Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or her characters, and have no right to it except as a long time fan.
Imperfect Reincarnation
Chapter Eleven
The two friends sat quietly for a few long minutes after Darien finished speaking. Andrew was still trying process what he had just heard, and Darien was content to let him as he let his mind happily drift to his soulmate and wondering what she was currently doing since that was certainly better than thinking about his death.
He knew she was not fighting a monster or patrolling since he had not sensed her transformation. Although that reminded him that they needed to train while they weren't transformed when she remembered herself or even once she figured out that he was Tuxedo Mask.
They could fight and use their abilities just fine while not being transformed, and it would be good for them to get used to that in case they were ever in a situation where they couldn't transform but needed to act.
"So you really died from that attack you were hit with." Andrew said, pulling his friend from his thoughts.
"Yes." Darien answered as he looked to his friend. "I do not know how Serenity died. I know that she obviously did since she would not have been reincarnated, but I do not know if it was right after me during that invasion or years later."
"However, she did get reincarnated just as I did and here we are in the present. She became the scout of the Moon and it awakened our soul connection, which in turn awakened me to who I am." He continued.
"I helped her in that fight I found her at. It was a small aid since she mostly had it covered, but I saw more clearly even than I did in the past that she is weak. As Sailor Earth she was anything but weak." He said as he shook his head lightly.
"After the fight I spoke to her briefly before heading home to adjust to my memories returning. Since then I have been working on getting close to her in our secret lives and as regular civilians since I believe the only way to get her to regain her memories will be with my golden crystal and our soul bond being complete." He explained.
"Although, recent weeks and months have shown that she is remembering both lives on her own. However, not as complete as I have. They are simply coming to her in random order in her sleep or are triggered by something in a given moment." He said.
"How do you know? Has she been telling you?" Andrew asked.
"Yes. She has been telling me in my masked persona since I have managed to become a friend to her in our secret lives." Darien said before he frowned lightly. "And yet it upsets me; not because she is remembering, but because of the way she is remembering. It is confusing her and stressing her out."
"Why?" Andrew asked with a confused frown.
"Because as far as she has been told there was no Sailor Earth in the past, and here she is remembering a life as both Sailor Earth and Sailor Moon." He answered.
"I was obviously in both lives, as well as the Moon Princess, so she is wondering if the two scout lives took place in different lifetimes, and she is dealing with generations of the same family and that is why myself and the princess looked the same." He explained.
"She has other theories, but the most recent is where she wondered if she had been twins separated at birth; one to live on the Earth and one on the Moon." He added, and Andrew smiled in amusement.
"Yes it is amusing" Darien said as he nodded. "if not for the fact that she also wonders if I was seeing both "sisters" at the same time; that I was essentially cheating on her as Sailor Earth with her as Sailor Moon."
The smile on Andrew's face slipped as he grimaced at his friend's words. He felt bad for this soulmate of his friend. She must be so confused, and that likely didn't even include whatever she was remembering of the Moon Princess' feelings for him.
"I understand." He said sympathetically. "So you two have become friends now?" He asked, and watched his friend nod. "Wait a minute! You're getting close to her as Sailor Moon and as a civilian? Does that mean you know who Sailor Moon is? You've met her somewhere away from that life?" He asked in surprise.
"Yes." Darien said with a small smile. "You know her as well."
Andrew blinked and thought of what girl Darien was close to that could be his soulmate, and then he gasped as he realized all at once who they had been talking about all this time.
"It's Serena!" He said. "She's your soulmate, the reincarnation of Sailor Earth, and reincarnated and current Sailor Moon!"
"Yes." Darien said, his smile still in place.
"Oh wow!" Andrew said in amazement. "Okay. So Serena is Sailor Earth, but is currently Sailor Moon until she remembers who she really is, and you're the masked man that has been helping the scouts. Although, you're actually only helping Serena." He said, and watched his friend nod.
"You're also the prince of the Earth, and you had four guardian generals." He added.
"Yes." Darien confirmed.
"Have you found any of them yet? Your Generals?" Andrew asked curiously.
"They are unfortunately involved with the evil that is sending out the monsters attacking. The same evil that caused them to pull away from me in the past. They were brainwashed then, and I suspect the same has happened to them again." Darien answered solemnly.
"However, at this time I am unwilling to go and try to free them, because I need to focus on my soulmate. She is more important to me, and I hope once she remembers we can go after them together; assuming they are still alive by then." He added, and his friend nodded in understanding.
"Do you know who the other scouts are?" Andrew asked.
"I do not know who the Guardian Scouts are." Darien answered. "You have to understand that there are two factions of Sailor Scouts at the moment. The Guardian Scouts to the Moon Princess, and the sailor scouts that want nothing to do with her."
"The Guardian Scouts are Venus, Mercury, Mars, and Jupiter." Andrew said, and Darien nodded. "And the others are...?"
"Sailor's Pluto, Neptune, and Uranus." Darien answered.
"No Saturn?" Andrew asked with a raised eyebrow.
"As far as I know Sailor Saturn is a scout only to be awakened when it is time for a civilization or an era to end so that it may begin again." Darien said seriously.
Andrew eyes widened in surprise at that. There was a scout that was that powerful that she couldn't even be awakened until it was time for her to use her abilities? Amazing and scary. That was all he could think of at the moment.
"Do the two factions know about each other?" He asked.
"The Guardian Scouts are unaware, but the other scouts are very aware." Darien answered. "In fact, they approached me only a few weeks ago to give their loyalty to my Serenity and myself."
"Like myself they were not affected by what the princess did in the past, and they remember everything. They are unwilling to serve someone so selfish and irresponsible; especially with the power she will have once she has the silver crystal." He said.
"It is that bad?" Andrew asked uncertainly. "Even if it's only the princess' reincarnation?"
"Yes. She will eventually remember the past, at least the one she changed, and I anticipate her having the same personality she had back then." He said seriously. "In the past she only had a mere small connection to the crystal, and she was able to remove my Serenity from her life on the Earth, erase the position she held altogether, and give not only her new memories of a complete life on the Moon but give others new memories as well. It affected the entire solar system!" He said, and Andrew's eyes widened.
"Yes." Darien continued seriously. "It was not simply the Earth and the Moon that were affected. It was all of the planets, and literally the only ones that were not effected were myself, the Moon Queen, and the scouts of Pluto, Uranus, Neptune, and Saturn."
"Imagine what she could do with the crystal entirely within her possession, and in this modern time. She could bring back the Moon Kingdom and no one would think anything of it, because she could alter the memories of the entire population of the planet!" He explained with a frown.
Of course at this point with his anger at the royal woman he was cold enough to hope she did try such a thing, and die in the attempt. In the past she had only had the small connection and the help of the crystal tower within the Moon Palace to help her.
This time around she would have the entire crystal, but nothing to help her use it. And he didn't think she was aware that it would use her energy to do what she wanted it to do. He doubted she had paid attention to the lessons she was given on how to use the crystal seeing as how she had been unaware that there were other scouts aside from her guardians.
The selfish wench was lucky to even have someone to instruct her. He thought, disgruntled as he remembered only having his own judgment and his golden crystal to guide him in how to use it properly.
Trying such a monumental task of bringing back a kingdom, especially since he doubted she would be specific, would take all of her energy which would obviously mean her death.
Which would ultimately mean she would no longer be a problem, and therefore not be an obstacle toward restoring my kingdom. He considered quietly.
Andrew's eyes widened again, and he was finally understanding just how dangerous this Moon Princess could be. To change peoples memories and lives without them knowing it.
"That's crazy!" He said. "Can your crystal do that too?" He asked curiously.
"Absolutely." Darien said seriously. "I am fully capable of doing exactly what she did; only I would be able to do it right. I am also intelligent enough and responsible enough not to do something like that unless it was a critical necessity."
Andrew nodded, glad to know his friend was more responsible than the Moon Princess apparently had been.
"Okay. Well, do you know who the scouts are that gave you their loyalty?" He asked.
"I do know." Darien answered. "You might even meet some of them at some point." He said, and his friend nodded and sighed.
"So you're the masked man." Andrew said, and Darien nodded once. "Do the Guardian Scouts know who you are? As in the prince you?"
"They do not. That is part of why I took on the masked persona. So I would not be recognized in case they started to remember the past, which is possible since my Serenity is remembering." He said.
"I also did not want her to recognize me as my civilian self since I had obviously planned to court her, and I did not want her to think that I was trying to use her in terms of getting close to that princess." He added.
"That's understandable." Andrew said, and his friend nodded.
"I agree. Especially since she recently told me that the guardian scouts awakened so far and the ones that awakened them as scouts believe me to be untrustworthy and a possible enemy." Darien said, and Andrew gasped as his eyes widened.
"I told her I did not care, and for her not to worry about it. I was fine as long as she did not believe that nonsense." He added.
"Why do they think you're an enemy or at least a possible enemy?" Andrew asked with a frown.
"I do not know. Although, it is likely because I do not talk to them or stay after fights." Darien said. "I made it clear to my Serenity after her first fight that I was there only to help her, so I paid no attention to the others when they began to show up aside from making sure they didn't hurt my soulmate."
"When it is simply the two of us fighting I have no problem staying and talking or doing whatever she wants, but of course they do not know that otherwise their concern about me would likely be more intense and not at all silent." He added.
"Wow." Andrew said. "So she hasn't told them."
"I do not believe so." Darien agreed. "Right now I believe I have said enough for her to figure out that my masked persona is me; her boyfriend."
"I actually believe she knows in the back of her mind that I, my masked persona, is the prince in her memories, but she is constantly convincing herself that I am not, which is understandable. It would be hard for her to believe she was working with the reincarnated prince she has been remembering being in a relationship with." He explained.
"Not to mention if she allowed herself to realize that she would then have to stress about choosing one of us." He added. "The boyfriend she has come to like very much or the masked man, who has turned out to be the prince she loved in the past."
"That's understandable." Andrew said as he nodded.
He could see why she would convince herself that Darien couldn't be the same guy from her memories. It would be like an incredible coincidence to her, and highly likely cause her pain to make the choice. Even if later she learned they were the same man she still would have experienced that emotional pain.
