacos and smoked clams." Serena said with a little smile. Mina frowned.

"Tacos and clams? Eww, that's so gross! Why would I want something like that?" She exclaimed. Serena sighed and turned to Rin.

"Rin, how old are you?"

"Fourteen."

"And when is your birthday?"

"June twelfth."

"Well it's the end of September, so…" Serena slid her eyes back to Mina and raised her eyebrows.

"Oh my gods!" Mina gasped and held a hand to her astonished mouth, looking from Serena to Rin and then back at Serena.

"Mina!" Luna screeched, clawing the couch to keep herself from falling off in surprise.

"Congratulations. It's a girl." Raye mused, making everyone around her laugh as well.

Mina didn't know what to say. Her heart was beating so hard in her chest it was kinda hard to breath. Excitement, fear, happiness, worry, they all balled in her stomach and she stood up quickly to throw-up in the bathroom. She remembered all the things Serena went through when she was pregnant with Caleb. She thought of Kunzite and wondered how he would react if he knew.

The elation she felt was now tension. It was really a bad time to be pregnant because she knew they would have to fight sooner or later. She had to be a part of it and now… would the others even let her? She didn't want to be useless, not when there was so much at stake. Uh, she never felt so torn in all her life!

After flushing the toilet, she slowly made her way back into the living room. "Feeling a bit better?" Lita stood and gave her a little hug, patting her back.

"I'm fine." She paused and took a deep breath. "Don't tell anyone just yet. I want to tell Kunzite myself and I know the guys have a big mouth." Her eyes landed on Raye. "Like Jadeite."

"Raye didn't seem offended and shrugged. "I' won't tell him. But Jadeite isn't the one you should be worried about." She pointed to Serena.

"Hey! I know how to keep a secret!" Serena protested. "Jadeite and Zoicite have the big mouths!"

"I have to agree with Serena." Ami supplied. "I've learned to keep certain things from Zoicite."

"I understand why you need to do this on your own Mina. We'll stay out of it." Serena promised looking at each of her scouts in a commanding way.

"What if he asks me when my birthday is?" Rin frowned. "I can never lie to dad. He can read me so easily and when he finds out that I have lied, he grounds me for like, two weeks!"

"Then avoid the question as best you can. I'll tell him soon enough okay?" Mina said, looking at Rin with a whole new set of eyes. So was so like Kunzite, her hair and skin and the way her blue eyes flashed. But she was a lot like her as well, carefree, spoiled and soft. She thought of Vahn, his thick golden hair and silver eyes with such a passionate personality. They were both hers, she thought, sliding her hand over her flat belly. She would do anything for them, just like Serena would do anything for her children. She felt closer to Serena now, more than ever and she would be in the fight for Rini's soul, she would make sure one way or another…

XOXO

It was early evening when Serena called Rin into the kitchen. The blonde princess looked really tired and little Caleb was screaming in his high chair.

"Could you take this to Caleb?" She pushed a tray into her hands with an apologetic smile. "I need to lay this one down for his nap."

Rin forced a smile, not about to say no to her Queen. She didn't want to see him, but she would do what was asked of her and nothing more. She balanced the tray and gently knocked on the door before opening it. His bed was empty. Her eyes swept the room and saw him by the closet, pulling on his shirt. He was groaning and stiffly moving. Rin sat the tray down with a loud crash.

"What do you think you're doing?" She demanded with a hand to her hip. Caleb was gritting his teeth as he pulled a bandaged arm into his sleeve.

"I have to go." He breathed. "I can't let him go down the wrong path. Prince Diamond is my best friend."

Rin felt her heart squeeze at his tone, wanting to shake him until he came to his senses. He spoke so softly, she was reminded of all the times the two met secretly in the private gardens reserved for the Royal Family. Caleb never had any friends that were close to his age, other than her. But her family was never around that much because her Dad and Mom ruled over the north lands. When she did come to visit, they were always together. And then the war began and the visits were less and less.

"Don't worry. I'm only going to talk to him." Caleb said, gingerly slipping on his shoes.