"So, can I see what you look like in your masked persona?" He asked. "I've heard of you on the news, but didn't see any images."
"Of course." Darien said with a nod before he stood up.
He moved away from the couch and around his coffee table to stand in front of his TV so his friend could get a good view of him. He then focused on his masked persona, picturing it in his mind, and instantly felt the familiar and welcome warmth of his golden crystal pulse in his chest before he was engulfed in bright gold light.
Andrew gasped and his eyes widened as he watched his friend suddenly begin to glow with a golden light. The glow grew brighter and brighter until his friend's body was hidden from view and he had to squint his eyes. He refused to close them so he wouldn't miss anything.
When the light cleared he blinked and saw that his friend was now dressed in a full black tuxedo with a crisp-looking white shirt, black shiny dress shoes, white gloves, a black cape with a red inner lining hung from his shoulders, and a white mask framed his eyes.
He was awed and amazed at the sight before him. If he hadn't seen the transformation with his own eyes he would have no idea this masked man was his best friend.
"Wow. I can see now why you wouldn't be recognized like this." He said as his eyes moved back up to take in the mask again.
Just looking at him and seeing the tuxedo made him think his friend wasn't a threat, but his eyes and the vibe he gave off made him feel like he could be threatening if he wanted to.
"Thanks for showing me." Andrew said as he ran his fingers through his hair. "So what did you look like as a prince?" He asked.
He watched his friend blink at him and within the next moment he was once again glowing with that golden light. Again he squinted his eyes as the light grew brighter and brighter, and when the light disappeared he blinked his eyes wide at how different his friend now looked.
The tuxedo, mask, and other accessories were gone. The mystery man was gone, and in his place looked like a distinguished warrior.
He wore a dark blue uniform that consisted of pants and a long sleeve top that was so dark it looked black with decorative silver lining on the chest and wrist cuffs and gold lining around the neck, tall black boots that looked like they were covered in black armor that stretched up to cover his knees.
Silver armor covered his waist and shoulders, a long sword sat on his left hip in a brown sheath connected to a brown leather belt wrapped around his waist, and finishing the look was a black cape with a red inner lining that hung from his shoulders and nearly reached the floor.
Andrew stared wide eyed. His friend looked completely different; majestic and commanding. He could see the royal baring he had easily as well as the fact that even in this form he surprisingly wouldn't have been able to tell this commanding man was his friend.
And I don't know why since I can clearly see his face, and actually see that he is Darien. He thought as his eyes shifted down to the sword. My goodness! He feels approachable and yet the longer I stare the longer I feel like he could switch up in a moment and be a threat. That must be the soldier part of his royal persona. Obviously he wasn't a pampered prince that only stayed inside his palace with his comforts.
"You look impressive my friend." Andrew said, and watched his friend bow.
"Thank you." Darien said before he released his transformation in a brief golden flash of light; leaving him back in his regular clothes.
"Thanks for showing me your different personas. I believe what you said, but the visual definitely helps." Andrew said.
"You are welcome, and I understand." Darien replied as he returned to his seat on the couch. He took a breath before he let it out in a sigh. "I didn't tell you all of this, my truth, simply because you noticed the differences in me. I told you because you're my best friend, and I want us to remain this way."
"I suppose it's possible for us to have remained friends without telling you, but we would have grown distant since I would have had to keep half my life secret." He said, and then hummed thoughtfully. "And now that I'm considering it I think I will have to tell my truth to any friends I make."
"Why?" Andrew asked with a slight frown. "I mean why would you have to tell them?"
"Because if I'm going to bother making friends they will be lifelong friends, and they will need to know my truth if they intend to remain in my life, because I fully intend on restoring my kingdom." Darien explained.
"Seriously?!" Andrew said as his eyes widened.
"Yes." Darien said seriously as he nodded. "You've just learned a great deal of information, so you likely didn't make the connection of Sailor's Pluto, Neptune, and Uranus giving their loyalty to my soulmate and myself."
"Did you think they were doing that for past sentiments? Obviously that can't be it, because we hadn't known those scouts in the past. We knew of them, but hadn't known them." He added.
"You're right. I didn't make the connection." Andrew said.
"Now you know. They gave their loyalty to serve us, although they will be my Serenity's scouts, and that includes now in the current environment with monsters attacking and in the future when my kingdom is back up and running." Darien said.
"As King I wouldn't be able to associate with individual citizens without causing jealousy and unfairness amongst the other citizens, so my friends will likely be working close to me and to do that they'll need to know that I am King." He continued.
"If I'm going to bother making friends at all I would rather make them now, as regular university student Darien, instead of trying in the future when I am King Endymion and trying to weed out the genuine people from those who are deceitful." He explained.
Andrew nodded his understanding. Knowing that Darien intended to somehow bring back his kingdom helped in understanding. It made sense that he would want to make friends now, find out who was trustworthy and loyal, and tell them his secret so they could continue to be in his life when he took up his royal heritage again.
When he became King he would likely have to deal with people trying to get close to him for their own selfish wants and desires. Even being married likely wouldn't save him from the advances of bold ambitious women considering society these days. He doubted whenever the kingdom rose again that society would be any different.
Having loyal friends at his side working for and with him would likely help cut down on that a lot. He considered thoughtfully, and then he blinked. I'm really accepting this?! Accepting that my friend is actually going to bring back his kingdom? I am. I actually am. I believe everything else he has said, and he sounds so sure and firm in what he intends to do.
Andrew looked to Darien, who seemed to have lost himself in thought after he finished speaking, and tried to picture him as a king. It surprisingly wasn't difficult. He didn't think he would change his look as a prince, so he only imagined a type of crown on his head to make him look like a king.
King Endymion huh? So what role would I have in this kingdom of his? How could I help my best friend aside from simply being his friend? He wondered thoughtfully.
oOoIRoOo
Almost two hours after Darien dropped her off at home Serena was in her bedroom working on her homework for the day. She sat at her floor desk with one of her textbooks open in front of her as she wrote on the lined paper in front of her.
At her side, hidden from her bedroom door, Artemis lay stretched out on the floor half under the desk keeping her quiet company. He'd been there since she started working on her homework, and she appreciated his quiet companionship.
She was currently working on a one page essay, which was not her favorite, and she knew that had it been Luna she would have been asking questions every time she took a long pause in between writing when she was simply trying to think on what she was going to write next.
Which would have interrupted my thinking and made me lose my thought. She thought with a quiet sigh. I already find it hard to get all my points written down and make it flow right all in only one page. I don't need her making it harder for me with her constant chatter. As if I'm slacking off or zoning out just because I take a few minutes to think.
Thankfully this essay was her last piece of homework, and then she could get started on something she had been meaning to do for a few days now.
A few more minutes passed as Serena's pen glided across her paper before she finished the last sentence she was writing, and consequently her essay. She sighed lightly and closed her textbook and began to put her papers and pen away before she moved her textbook to sit with her other books.
She looked over her desk before she reached for the K.O. University catalog and pamphlets Darien had given her.
"I'll be right back. I need to talk to my parents real quick." She told Artemis as she began to get to her feet with the catalog and pamphlets in her hands.
"Okay." Artemis replied as he looked to her.
Serena walked to her bedroom door and opened it and stepped out before closing the door slightly. She walked passed her brother's room and saw he was inside, and continued on until she reached the stairs and headed down.
The navy blue skirt of her uniform swayed lightly around her legs with every step she took. She hadn't bothered to change out of her school uniform when she got home since she wanted to get started on her homework and get it out of the way.
"Hey mom, dad." She said, seeing that they were both in the living room as she reached the bottom of the stairs. "I want to talk to you two." She added as she joined them in the room.
"What about dear?" Ikuko asked as she watched her daughter sit on the couch with her.
"About my choice of school." Serena answered as she looked to her mom and over to her dad who was sitting in a side chair next to her mom.
"I was beginning to wonder if you were going to make a choice at all." Kenji said as he gave her his attention.
"Well I have chosen. I've chosen K.O. University." She said as she handed her mom the catalog and pamphlets. "Over the pass weeks I've done everything I can to research the school short of actually going to the campus, and I've decided it's the school I want to go to."
"It has a good reputation and good professors. It's well spoken of by previous and current students. The campus is large and they even have nice dorms from what I've read." She added as she watched her mom hand her father the pamphlets before she began to look through the catalog.
"Have you also decided on what you plan to study?" Ikuko asked after a few minutes of looking through the beginning of the catalog.
"I haven't yet. I'm trying to narrow it down from creative writing, Japanese literature, and world literature." Serena answered. "It's even possible I might decide against all of those, and pick something else altogether once I start taking classes."
"Do you know what you want to do after you get your degree?" Kenji asked as he looked up from one of the pamphlets he was reading.
"Nope. No idea. I'm just going off of what interests me the most to pick what I want to study." She said, and watched him nod.
"Well, I can see you're very serious about this with the amount of research you have done. Have you already applied?" He asked.
"No. I planned on doing it after I spoke to you both, so if you're both fine I'll get started on it now." She replied, and watched her parents exchange a look.
"We're fine with your choice Serena." Kenji said.
"Alright. I'm going to go do it now. You guys can keep looking at those and put them in my room when you're done." She said as she stood up.
Her parents nodded and she left the living room and began to make her way back upstairs and to her bedroom. Once there she pushed the door open and closed it behind her as she stepped in. She walked over to her floor desk and sat down in the same spot she had before and reached for her laptop where it sat off to the side.
She usually rarely used it, but since her senior year started she had been using it a lot and knew she would be using it much more as the school year wound down. She pulled it from its case and opened it so the screen and keyboard were visible and pressed the button to turn it on.
Once it was on she typed in her password and went about opening up her browser. She looked through her bookmarks and clicked on the K.O. University website and waited for the page to load. As soon as it did her eyes flickered around the page and once her eyes landed on what she was looking for she clicked on it.
The page reloaded and when it finished she found herself staring at the page she needed to start applying to the university. She nodded lightly and clicked on the link to get started.
Artemis watched from where he had been lying on the floor at the side of Serena's bed next to her balcony. He wondered what she was doing since it looked like she had finally finished all of her homework before she left her room earlier.
Only one way to find out. He told himself as he got up and walked over to her side where he had lain earlier.
"What are you doing?" He asked quietly as he looked at the screen and began to read what was visible.
"I'm applying to the university I want to go to when I graduate." Serena answered. "I just told my parents and they're fine with my choice, so I'm getting to it and hoping I get accepted."
"Ah, I understand." Artemis said as he nodded. "I wonder if the others are doing the same."
"Amy seems like the type that would have already applied to her choice of school or schools, but I don't know about Mina and Raye." She replied as she typed in the information each section was asking for.
"Maybe Luna's pestering them about it now; if she's thought of it at all." She added, because Luna was, in fact, not there with them. She had gone to visit one of the other girls. Serena didn't care which one.
"Or she might think we should wait until we find the princess so we can all go to the same school together, but what if the princess is older than us and already in school or out of school altogether?" She continued even as she continued to fill out her online application.
"What if she's younger?!" Serena said as she stopped typing and looked to Artemis. "We couldn't possibly wait for her, and how would we protect her? How could we possibly explain hanging around someone younger than us?"
"Don't worry about it until we actually find the princess." Artemis said calmly. "Only then can we make any type of plans of protection. Until then you should go ahead and do what you are already doing; moving on to the next stage of your life by applying to the school of your choice."
"You're right." She said as she nodded before she went back to filling out her application.
Long minutes passed as she typed in the required information, and double checked to make sure the information and spelling was current. Twenty five minutes passed before she was interrupted by her mother letting her know dinner was ready, so she saved her progress and went to join her family.
After a filling meal Serena returned to her room and sat back down at her floor desk and went right back to filling out her university application. Nearly forty minutes later she completely finished the application, thankful she had had all the information either physically with her or in her email, and pressed the button to send it in.
"Now I just have to wait and see if I'm accepted." She told Artemis with a sigh.
"I'm sure you will be accepted." Artemis assured her. "Since I've been here I've seen how hard working and studious you are, and I am sure they will see that through all the information you have sent in."
"Thanks Artemis." Serena said with a smile.
She sighed again before went through the process of closing all of the tabs on her browser, and shutting down her laptop before she put it back in its case and in its place on her desk. She then went about gathering the things she needed before she went to take a shower, so she wouldn't have to worry about it in the morning.
Twenty minutes later she returned to her room dressed in her pajamas and went about putting everything away in its proper place. She then brushed her hair just long enough to run it through the entire length fully before she went and bid her parents a goodnight.
When she returned to her room she turned off the light, and slipped into her bed and immediately made herself comfortable on her side facing her balcony. She looked over and saw Artemis jump into the bed and lay in the space at her side. He had been doing that when Luna wasn't around; sleeping closer to her instead of at the end of the bed.
"Goodnight Artemis." She said with a light smile as she closed her eyes.
"Goodnight Serena." Artemis said quietly.
Sailor Moon and Sailor Venus strolled along a path in an open garden area outside the Moon Palace to enjoy the greenery as they spoke quietly.
"What is going on around here?" Venus asked. "I leave for a few days and come back to find tension and slight hostility between you and the others and Selene." She added, and her companion sighed.
"Simply put Selene, Mars, Mercury, and Jupiter are trying to pressure me into no longer seeing Prince Endymion." Moon said.
Venus made a sound of understanding and went silent as they continued to walk. She, like all of them, knew that their princess was attracted to the Earth Prince though she had never met him.
"Alright. Forget about what everyone is saying, our fellow scouts and our princess." She said after a few silent minutes. "How do you feel about what is happening between you and his highness?" She asked.
"I like him. I fully and readily admit that." Moon replied honestly. "After all, it is hard not to with how he is treating me. He has lavished me with attention, not just random attention but with consistent attention. Doing things and showing me things he knows I have an interest in and will like."
"Consistent attention." Venus repeated as she frowned. "Is he pressuring you?"
"No!" Moon said immediately. "Not that kind of consistent. He is simply very persistent. He has made it clear from the moment he introduced himself to me that he is interested in me in a romantic sense; as a mate."
"I even thought he was mistaken when he first approached me, and tried to direct him toward our princess, but he made it clear he was here to see me." She revealed. "It is understandable that I was hesitant and confused. He is the prince of a planet. What would he want with a warrior from another planet; one who is the guardian of a princess?"
"However, since then he has continued to be clear about his intentions in his actions and words. Coming to visit me here on the Moon regularly, approaching me when we are on a different planet together." She added.
"Do you recall the masquerade ball held a while back where I was dancing with him?" She asked.
"Yes." Venus answered as she nodded. "As if I could forget. We were all supposed to be keeping watch and guarding from the sidelines as usual, and I happened to look over across the room and see you dancing with the Earth Prince." She said, and her fellow scout nodded.
"When I expressed my concern about that he said he had already approached the Queen and that she had given her permission for us to spend that time together." Moon revealed. "My point is that he is that persistent with his interest in me."
"Well, with hearing your words, and as someone who is on the outside looking in, it is clear that his interest in you is very serious, and that he is clearly courting you." Venus concluded. "He has obviously approached the Queen about his interest in you, and she must approve if she is allowing you to put your duty to protect our princess, her daughter, aside."
"Also his seriousness about you shows when, like you said, he regularly comes to the Moon to see you and does not in any way speak to Selene. It is unheard of for one royal not to speak to or at least greet another when they are in the same place; especially on that royal's planet." She added seriously.
oOo
"Endymion!" She cried out and hurried toward him, quickly dropping to her knees at his side as she placed a hand on his shoulder and grabbed his hand with the other.
"Why?! Why did you do this?" She asked, angry and sad. "It is my duty to protect my princess!"
"No. It is not your duty and never has been." Endymion said weakly. "You were never..."
Serena groaned as she surfaced abruptly from her sleep to the irritating sound of beeping. She blinked her eyes open and found her room as dark as it was when she drifted off to sleep aside from the light coming through her balcony.
She blinked again and looked over to see a light flashing on her nightstand, and groaned again as she realized what it and the beeping was. She freed her arm from her covers and grabbed her communicator, and squinted her eyes slightly as she pressed the flashing dark pink button with the blue Mercury symbol on it.
"Serena here." She said sleepily.
"There's a monster attacking a subway station right now." The voice of Amy came through clearly.
"Where?" Serena asked simply before she yawned widely, and listened as she gave her the street name. "Okay. I'm on my way; Serena out." She said before she pressed the button and ended the connection.
She put the communicator back on her nightstand and sat up before she pushed her covers back and slipped out of her bed. She stretched and yawned again before she grabbed her brooch and looked to Artemis. She found him watching her silently.
"I'll let you know what happens when I get back." She said and watched him nod.
"Be careful." Artemis said.
"I will." She replied before she stepped over to her balcony.
Serena opened one of the doors and stepped out before closing the door, only leaving it cracked open. She shivered in the cool night air as she looked around to make sure no one was outside or looking out the nearby windows.
When she was sure all was clear she leapt off her balcony and landed lightly before she took off running away from her house in the direction she needed to go. As soon as she came across a secluded spot she ducked into it even though there were no people around.
"Moon Prism Power." She said calmly and squinted her eyes as a bright pink light flared from the brooch and surrounded her. When it cleared she looked down at herself and saw that she was wearing her sailor uniform.
Dressed appropriately she took off running again, this time faster then before, her senses stretching to catch the dark energy of the monster that was currently out attacking.
oOo
A few dozen people stood on the platform reading a book, looking at their phones, or staring at the advertisements posted around the subway station as they waited for the trains that would take them to their destination. Suddenly each of them looked up with slight frowns of confusion as they looked around and at each other as they heard muffled screams and yells.
The next moment they heard a train coming on one side of the platform, and some shifted uneasily as the sounds of screams grew a little louder. Next thing they knew they were watching the train appear and screech to a stop with people running inside the train and pounding on the doors as if that would help them open faster.
The people looked at each other and back to the train, but snapped their eyes over to a woman who suddenly began to scream. She was pointing and they looked to see something that looked like a black dog but larger and different.
They only had time to widen their eyes in shock before the doors slid open, and people tripped and fell over each other as they screamed in terror trying to get away.
The people on the platform finally found their voices and screamed as they began to run for the nearest exit.
The monster panted slightly as his claws scratched and taped on the floor before he let out the love child of a growl and a laugh as he pounced on a woman that fell in front of him and was trying to get to her feet. She screamed in absolute terror, and his ears lowered at the high pitch before he focused as he looked to the people running.
His eyes glowed and he taped into the power he had hidden on a majority of the humans in the form of train passes. The items glowed blue before each person carrying it glowed blue in turn, and slowed in their movements until they stopped moving and collapsed as their energy was drained.
He growled lightly in pleasure as the human female under him glowed blue as well. Then he looked away from her and began to walk on his hands and hind feet through the station, pass the now unconscious people, and to the surface. He breathed in the cool night air, and as he stepped away from the stairway he was immediately hit with an attack.
The beam of light cut off as the monster flew backward into the street, and Sailor Venus lowered her hand as she cautiously watched the creature. Now that neither one of them was moving she could get a good look at her first monster.
It appeared to be a wolf man. It had been walking on its hands and feet before she attacked it, but now as it recovered it was clear it could stand upright. It had the face of a wolf including a long muzzle, a mane of long black hair, furry pointed ears with small round gold earrings, and glowing gold eyes with black elongated pupils.
It had black fur covering its entire body, clawed hands, the hind legs of a wolf, and a long tail. Around its waist was a long gold and black loin cloth, long gold bracelets on his wrists and forearms, and a thick gold necklace sat around its neck.
Venus wondered if the monster had started off looking like that or if it had hid its appearance beneath a human disguise, but she quickly pushed that useless thought from her mind and focused on the danger the monster was.
I hope I can attack fast enough to keep it busy and away from me until the others arrive. She thought as she shifted her position slowly as she kept her eyes on the monster. At least I actually have something to use against it. I hope I can do it again. She thought, since this was the first time she had used her power.