"No, it isn't a good idea." Rin stopped him by the door. "Talk to your mom first, maybe she'll think of something."

"Rin…"

"Caleb…" Caleb gave into a sigh and sat on his bed. Rin gave him one last look before leaving to find Princess Serena.

XOXO

"Hello, Mizuno residence." Ami breathlessly answered, shaking the water from her hair and slipping on some slippers.

"Ami, please…"

"Serena?"

"He's gone. Caleb is gone and we can't find him!"

"I'm coming." She said and slammed the phone down.

XOXO

Caleb stumbled from the support of the building, clutching his throbbing shoulder. The huge black crystal pulsed with power in front of him, but still he pressed on. He ignored the cops that yelled at him to step away, ignored the painful steps he took and the blinding headache that made everything around him blurry. The air around him changed and he looked to see Rini--no, Black Lady floating in front of him.

"So you came here on your own. Good. It saves me the trouble of looking for you." She purred. Caleb clenched his teeth and glowered darkly at her.

"Out of my way. I came to see Diamond." He bit out. She seemed amused.

"Oh really big brother?" She innocently asked in a little girl voice. "But you're going to die before that." Caleb's eyes widened.

"You would kill me?" He asked in a raspy voice, tears of anger stinging his eyes. Black Lady smirked and summoned her Luna-P. He braced himself, but the attack was halted.

"Stop right there!" He heard his mother's strong voice ring out. In the orange shadow of sunset, he saw all five Scouts. He was a bit relieved, but ashamed as well. When this was over, he was going to get into so much trouble.

"So you've come." Black Lady pulled back her Luna-P, warily backing away toward the hulking black crystal.

"Don't do it Rini. You mustn't hurt your brother." Sailor Moon held up her hand like it would stop her from far away.

Black Lady's eyes narrowed. "It's always about Caleb. Caleb this and Caleb that. You always loved him more than me." She sneered, giving Caleb a dirty look.

Sailor Moon shook her head fervently, taking a step forward. "Please Rini. I could never love one more than another. You're both important to me. You're being tricked!" Sailor Moon's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, but also with resolve.

"You're greatly mistaken there. I'm acting on my own will." Black Lady declared with an arrogant smirk.

"Please, snap out of it!"

"Enough!" Black Lady roared and bounced her Luna-P, transforming it into a hand mirror. Black magic shot from it, aimed at Sailor Moon. Venus pushed her to the side and the black magic hit one of the buildings.

"Venus Crescent Beam!" Venus aimed for the mirror, but the attack was absorbed and shot back at her.

"Bubble Spray!" Thick fog covered the battle field, halting Black Lady's next attack.

"Caleb, get back to the apartment!" Mars snapped at him. "Before the fog goes away."

"But—"

"Caleb!" Sailor Moon hissed in warning. Caleb flinched at her tone and retreated back, but then reversed and ran passed the Scouts. I'm sorry mom, but I have to do this…

"You can't stop me with this!" Black Lady yelled. Caleb saw her silhouette through the fog and he bit his lip, a little relieved that she would stall them and give him time to get to Diamond. The fog cleared and he heard Mars and Jupiter running after him. He needed to get away from them! He didn't have to wait for the opportunity. Sailor Moon, Mercury and Venus were caught in a trap.

"Stay here!" Mars yelled at him and she and Jupiter went to help.

"Don't worry. The person I want to talk to is already here." He saw Diamond floating in the air with his arms crossed. Caleb swallowed and took a step forward.

"Sapphire." He said his nick name softly, in confusion but then his eyes hardened. "Why did you betray me?"

"I didn't!" He protested fiercely. "We've all been deceived by Wiseman." Some of the Scouts were screaming in the back ground, but he forced himself to ignore them for now because every scream felt like a rip in his heart. He hated himself for putting them though this.

"What idiocy is this?" Diamond hissed with glowering eyes. "Sapphire, anyone that gets in the way of this operation, even you…"

"Diamond!" Caleb interrupted with a scream. "The whole operation was wrong! This wasn't what you were trying to accomplish in the beginning! We were being used by that man! Diamond!" He knew he was getting through to him. Diamond seemed taken back.