"Mercury Ice Bubbles Freeze!" She heard Amy's familiar voice yell, and she almost closed her eyes but quickly aborted that and simply narrowed them instead.
She watched, shaking her head slightly, as the monster easily moved out of the way of the stream of bubbles that was coming from Sailor Mercury's position on a rooftop behind where the monster had been standing. She was a new scout but common sense told even her that she shouldn't call out her attack, which is why she hadn't done that when she spotted the monster on her arrival.
And because I didn't I was able to hit the monster. If Mercury hadn't called out her attack she could have hit the monster and this fight might very well have been over with before it even started. She thought as she raised her hand and pointed a finger toward the monster.
Venus focused and a beam of light silently shot out of her finger toward the monster, but it saw it coming and quickly moved away before raising a clawed hand and firing off a blast of blue energy at her.
"Mars Fire Ignite!" The shout came as she dodged the energy headed her way.
She glanced behind the monster and saw Sailor Mars on a rooftop, but looked back to the monster and saw it dodging the fireball. She sighed lightly and raised her hand and fired off her beam of light at the monster, taking advantage of its distraction, as she glanced back to make sure she wasn't too close to the stairs leading down to the subway.
The beam of light shot across the distance and slammed into the monster's chest blasting it back as it howled in pain.
Sailor Mars and Sailor Mercury descended to the ground and the three scouts exchanged a look as they surrounded the monster in a loose triangular formation before they looked to where it had landed.
The monster growled as he got to his feet and looked at the three females around him. He had been warned about them, but he had not expected them to find him so soon. He wondered how they had found him, but immediately put it out of his mind since it didn't matter now.
Now he needed to get rid of them, so he raised his hands one toward the female in blue and one toward the female in orange. Then he opened his mouth and looked toward the female in red and let his energy flow from each source toward the females at the same time.
Each scout quickly dodged out of the way before returning fire.
oOo
Sailor Moon ran along rooftops and leapt from edge to edge as she traversed from one roof to the next on her way to the fight scene.
As long as she had been running in the cool air she was now very awake, and she was following the dark energy she was sensing which was thankfully in the direction she had been given. Along with the disturbing energy she was sensing she was also starting to hear the sounds of fighting, which told her that some or all of the scouts were already on scene.
She slowed and moved over to the front of the building she was on, and looked to see that the fighting was further up. Almost half a block away, so she took off running again. When the fighting was at its loudest she slowed to a stop and looked over the front of the building to see that she was right above the fighting.
All her fellow scouts were there, and the monster they were up against looked like some type of black wolf man. She knelt down and frowned slightly as she watched them fight. Right away she could see that Mars and Mercury were still shouting out their attacks, which allowed the monster to know it was coming and avoid it.
But Venus isn't doing that. She thought quietly as she watched the fight. Venus was shooting what looked like a beam of light from her finger, and the only time she missed was when one of the others shouted out their attack and caused it to dodge.
I know that feeling. She thought as she saw Venus' frustrated face. It's so irritating when my aim is good, and I miss because of Mars and Mercury's shouting. She thought as she shifted her eyes to the others.
Now I just have to figure out how exactly to attack without the monster seeing. Maybe at a break in the attacking, so I don't miss? She wondered as her eyes idly shifted up.
Sailor Moon did a double take as she spotted Tuxedo Mask kneeling on the roof of the building directly across the street from her. He was looking down on the slightly chaotic fight scene, but didn't seem inclined to jump down there and join.
Suddenly he looked over at her and nodded in clear greeting, and then looked down at the fight before looking back at her and tilting his head to the side as if to ask if she wanted to go down there.
She looked down at the fight herself and acknowledged that she didn't want to go. She didn't particularly want to fight, but she would because that monster could not be left to do as it pleased.
Sailor Moon looked back to Tuxedo Mask, seeing him still looking at her, and nodded before she stood up and reached for her tiara. She pulled it off and charged it up until it was a glowing white disk hovering above her fingertips as she watched Tuxedo Mask summon a rose from thin air.
Tuxedo Mask waited for his soulmate to make her move as he looked from her to the fight and back again. Clearly she had decided to join the fight so of course he would as well. It was also clear to him that another scout had joined the team. He recognized the scout of Venus easily. Not only from the orange and white color she was wearing, but from the fact that she looked the same as she had in the past.
The others look the same as well from what I can tell, however, Venus was a close friend to my Serenity so I saw her regularly up close. He thought as he looked back to the orange scout. She has the same blue eyes, the same hair color, and the same red ribbon in her hair.
I hope she can think for herself in this time, and once again become a good friend to her. He thought.
He knew good friends would be hard to come by once she remembered who she truly was. She would have to be careful who she befriended, so there was no chance that the wrong person learned who she truly was; especially when it was time to bring his kingdom back. He didn't doubt people would love to be close to the Queen of the Earth.
She'll likely have to do what I did with Andrew with the close friends she has now. He considered thoughtfully as he remembered back on his time earlier with his best friend.
He and Andrew had talked a bit more before he took him home. Then he returned to his apartment and relaxed and reflected on the fact that his best friend now knew his truth. It was one less thing he had to worry about, and made him feel so much better that he didn't have to lie or hide any part of himself from him.
Of course I will have to do the same with any new friends I make. He reminded himself as he looked to his Serenity just in time to see her make her move.
Sailor Moon narrowed her eyes slightly as she focused and threw her tiara hard down at the monster that was now standing on its hind legs in the middle of the street. It had just finished dodging the attacks of all three scouts, so she knew its attention was focused on them and what was coming from their directions.
Unfortunately the wolf creature shifted to the side as it looked toward Mars, and her tiara ended up slicing off its right arm instead of piercing through its chest.
The monster howled loudly at the unexpected pain, blood squirting out briefly from the fresh wound, but before he could see what hit him or even think of recovering he was howling again at more unexpected pain; this time from something coming from above him.
Tuxedo Mask gazed down calmly from his kneeling position on the roof as he rained down his piercing roses on the monster's head. Then he decided to change things up and switched to his exploding roses, and watched them land on the monster's head and back.
Sailor Venus looked up and off to her left side as she followed the glowing white thing that hit the monster, and saw Sailor Moon catch it as she fell through the air toward the ground; having already jumped off the roof. Then she looked up in front of her and saw a masked man in black calmly throwing flowers down at the monster.
He must be Tuxedo Mask. She thought, recalling Luna's warning and Serena's non-reaction to it and the others' agreement that he was bad news.
She decided to keep her eyes open and see what she could see of his behavior, but in the meantime she was going to take advantage of the monster's distraction from his and Sailor Moon's attacks.
Crescent Beam! She thought as she lifted her hand and aimed her finger at the wolf monster.
The beam of light shot out of her finger like a laser and flew through the air before it hit the monster in the chest. The monster was blasted back with a howl until it slammed into the front of a building, just missing the windows.
oOo
On a rooftop a couple of buildings away from the fight scene knelt Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune. It was late but once Michelle's mirror had picked up on the activity of a monster she had contacted Amara and they had decided to go check it out in person.
They had already given their loyalty to Prince Endymion and the reincarnation of Sailor Earth, but they still wanted to watch as many fights as possible to see what was happening with the enemy and the Guardian Scouts.
After all, it was a very real possibility that they could end up fighting not just the monsters, and the enemy sending them, but the Guardian Scouts as well.
They knew that one of the Moon Queen's advisors had warned the Guardian Scouts against their prince, without knowing who he truly was, and put into their minds that he was not to be trusted; if they hadn't already thought so themselves. Needless to say if the Guardian Scouts tried to attack or fight him they would protect him.
Then there was the future event of the reincarnation of Sailor Earth remembering her true self. It was assumed that she would separate herself from the Guardians Scouts and take up her true role, and that could cause conflict between her and those scouts; especially when they see her working with the Earth Prince if he was still wearing his disguise.
They would likely assume that she was working with the enemy, and possibly betraying their princess depending what they were told when she parted from them. Neptune and Uranus would of course back her up and fight by her side should she need to physically defend herself against them.
Lastly there was also the future event of the Moon Princess being found, and her and the Guardian Scouts labeling them all as a threat to the royal young woman. They would essentially be another enemy to the princess and her Guardians, which was fine by them because they would do what was necessary to keep the past from repeating.
In the here and now, however, those events had yet to happen. Now they were focused on seeing what the three guardian scouts were capable of, and what the enemy was capable of as well.
They had been there since before Sailor Moon and their prince arrived, and had watched the scouts fight the monster. Sailor Mars and Sailor Mercury were still shouting out their attacks, and they had obviously noticed the addition of a new scout; Sailor Venus. She had clearly been found since the last fight, which meant there was now only one guardian scout left to find.
Right away they could see that she was not like the other two when it came to fighting the monster. She did not call out her attack, and because of that she was able to hit it most of the time. The only time she missed was when Mercury or Mars shouted out their attack and caused the monster to move, which caused her attack to miss as well.
They could also see that she picked and chose when she attacked instead of just sending her attack back to back, and she also seemed to have no problem observing the monster from the look on her face.
Neptune and Uranus shared a look and nodded. So far they liked what they saw in Sailor Venus, and agreed that aside from the reincarnation of Sailor Earth she was the best of the Guardian Scouts so far.
They turned their attention back to the fight and watched Sailor Moon jump to the ground while catching her tiara after her successful silent attack on the monster, and saw Venus immediately capitalize on the monster's distraction from that as well as Prince Endymion's constant barrage of his roses and launch her attack.
Her attack landed perfectly and blasted the monster back, but the monster howled angrily and sent blasts of energy at all of the scouts before it even moved away from the wall it had hit. Then they watched as their prince finally made a move to join the scouts on the ground; or at least join his soulmate.
He leapt down onto the closest light pole and then jumped across the street to the light pole across from where he had been before jumping to the ground near Sailor Moon. She glanced to him as she finished dodging, but returned her attention to the monster and he did as well.
Uranus and Neptune settled in to see how this encounter would go now that the two of them had joined the fight.
oOo
The monster growled and bared his teeth as he looked around at the females and male surrounding him. He would not let this group take him down; he had to get away with the energy he had collected. Once he did he could heal and come back for more, but he had to be smart about this.