"You're so loud Caleb!" Black Lady turned to him, having successfully trapped all the Scouts in a black dome of black magic. "Die already!" The mirror was knocked from her hand by a red rose. Caleb saw his dad and the Guards rushing to the scene. The black domes faded away and the guys helped the Scouts to their feet.

"Stop this Rini." Tuxedo Mask said and the turned to him and Diamond. "Listen to what he has to say. Listen to what your best friend saw in the future." Diamond's eyes shifted back to Caleb, softer and curious now.

"What happened in the future?" He demanded. Caleb let out a shaky breath, glad that he could finally say what he needed to say. But just beyond Diamond, he saw Wiseman appear and dread sliced trough him. Black power pulsed from the strange crystal ball and he raised his hands juts at the painful rays of energy rained down on him. He cried out. It felt like his skin was melting from his bones. His wounds were so painful now he was surprised that he just didn't pass out all together. He fell to his knees and his head bandage fell around his neck.

"No!" He heard his dad cry out. A thick barrier formed around him. Diamond and Wisemans' voice sounded muted to him, but maybe it was just because of the ringing in his ears.

"…there is no reason to trouble Diamond with your execution…" Was all he manage to hear.

"Diamond…" He managed to get the name from his raw throat and lifted his head. "Wiseman means to destroy the whole future…" He closed his eyes, struggling for breath. He didn't want to die this way…

Warm tears ran down his face and he heard his mom scream in agony. He saw her run to him, but it was like she was in slow motion. He wanted her to get to him in time, but even he knew that was impossible. He looked at her one last time, saw the horror etched in her beautiful face and saw the same horror in his father's dark blue. The dark magic descended on him and everything turned white and it didn't hurt anymore…

XOXO

"Caleb!" Serena's scream ran throughout the whole block and she pounded harder on the barrier. She desperately tried to get through, deep, loud sobs racking her body.

"Foolish Sapphire." Wiseman said and a glowing card slipped from Caleb's pocket. "Deceived by the Sailor Scouts and speaking such nonsense." He tsked tsked. "Black Lady and Diamond, we will eventually settle our fight with these girls another time."

Diamond was still as stone, looking at Caleb's limp body with an unreadable expression. Even Black Lady was in shock. She hesitated before obeying Wiseman and fading out, giving one last look at the sight. When both Wiseman and Black Lady left, the black barrier fell away and Serena rushed to Caleb's side. Darien had him cradled in his arms and he shakily brushed the concert debris from Caleb's face. Serena dropped to her knees, numb to everything else but her pain and despair.

"I'm sorry, so sorry Caleb." Darien's voice shook. He pulled off his mask showing eyes red with tears.

"I'm sorry Dad…mom…I had to…ulk!" Serena shushed him with a kiss on his raw cheek. His blue eyes blinked once and then never opened again. Serena choked on a sob and pulled him close to her, resting his head on her chest and rocked him.

"Don't go Caleb. Stay with us…baby…my baby don't leave me." Her voice was light and high like how she would talk to him when he would get hurt. When he didn't answer, her hushed sobs grew louder and harder, they racked her body. "Caleb…Caleb!" She screamed dropping her forehead to his head. She clung tightly to him, rocked him and cried, repeating his name over and over. Darien held both of them in his long arms, crying silent tears, trying to comfort her as much as he could.

No one said anything, no one dared to talk. The Scouts and Guards surrounded them, unable to do anything but be there. Serena's moans were the only sound, even the police in the area backed off. Diamond lowered himself slightly, but his feet never touched the ground. He outstretched his arms and Caleb's body fazed. Serena and Darien blankly stared at their empty arms. When they had realized what had happened, they stood up.

"Give him back to me! Give me my baby!" Serena shrieked. Diamond gave her a pained look but didn't say anything as he fazed away with Caleb in his arms.

"No! no no no!" Serena broke down again and Darien gathered her in his arms to calm her. He took a lot to make her leave, but somehow they managed to take her back to the apartment. As soon as they entered, Darien and Serena locked themselves in the room with little Caleb sleeping in his father's arms. Luna was left alone in the nursery, back in her cat form, just sitting by the window and staring blankly at the night sky.

"Should we stay here?" Mina whispered to the Scouts and Guards.

"I am." Raye declared.

"Yes, I'll stay as well. Besides, we need to discuss what we are going to do." Ami said. Everyone agreed and left to get their things. Mina and Kunzite stayed behind.

The quiet in the apartment was stale and gloomy. Mina's eyes wandered to the bedroom door, silent tears rolling down her cheeks. She touched her belly, knowing the pain Serena and Darien would be going through, yet no really knowing. Her blue eyes wandered to the kitchen, landing on Kunzite's back.

She wanted to tell him, but knew it wasn't the time. They needed to give all their attention to Serena and Darien. She had to wait until after. Standing, Mina stretched and then stiffened. Someone was in Rini's room. She tip-toed and pushed the door open to find Rin sitting on the bed, hugging a pillow.

"Rin?" Mina shut the door behind her when she noticed Rin's tears.

"It's my fault. I should have never left him alone." Rin sniffed. Mina sat next to her, not too sure on what to do to comfort the teen.

"He would have left somehow."

Rin turned to her with her cheek still on the pillow with unreadable eyes. "I was so angry at him before he left and now…"

"Why were you angry?" Mina tucked a strand of hair behind Rin's ear. She felt her hesitate. "Come on, I'm your teenage mom. I can handle teenage drama."

Rin snorted. "This is so weird."

"I know" Mina agreed and crossed her legs on the bed, readying herself for some girl talk. She tried not to feel guilty about what she was doing considering her best friend was mourning the death of her son in the next room, but if she didn't do anything, she was going to break down as well.

"Caleb and I were always good friends when we were growing up. We were close, and one day…we got closer." Rin said slowly, clutching her pillow closer to her.

"Closer?" Mina frowned for a second before realization dawned on her. "Oh, closer. That's—uh—interesting." She fiddled with her fingers, now finding this conversation awkward. "And then what? What happened to make you angry at him?"

"I was so confused. One day we were just friends and the next day we were much more. I didn't know how to handle it, handle my feeling and fears so I started ignoring him and avoiding him. It was cowardly, I know, but I didn't know what to do, or how to act around him anymore. Then he met someone else, he moved on, he moved away from me." She said sadly and wiped her nose. "I knew the things he was doing with her and I couldn't help but be angry at him. I was jealous of her and mad at him, it tore us apart."

"I see."

"He told me that they never done that. He said it had always been me, but I didn't believe him." She sighed and leaned back on the bed. "I wish I could tell him now. I hope he gets better soon so I can tell him that I'm sorry."

Mina stiffened with unease, new tears clouding her eyes. "Rin, Caleb is…dead. Wiseman killed him this evening." Rin bolted up with wide blue eyes.

"What? No he isn't!" She protested loudly.

"But I saw what happened…he's—"

"Not dead! Look!" She pulled out a silver necklace with a glowing blue stone. Mina didn't know what Rin wanted her to see. "Look at this gem! It's shining!"

"So?"

"So as long as it's shining, it means that Caleb is still alive. He has one like it too except that his stone is yellow." Rin gazed at the necklace with a fond smile. "We exchanged them on my tenth birthday. Kinda like a best-friends-for-life thing. They're bewitched to pulse with our life force and if we want to know where the other it, it tracks them down for us. Aunt Raye made them for us."

Mina's hand covered Rin's with a serious look on her face. "Are you sure?" She demanded. Rin nodded.

"Caleb is still alive." Mina left the room before Rin finished. She banged on the door of Serena and Darien's room.

"Mina! What the hell are you doing?" Kunzite demanded stalking from the living room to grab her arm.

"Caleb is alive." She said to him. "Did you hear me Serena? Darien? Caleb is alive!" She yelled through the door…

XOXO

AN: Well, this one was long long long loooong overdue and I fervently apologize! One more chapter after this…thank you for reading…if you feel generous and forgiving then drop a review! Kisses ::MUH::