He knew the female in orange was more dangerous than the females in red and blue since she didn't seem to need to speak to attack like they did. The two new arrivals he wasn't sure about, but he thought they were dangerous as well since one of them took his arm off and the other threw things on him that pierced and exploded against him.
Looking around again he decided to act. He raised his remaining arm and sent a blast of blue energy at the female in orange before running toward the two new arrivals.
"Mars Fire Ignite!" Sailor Mars shouted as she watched the monster run sending a ball of fire after it.
"Mercury Ice Bubbles Freeze!" Sailor Mercury yelled as she too sent her freezing bubbles streaming after the monster, trying to get it before it got too far.
Sailor Moon's eyes widened at the sight of the monster coming in her direction as well as the attacks following it in her direction before she reacted along with Tuxedo Mask.
She dodged to her right as he dodged to his left and then she quickly ducked under Mercury's attack and rolled in her momentum before she landed in a kneeling crouch and looked toward the monster now headed for Mars. She glanced to Tuxedo Mask to make sure he was good, and saw that he had managed to avoid the monster and Mars' attack just fine.
She pursed her lips together as she returned her eyes to the monster, and prepared to throw her tiara. She couldn't believe Mercury and Mars! How hard was it to not launch attacks in the direction of your comrades?! She was clear as day so they couldn't use the excuse that they couldn't see her!
The only explanations she could think of on the spot was that they either hadn't cared that she was in the monster's path, and therefore the path of their attacks, or they had been too focused on attacking the monster to think of what would happen.
"Mars Fire Ignite!" Sailor Mars shouted, sending a ball of hot fire toward the monster's face, before she dodged to her left out of its path.
"Mercury Ice Bubbles Freeze!" Sailor Mercury called as she dropped to a knee, sending her freezing bubbles streaming toward the monster's legs.
The monster picked up his pace and quickly dodged the attacks while stretching his long arm and swiping at the female in red. He growled in satisfaction as he caught her across her side and listened to her cry of pain. Then he quickly turned his attention to the female in blue that was still kneeling on the ground.
Sailor Venus, Sailor Moon, and Tuxedo Mask watched the monster intently. They wanted to attack it, but it was moving fast and none of them were interested in chancing hitting the two downed scouts.
The three fighters looked to each other and seemed to silently come to a decision before they turned their attention back to the monster and began to shift their positions.
Tuxedo Mask pulled out a single rose and quickly willed it into the form of a whip and flung the end toward the monster. The green vine wrapped around one of its hind legs near the bottom, and he pulled back sharply causing the creature to fall on its stomach and face mid run as Mercury was in the process of diving away from it.
Crescent Beam! Sailor Venus sent her attack as she watched Tuxedo Mask remove his whip from the monster. The beam of light struck the wolf man in the side and blasted it down the street causing it to slide along the asphalt with a pained cry.
"Mars Fire Ignite!" Sailor Mars shouted taking the chance to send a fireball toward the monster even as she grimaced in pain.
She looked down at the large bloody claw marks on her side and frowned. She had never been injured during a fight and she wondered how she was going to move around without anyone knowing.
I hope this doesn't get infected. She thought as she looked back to the monster.
The monster heard the shout and managed to recover enough to dodge the fireball, and sent a continuous blast of blue energy from its only hand as it aimed its arm toward each fighter with an angry growl.
Everyone ducked under the bright energy as it came their way and quickly returned fire.
Tuxedo Mask held his whip in his left hand and threw a handful of his exploding roses with his right hand sending five perfect roses streaking at the monster.
Meanwhile, Sailor Moon threw the glowing disk of her tiara hard at the monster, aiming for its chest, and hoping it would go right through it and end the fight.
"Mercury Ice Bubbles Freeze!" Sailor Mercury yelled from where she stood with her back to a parked car sending a stream of cold bubbles toward the monster.
"Mars Fire Ignite!" Sailor Mars shouted, her pain fueling the sound, as she aimed her hands toward the monster sending a ball of fire flying out of her fingers toward it.
Crescent Beam! Sailor Venus called in her mind as she lifted her arm and pointed her finger toward the wolf monster.
The monster howled and shot an energy blast from its mouth at the incoming flowers causing a fiery explosion in the air. Then ducked under the glowing disk that came streaking through the explosion before it cleared.
It shifted its glowing golden eyes to the other attacks coming and raised its arm, and shot a blast of energy at the ball of fire and light beam before using its speed to avoid the bubbles streaming its way and ran toward the masked man.
Sailor Moon narrowed her eyes as she lifted her arm and aimed her hand at her tiara, where it flew through the air, and willed it to move where she wanted it as she returned her eyes to the monster. It was headed for Tuxedo Mask and he looked ready to defend himself, but she was hoping to stop it before he had to.
She guided her tiara to the left before she willed it to turn and head in a straight line for the monster's legs. She willed it to move faster as she shifted her eyes from the glowing disk to the monster's fast moving legs and back to her tiara.
"Incoming Tuxedo!" She called out and within seconds her tiara sliced through the monster's right leg.
The monster howled in pain as it crumbled to the ground, blood flowing from the new wound, and Tuxedo Mask, seeing this and having heard his soulmate's warning, jumped high as the monster slid past him and her tiara streaked by.
He landed back on the ground and quickly turned around so his back wasn't to the monster, and moved to the side in the direction of his soulmate.
Sailor Moon caught her tiara as it returned to her and looked to Tuxedo Mask as he settled near her right side and then looked to her left where Venus had walked up. The three exchanged a look and they nodded before returning their eyes to the monster.
Crescent Beam! Sailor Venus thought as she pointed her finger at the downed monster sending her beam of light its way.
Sailor Moon threw her tiara hard at the monster, the white spinning disk streaking alongside the bright beam, and Tuxedo Mask lifted his hand and focused on his chakra and sent sharp red rose petals spraying at the monster alongside the light beam and spinning disk.
The three attacks flew through the air seemingly matching each other's speed and slammed into the wolf monster. It howled piercingly in pain for long moments before it trailed off, and the monster's figure slowly began to turn gray before crumbling to dust.
"Is everyone okay?" Sailor Moon asked as she caught her tiara as it returned to her.
oOo
"That went fairly well." Sailor Neptune commented as she watched the reincarnation of Sailor Earth release the charge from her tiara.
"Yes, but Mercury and Mars need to stop announcing their attacks." Sailor Uranus said.
"Actually we should hope that they do not so they will be easier to fight should we need to fight them." Neptune said seriously. "I have confidence in Prince Endymion and Sailor Moon to be able to work with them or around them until they no longer need to."
"Hmm...you're right." Uranus agreed as she nodded. "Venus did well. She didn't shout out her attack and she had no problem teaming up slightly with Prince Endymion and Sailor Moon."
"Yes. I liked seeing that. I wonder if she and Sailor Moon will become friends and if there is a way to get her out of her duty to the Moon Princess." Neptune said thoughtfully as she watched Mars examining her injured side.
"I suppose that is something we will find out in time if it comes to that. After all, we don't know what either Prince Endymion or Sailor Earth are capable of." Uranus said as they watched the fighters move closer together, and before anything more could be said a familiar angry male voice sounded clearly around the area.
"Still killing off our monsters! And now there's another one of you irritants! I'm sick of it, and sick of all of you! This is the last time you will interfere with our plans!"
Tuxedo Mask, Sailor's Moon, Venus, Mars, and Mercury looked up sharply, some turning around, to see a familiar man standing on the roof of a building looking down at them. He wore the same light gray uniform with gold accent lining and tall black boots he had the last time they had seen him.
Last time he had looked down at them with disdain, but this time he was clearly angry and seemingly alone.
"Who is that?" Venus asked quietly.
"Last time we saw him he said his name was Neflite." Sailor Moon answered just as quietly, her eyes remaining trained on the man.
Sailor Venus nodded silently. She remembered when she had agreed to be a scout that she had been informed about the men in uniform that sometimes showed up to fights. This one certainly fit the description she had been given of the three men that had been seen so far.
Tuxedo Mask narrowed his eyes at the man. Neflite again, and this time he seems to mean business. He thought quietly. Not to say that last time he had not been serious, but this time he seemed to be angry and frustrated. He considered that it was possible he and the others may be getting punished for every monster that was defeated; every presumed failure that could be laid at their feet.
Sailor Mercury and Sailor Mars shared a wary look as they looked away from the man that they remembered called himself Neflite. They recalled the fight with him as they looked back to him. He seemed to be alone this time, but he hadn't been last time so they began to look around suspiciously.
Sailor Moon narrowed her eyes up at the maroon haired man with his dark blue eyes. She thought back to the last fight with him and tried to remember every detail; especially the details of what he could do and what worked against him.
Obviously she only had her tiara but she could guide it should she miss as long as she had her connection to it. Despite him being able to evade their attacks admirably her tiara had worked on him last time. She had managed to slice his leg and would have cut it off if he hadn't dodged Mercury's attack.
I also recall thinking only fighting him up close and physically would work best. She thought as she took a slow deep breath. Depending on how this fight goes that may be the only option. It is something to keep in mind.
"Obviously you are here to stop us." Tuxedo Mask said indifferently though his eyes remained narrowed and serious on the man.
Neflite narrowed his eyes at the masked man and his face grew dark with his anger before he flung his arm down sharply at them with an angry wordless yell.
"Watch the ground!" Sailor Moon called out seriously, remembering he had done the same thing before. "Pay attention to the shadows!" She added as she charged her tiara.
As it was beginning to glow and hover above her fingertips Tuxedo Mask raised his hand and focused on his chakra. Within moments sharp red rose petals went flying out of the palm of his hand and spinning up toward Neflite. In the next moment Sailor Moon threw her tiara up toward the man.
Sailor Venus watched the attacks for a moment before she turned her attention to the ground as Sailor Moon had warned, and just in time to see a black streak moving rapidly along the ground in her direction. She quickly leapt away and when she saw it was moving away from her in a direction away from everyone she turned her attention back to the man.
Crescent Beam! She thought as she raised her arm and pointed her finger at him, sending a beam of light his way.
Sailor Mars and Sailor Mercury stopped their search briefly for any possible back up the man might have brought and looked toward the man as Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask attacked him. Their eyes watched the white spinning disk and the red spinning flower petals streak through the air, but Mars caught movement from the corner of her eye and looked over to see Venus jumping away.
She immediately looked down and saw the streak of black from the last time they had seen Neflite, and quickly jumped up and backward as it moved in her direction.
"Mars Fire Ignite!" She called as she launched a fireball up at the man as he dodged the other attacks.
Sailor Mercury looked over as she saw Mars move away, but before she could look around to see if she needed to move she froze. Her eyes widened and flickered around in panic. She could not move or speak and the only explanation her mind could come up with was that the black streak had gotten her.
No! Stop! She told herself as she felt her arms lift, and without a word or thought a stream of cold bubbles came steaming out of her palms toward Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask.
"What are you doing?!" Sailor Mars shouted at Mercury as she watched in horror as the attack went streaming through the air.
Sailor Venus looked over and away from the man, alerted by Mars' voice, to see what was going on, and her eyes widened at the sight.
"Moon, Tuxedo! Look out!" She called out the warning before she turned back to the man and fired off her Crescent Beam to distract the man.
Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune watched as Sailor Moon and Prince Endymion turned around, and seeing that there was an attack headed their way they quickly jumped away.
"This is interesting and unexpected." Sailor Neptune commented.
"Yes. He must be able to control his shadow, possibly shadows in general, and make it control whoever it touches." Sailor Uranus said as she watched the scene.
"Clearly Mercury is being controlled, so we'll be able to see how they handle fighting him and her at the same time." Neptune said.
Tuxedo Mask and Sailor Moon looked at the scene before them and took in what they were dealing with. Sailor Mercury's eyes were black and she silently sent her bubble attack at Venus and Mars, which they quickly dodged before shifting their eyes back to the man before looking back to Mercury.
Tuxedo Mask frowned as he watched Sailor Mercury. He didn't like this situation at all. Their attention was now divided between Neflite and Mercury. One could say it had been that way last time when Jedite was there, but it wasn't the same since one of their own wasn't being controlled by the enemy making it a three way battle with those who weren't being controlled.
He looked to his soulmate and decided instantly that he didn't want her fighting her fellow scout. He didn't want her having to deal with any trouble that might bring later on, and definitely didn't want Mercury to be able to say later on that she had tried to kill her while she was being controlled.
"I'll handle her!" He insisted as he looked to Sailor Moon. "Focus on Neflite!" He added before he focused on his chakra and summoned a handful of roses and threw them at the possessed scout.
Sailor Moon turned her attention back to Neflite, trusting Tuxedo Mask to deal with Mercury since he apparently wanted to, and directed her tiara from where it hovered above her toward the maroon haired man.
Crescent Beam! Sailor Venus thought as she aimed her finger up at the man, sending her beam of light streaking toward him.
Neflite narrowed his eyes and nearly growled in his anger as he avoided first the spinning white disk and then the beam of light.
"Mars Fire Ignite!" He heard the red scout shout and he easily side stepped that attack since he heard her and could clearly see it coming.
He gestured sharply with his hand and willed a shadow from a car to move. It slithered away from the car and gathered into a small mass before it streaked toward the fighters. If he could just get one more of the fighters under his control then he would only have to worry about fighting one of them personally.
He continued to dodge their admittedly rapid attacks and guided the shadow first toward the scout in orange, but she appeared to notice it despite seemingly being focused on him and avoided it. Instead he altered its direction, grateful he didn't have to consciously control the shadows once they made contact, and moved it toward the scout in red. She didn't seem to be as diligent as the rest in what was going on around her.
"Tsk." Sailor Neptune made the disappointed sound as she watched the streak of shadow move toward an obviously unaware Mars.
Sailor Uranus grimaced in agreement as she noticed the same thing. Obviously Sailor Mars wasn't very good at paying attention to everything going on around her during a fight or rather a small battle as this was turning out to be.
Do they train? Would Prince Endymion know? She wondered vaguely as she watched, because it was clear that Mars needed to train so such an instance wouldn't happen again. Assuming she isn't injured so much that she doesn't survive this encounter. She thought grimly, knowing it was possible she might have to be hurt seriously in order to no longer be a threat.
Crescent Beam! Sailor Venus thought and watched her beam of light streak up toward the man yet again even as she saw Sailor Moon's tiara fly toward him from the other direction.
He managed to dodge her light beam, but Sailor Moon's tiara sliced his arm from behind causing him to cry out in obvious pain.
Tuxedo Mask twisted to the side to avoid the cold bubbles that Sailor Mercury sent his way, and came out of it and threw a handful of his piercing roses. She sent her cool bubbles streaming toward the roses freezing them even as she moved out of the way and silently launched the attack yet again.
He sidestepped that stream of bubbles and threw a handful of his exploding roses at her feet. She didn't react beyond sending her attack again, obviously thinking they were his piercing roses, and they exploded while he was in the process of dodging the attack.
The possessed Mercury cried out as she fell back from the force of the blast and the heat having not even braced herself since she thought it was only piercing roses.
Tuxedo Mask took the chance to move closer to Mercury and off to the side so he wasn't near his soulmate and attacks wouldn't head her way as he dodged.
He wished he could get some satisfaction out of this because of the way her attitude had been toward his soulmate, but it wasn't actually her he was fighting. That had been made clear from the start since she was fighting much better than usual.
I suppose I should be glad she isn't this good since I will probably be fighting her at some point after Serenity remembers herself. Although, it is interesting to see what she could be. He thought as he glanced over at Sailor Mars, and immediately did a double take as he noticed her stance and the direction she was facing.
"Get down!" Tuxedo Mask's voice rang through the air suddenly and urgently, and Sailor Moon immediately dropped to the ground and looked over to see Venus was about to look around.
"Venus! Get down!" She called to her just as urgently, knowing he was warning for a reason, and watched as she thankfully did just that.
They both looked up to see fireballs pass over them, and stood up as they turned around only to see Sailor Mars attacking them again, her eyes black like Mercury's. They dodged the silently sent fireballs that came streaking toward them before they looked back and forth between Mars and Neflite.
"Venus, I'll leave Mars to you since your light beam would work better on her than my tiara." Sailor Moon said seriously.
"Wouldn't I hurt her?" Sailor Venus asked with a frown as she watched Mars.
"Probably." Sailor Moon admitted. "Unless you have something else to use you'll have to risk it or get up close and fight her physically. She needs to be incapacitated so she can't fight us."
"What about him?" Venus asked as she gestured with her head up at Neflite.
"I can handle him on my own." Sailor Moon told her confidently. "I had luck fighting him the last time he showed up. Plus, fighting him might disrupt his control and free Mars and Mercury."
"Right!" Venus said before she turned and focused on her fellow scout. Crescent Beam! She thought as she raised her arm and pointed her finger at Mars.
A beam of light shot out of her finger and streaked toward Sailor Mars, but she sidestepped it and immediately launched a fireball at her in return. Venus sidestepped it and ran forward, firing off her Crescent Beam attack again as she moved closer to Mars to prevent the fireballs from hitting Sailor Moon.
Sailor Moon looked up to see Neflite looking down at them, and then glanced to her tiara as it hovered in the air above her head. She narrowed her eyes and sent it upward at an angle toward the man to distract him as she began to make her way up to the roof.
She leapt onto the hood of a car to her left before she stepped up to the roof. Looking around a little she began to run slightly, continuing to will her tiara toward him so he couldn't focus on her and attack her, and jumped up onto the top of the closest light pole where she paused before making the jump over to the rooftop.
As she sailed through the air she willed her tiara back to her and slowed it as it streaked toward her enough for her to grab it. She looked to the man as he was turning toward her and threw her tiara sharply toward him before she landed.
Neflite frowned as he turned and spotted Sailor Moon, having identified all of the fighters from what he had heard them say so far, moving through the air to the roof, and then his eyes widened when in the next moment that spinning disk came streaking at him.
He dodged to his left closer to the edge of the roof and avoided getting the disk in his chest but got caught in his right arm causing him to cry out at the sharp pain. Still, he kept his eyes on the scout as she shifted her footing to face him with a serious almost flinty look in her eyes.
Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus watched the three different fights going on with intense interest. They both approved of the way Sailor Moon took in the situation and decided who would handle the possessed Sailor Mars and who would handle Neflite. They also approved of the way Venus had listened to her whenever she spoke and followed directions.
That was important. Directions from a more experienced person needed to be followed in the middle of a fight for the safety of everyone. Sailor Moon had been the first fighter awakened so she had the most experience, which meant she needed to be listened to when she spoke seriously in such situations.
Another point in Venus' favor was that she moved her fight away from Sailor Moon so she wouldn't risk her getting hit unexpectedly or interfere in her fight with Neflite.
Prince Endymion's fight with Mercury was intense in that their attacks were coming rapidly and they were moving around nearly as rapidly. It was slightly saddening to see that both Sailor Mercury and Sailor Mars were better fighters while being possessed than they were on their own.
However, with all the fighting going on and as closely as they were watching each fight they were paying more attention to Sailor Moon's fight, because it was clear that it was her fight with Neflite that would hopefully free the possessed scouts and stop all the fighting altogether.
Tuxedo Mask threw his roses at Sailor Mercury, alternating between his piercing and exploding roses, and gradually inched closer and closer to her as she dodged or froze them. His rose whip was still in his hand and he was going to use it when the time was right to subdue her and avoid a physical fight with her.
He would admit that knocking her around would be satisfying but not when she was possessed, and definitely not when there was other fighting going on. Besides that he wished to aid his soulmate or if she did not need him than at least be able to freely watch her back.
The possessed Sailor Mercury suddenly spewed her bubble fog spreading the cool fog over a large area around them, and even interfered with Sailor Venus and Sailor Mars' fight as it spread around them as well.
Sailor Venus rolled away from a fireball headed for her as the fog swept over the area blocking her view of Mars. She knelt in a slight crouch where she landed as she listened to see if she could hear anyone's movements.
That was her only option with this surprising development. From the feel and suddenness of it she knew that fog had to have come from Mercury. She'd had no idea Mercury could do such a thing, but she reminded herself that this was her first fight so she was only now learning what everyone could do.
Or least some of what they can do. She amended as she heard the slight sound of clicking, and recognized it for what it was; the sound of someone walking on high heels.
She stood slowly and just as slowly moved to her left, further into the street, and closer to the sound as she lifted her hand in preparation to attack. She was aware that an up close attack with her beam could seriously hurt Mars, but she had no choice if she was to stop her; not to mention if she didn't want to be seriously injured herself.
Will this change her behavior toward me? She wondered vaguely as she continued to listen to the sound of Mars walking. Not that it matters much. If anything this should make her become more aware of her surroundings, so she doesn't end up as the enemy's puppet again. It seemed to be entirely too easy for her and Mercury to be possessed. I suppose it's a good thing the princess isn't around yet or she would have been screwed.
Venus could imagine such a scenario. The princess at the fight scene for whatever reason, likely having just been found or her attitude insisting that she be present to see her guardians in action, and two of her guardians getting possessed while the enemy was around. Just like with the current situation that would make it three against three, and those of us who were smart enough to avoid getting possessed being blamed for the whole thing once all was said and done.
It was a scenario catered to remind her of why she hadn't wanted to be a scout. It was one thing to only be responsible for her own actions, but being part of the Guardian Sailor Scouts meant she was highly likely to be judged as a group with everyone's actions being judged as one.
Crescent Beam! She thought with a frown as her previous thought dampened her mood.
Her light beam instantly streaked out of her finger and pierced through the rather thick fog before it collided with Mars' hidden form. She quickly ran toward the sound of a pained cry and saw her fellow scout just land on her back with a dull thud and another cry with a slight scorch mark on her chest where her bow sat.
Quickly she went to the fallen scout and pulled her hands together before she turned her onto her stomach so her hands and arms were trapped beneath her. She then straddled her back to make sure she couldn't get up and her hands remained bound, and shifted her hair to both sides of her face just in case it turned out she could breathe fire.
That should do. Unless a possessed Mars doesn't care about burning off her hair to try and attack me. She considered as she kept a firm eye on her struggling fellow scout, and her ears peeled for any sounds coming her way.
Tuxedo Mask frowned as his vision was blocked by Mercury's fog, and then his expression darkened as he remembered the last time she had used the ability. It had been a pain then and it was a pain now, but just as before he had a counter that rendered it useless against him. Not that anyone knew that.
He silently moved away, off to his left side to avoid being in the line of fire, and focused on the image of Sailor Mercury before he tapped into his connection with the Earth; silently berating himself for not doing so before he had even joined the fight before his soulmate had even arrived in fact.
Images of places shrouded in the dark of night, scenes of cars driving, people walking, and people in their homes flashed through his mind rapidly before they slowed and showed the street he stood on zeroed in on the possessed scout he faced. She stood exactly where he had last seen her and he nodded slightly to himself before he decided to act and put a stop to her.
He shifted his mental vision of her so he could see her from the exact angle he would if he was seeing through his own eyes and pulled out two of his piercing roses. He threw them sharply and watched as they flew through the air and pierced each of her hands.
He ignored her cry of pain and shifted his whip to his right hand before he flung it toward her, willing it to extend before the green vine began to wrap rapidly around her upper body trapping her arms. He pulled it slightly tightening the vine around her, uncaring that the thorns littering the vine were puncturing her.
Tuxedo Mask ran forward, making sure to shift his weight so he made less noise on the asphalt, and once he could see her with his eyes he quickly swung his fist at her and caught her in the side of her face. She dropped without a sound, and thankfully the cold fog began to dissipate.
Sailor Mars looked out through her blinking eyes as she felt her body struggling under Venus' weight. She still couldn't believe she had been caught by the shadow. She had thought he only had that one black streak, so she had stopped looking for more and focused on attacking and looking for any possible back up.
Clearly that was a mistake. She thought in disgruntlement. At least I now know that black streak was truly a shadow, so he can control shadows in general. Next time, if there is a next time, I'll make sure to keep a better look out. She thought as she began to see the fog clear away.
Her eyes blinked and the fog finally cleared enough for her to see Tuxedo Mask standing over Sailor Mercury's collapsed form.
Oh my god! Did he kill her?! She thought in panic.
"Are you alright?" She heard Venus call out to him, and watched as he looked in their direction.
"Yes. Are you?" He answered and asked in return, his voice sounding a little concerned.
"I am." She heard Venus call back. "What about Mercury?"
"She's unconscious." Mars heard him reply, and she breathed a mental sigh of relief that he hadn't killed Mercury. Although he could be lying. She thought in the next moment even as it never registered that he hadn't enquired after her own wellbeing.
She then watched from her vantage point as he moved to stand behind Mercury's head and looked up toward the roof out of her view, and wonder what he was looking at before she remembered seeing Sailor Moon going up there to fight Neflite.
Sailor Moon gazed at Neflite as she caught her tiara as it returned to her. She took in all the nicks and cuts he was sporting from the multiple times he managed to dodge or move unexpectedly before her tiara could land a serious blow on him.
It was highly irritating and frustrating that all she had to work with was her tiara, but it and her physical fighting skills were all she had to work with, so she needed to figure out how to get close to him to use those skills. That was the only other thing she could do since throwing her tiara at him from a distance wasn't working.
So distract him so I can get close, and the only thing I have is my tiara. She thought quietly before she quickly threw it at him.
She watched him dodge and she willed it to turn and head toward his back. He had obviously learned from before and looked up to see if it was coming from above. The moment he did that she took the chance and moved forward.
Neflite turned his head to the side, trying to see if that glowing disk was coming from behind him again since he didn't see it coming from above. It was and he quickly dodged out of the way, but before he could turn back to Sailor Moon he felt a kick to the side of his head.
He stumbled to the side with a pained grunt before he felt a surprisingly strong fist to the other side of his head. He thrust his leg backward suddenly in a kick, and heard a soft huff of breath but was quickly distracted by agonizing pain between his legs.
Sailor Moon listened to Neflite scream as he dropped to his knees after her swift kick to his groin. She lifted her leg and kicked him in the back causing him to fall forward sharply his face smashing abruptly onto the roof floor.
She rubbed her stomach to try and soothe her pain and moved around to his side as she grabbed her tiara from where it hovered above her head. As soon as he began to push up she swiftly kicked him in the stomach causing him to cry out, and wrapped his long hair around her free hand and pulled back.
His head jerked back and she pulled harder, pulling him up onto his knees, and quickly dragged her tiara across his throat before she could think about it. She heard a sickening gasp and gurgle before she continued her spontaneous actions, not giving him a chance to recover, and shoved her tiara into the side of his back.
Neflite screamed in pain, the sound coming out gurgled as blood spilled from his neck and trickled out of his mouth, as he felt something pierce through his back and then out his stomach.
The two hidden scouts watched the fights or at least they did until the possessed Sailor Mercury spread her fog around the area blocking their view of two of the fights. They saw a flash of light streak through the fog and knew that was from Venus, and heard a cry of pain but nothing after that for a few moments.
They turned their attention to Sailor Moon's fight and watched as she threw her tiara repeatedly, and when she wasn't doing that she was guiding it around Neflite cutting him repeatedly even as he dodged.
Uranus wasn't sure if that was her intention or if he kept avoiding what would have been more dilapidating injuries. Still, even though he was avoiding major injury he was still getting hurt, and she could tell that he was slowing down.
Neptune looked back down to the ground and saw the fog clearing and silently turned Uranus' attention back to it as well. They saw that Venus was straddling Mars and had her contained even though she was obviously struggling to get free, and Prince Endymion had Mercury contained with what looked like a vine rope around her still form.
They heard him assure Venus that Mercury was unconscious before he turned his attention to Sailor Moon's fight. They did as well and just in time to see her get close to Neflite and strike him from behind.
"Oh! I like the way she fights." Uranus said, her eyes slightly wide as she listened to Neflite scream from being kicked in the groin.
"She does have a way of taking advantage of the openings she gets, and in rather violent ways that are sure to leave her opponent stunned and vulnerable." Neptune agreed.
"And then go in for the kill." Uranus added as they watched Sailor Moon slit his throat and shove her tiara into his back and out his stomach.
His scream of pain almost echoed around the area, and Neptune took the chance to look down and witnessed the shadows possessing Mars and Mercury slide away from them. One returned to the car it must have come from, and the other moved up the side of the building and attached itself back to Neflite.
That occurrence seemed to give him some strength and he swung his arm back suddenly and caught Sailor Moon's face with a glancing blow. It was enough to cause her to loosen her grip on his hair and he managed to push her away while she was recovering from the blow and teleport away.
"Do you think he will survive?" Neptune asked as she watched Sailor Moon grab her tiara, and release the power before placing it back on her forehead.
"Yes. Otherwise he wouldn't have bothered to leave." Uranus answered honestly as she watched Sailor Moon make her way down to the ground.
They watched as Sailor Moon checked on everyone, and from the sounds of it made sure Mercury and Mars had no lasting effects from their ordeal before everyone began to leave the area.
oOoIRoOo
"Unacceptable!" An angry woman shouted as she practically threw her palm in a sharp gesture down toward the kneeling maroon haired man.
A wave of red energy shot out of her palm and swept down from where she stood in the middle of the gray stairs leading down from her throne, and slammed into Neflite blasting him back with a surprised cry since he had his head bowed and didn't see it coming.
Neflite grunted as his back hit the black marble floor and he tumbled backward over and over until his back slammed into the wall. He cried out in pain before he fell forward with a huff. In that moment he was immensely glad that he had been healed before he had gained an audience with his Queen.
It had been a couple hours since the wolf monster he had sent out had been killed, and all the energy he had collected had been lost, and just as long since he had nearly been killed by Sailor Moon. He was very aware that it had only been his shadow returning to him that gave him the energy to free himself and escape.
"Again you have failed to bring back energy!" The Queen shouted as she glared at Neflite's struggling form before she began to make her way down the rest of the stairs. "You have failed me!"
"You have all failed me!" She added angrily as she looked sharply to her left where her other three generals stood next to one of the many pillars littering that side of the cavernous room. She wanted to make sure they were aware she was speaking to them as well.
"Why am I surrounded by incompetence?!" She snapped. "What went wrong this time?"
"My Queen, the monster was doing fine to my understanding before he was confronted by the masked man and the scouts." Neflite said after he had managed to get himself into a kneeling position. "There are four of those scouts now." He informed her and his fellow generals.
"Who are they?" She demanded to know.
"Sailor's Moon, Venus, Mars, and Mercury." He answered quickly.
"And which one of them injured you so terribly?" The Queen questioned with narrowed red eyes.
"Sailor Moon." Neflite answered shamefully; still disbelieving that he had nearly been killed by the woman.
The Queen's narrowed eyes began to glow as her anger steadily grew with the knowledge she received. Those scouts were turning out to be far more trouble than she ever thought they would be considering they were only supposed to be guardians.
Guardians to a spoiled princess at that. She thought as she turned away from Neflite's kneeling form.
Yes she remembered the purpose of those scouts, those Guardian Sailor Scouts. After Jedite had explained the trouble with collecting energy and the ones responsible she began to remember more.
She had actually known she had a past to remember, had actually remembered a great deal of it, but since Jedite's explanation she began to recall the rest. She knew the scouts that had been thwarting their efforts to collect energy were the reincarnations of the Moon Princess' guardians, and because of that she knew that the only one missing was Sailor Jupiter. Either she simply wasn't at the fight scene or she had yet to be found.
She was also confident that the princess had yet to be found. The scouts would be behaving differently if she had been. Of course, she knew that she needed to either prevent the princess from being found or kill her as soon as she was revealed; the same way she made sure she had been killed in the past.
Yes. I do not need that female interfering in my plans for the Earth Prince. The same way I do not need Sailor Moon interfering. She thought dangerously.
She definitely remembered the Earth Prince spending a great deal of time with Sailor Moon. Bringing her to the Earth and showing her around the royal gardens and the palace as if it was going to be her new home.
She even recalled her surprise at learning it was one of the Moon Princess' guardians that kept drawing him to the Moon so frequently and not the princess herself. Of course anger had followed it rather quickly. He was going around courting a woman, and she wasn't even a royal!
Still, she had not let her anger and admitted jealousy stop her from learning all she could, and she discovered that he was extremely serious about the guardian scout; as well as the fact that the Moon Princess was very serious in trying to get his attentions for herself. It was why she had been intent on getting rid of her as well even though he showed no interest in her. She did not want him turning to the princess after she killed off Sailor Moon.
I did not anticipate that he would save her life by sacrificing his own. She thought in disgruntlement. That was something she would have to be careful of this time around.
Or instead of being careful I can simply get rid of her before he is found. That way he won't have time to get to know her or possibly remember her. She considered. Yes. It would be best to get rid of her sooner rather than later, but from my understanding that masked man character is usually present whenever she is and might interfere.
The masked man, who she now knew to call himself Tuxedo Mask, though was a mystery to her. She could not recall him anywhere in the past.
Perhaps he is a new player. She thought quietly.
"My Queen," She turned as one of her generals stepped forward. "I will send out the next monster. I believe I might have just the monster to gather energy, and won't waste time getting away with it."
"And who might that be?" She asked quietly her eyes narrowing at the white haired man.
"Kigaan! To me!" He called firmly, summoning the minion he had in mind.
Almost immediately a female teleported in at his side. She had brownish green tinted skin, red hair, and wore a black and red jumpsuit. She looked around and bowed to the Queen and then to her master.
"You called Master Malachite." Kigaan said as she straightened, her tone low, and he nodded firmly.
"Is she capable of getting rid of those scouts?" The Queen asked as she looked the female over.
"My Queen?" The man identified as Malachite asked.
"It is time to split our focus, and begin to get rid of those scouts." She said as she looked around at everyone; Neflite still kneeling on the floor, and Jedite and Zoycite still standing near a pillar off to the side.
"Sailor Moon in particular. That one appears to be more dangerous than the rest, but the others are a threat and a nuisance as well." She said in a calm dangerous tone. "They need to be taken out so they can not interfere any longer."
"I believe she can get rid of them if she has the right plan." Malachite assured his Queen. "Do you wish us to step in and deal with them as well?"
"Yes." The Queen replied firmly. "I want those scouts dead and gone! The masked man as well! We cannot have them interfering anymore."
"I expect results Malachite." She added menacingly, leaving no one in the room doubting that she wanted those fighters dead and energy collected.
She turned and began to make her way back up the stairs to her throne. She was unhappy that her generals were not getting her energy like she wanted, but she was still pleased to have them. It took a lot of effort to get them, but they were worth it since they were much more competent than monsters.
I am sure Prince Endymion will pleased as well once I find him. She thought with a smirk. He will have the company of his Guardian Generals, and I will have the company of my precious prince.
oOoIRoOo
Serena ran down a sidewalk in the early dark hours of Wednesday morning as she went about satisfying her itching urge to patrol and make sure people were safe.
This time she had remembered the Crescent Moon Wand Luna had given her, so she had the wand in her hand as she ran so she would know if it alerted to a rainbow crystal.
She glanced up and spotted a fire escape so she leapt up and grabbed onto the bottom edge, not wanting to risk the noise of the ladder dropping if she grabbed it instead, and swung herself up before making her way up to the roof.
As she moved across the roof she thought back on her day. It was a normal day with no monster attacks. She went to school and spent her time after school let out with her boyfriend.
To everyone she had spoken to she doubted they knew that her mind had been occupied. She had spent pretty much the whole day thinking about her theory, and when she met up with her boyfriend she had spent the entire time looking at him closely, and making note of everything about him and comparing it all to what she had seen and heard from Tuxedo Mask.
Despite having been distracted by dealing with a monster that night a couple of days ago she perfectly recalled Tuxedo Mask's words about being closer to him than she thought. She wasn't close to many guys, and after considering it she thought she knew who he was; but it was hard to believe, and yet not at the same time.
Her boyfriend was a handsome man, but she had stared at him that day more than she had in all the time they had known each other. What she gradually realized was that her thought of him and Tuxedo Mask looking similar was more than true.
Both men had short black hair cut in the same style, the same deep blue eyes, the same facial structure, were the same height, and had the same deep voice.
There were other things she had noticed on top of that, and because of them she was almost positive she was right in her theory.
Serena paused her thoughts as she carefully made her way back to the ground after traversing a few blocks of rooftops, and dashed along the sidewalk before entering the park that was up ahead of her.
I have to figure out how to prove it. She thought as she slowed to a jog in the grass. Well, I have an idea, but I don't know if I can go through with it. What if I'm wrong about my theory?
Before her thoughts could continue she heard the familiar masculine voice of her companion from behind her.
"Patrolling again little scout?" She heard, and paused as she turned to see Tuxedo Mask walking toward her.
She could feel her face heating up at the way his words sounded. It was like a greeting and a subtle caress rolled into one, and with her theory filling her head she was finding herself feeling a bit shy.
"Yeah." She said quietly as she nodded; watching him move closer and closer. I can't deal with this. I need to know if I'm right. She decided as he reached her and stopped.
She could not be thinking about whether Tuxedo Mask was her boyfriend or if her boyfriend was Tuxedo Mask endlessly for days and weeks, possibly years, on end. She needed to know!
"Can I kiss you?" Sailor Moon blurted out before she lost her nerve at the idea she had come up with.
"Excuse me?" Tuxedo Mask asked, wondering if he had heard her right even though he was sure he had. Am I dreaming? He thought, because his soulmate couldn't possibly be asking to kiss him without knowing who he was.
Oh! Has she finally figured it out? He wondered as he gazed at her, and watched as she took a deep breath.
"I think...I know who you are, but I want to be sure before I say anything." She said, nervous and shyness mixing as she explained herself. "This is the only way I could think of making sure since anything I say could give my identity away. I just really hope I'm right about this."
And she truly did because if she was wrong then she would essentially be cheating on her boyfriend, and that was the last thing she wanted. There was just no denying the things she had been noticing about both men.
Both were very similar in personality and understanding whenever she talked to them and expressed herself or confided something to them. Tuxedo Mask used red roses in all of his attacks, and Darien always gave her red roses when they went on dates. Then there was the fact that Tuxedo Mask was saying things that made her wonder if he knew more about her then he should.
Tuxedo Mask nodded slowly in understanding as he took in her words. Yes it seemed she had finally figured out who he was. Although, he seriously doubted she was going to tell him he was the prince from her memories. He believed she was still convincing herself that that was an impossibility.
Plus, I did not kiss her as Sailor Moon in the past, so that could not help her in believing I am the prince. He told himself. Although, it will be interesting to see if a memory is triggered from this.
"I am willing if you believe it is the only way." He finally said. He, of course, decided that she would definitely know it was him after the kiss he planned on giving her. He only wished he could get her to remember her true self with just a kiss.
Sailor Moon nodded nervously, taking his agreement to do this as more confirmation that she was right. Unless Tuxedo Mask just wanted to kiss her for the hell of it. Still, if she was wrong she would be cheating on her boyfriend, but if she was right then her boyfriend was right in front of her.
"Relax." He told her as he moved closer to her. "Everything will be alright. You can't be sure if you're too nervous to read the cues you're looking for."
"Okay." She said, nodding as she looked up at him, but before she could do anything he acted first.
Tuxedo Mask wrapped an arm around her waist and placed his free hand on the back of her neck, and brought his lips to hers in a gentle kiss before he began to deepen it as he always did. His grip on her tightened and his tongue asked and gained permission before slipping into her mouth to dance with hers.
Sailor Moon hummed in pleasure as she brought one of her arms up and wrapped it around his neck, idly being careful with the wand she still held, while her other arm went around his back. This was nice, it was pleasing, it was familiar, and she was so very happy she was actually right.
"Darien." She breathed out, opening her eyes as he pulled his lips from hers.
"Serena. I'm glad you finally figure it out." He said with a small smile before he gave her brief kiss and slowly released her.
"Did you know it was me all this time; from the beginning?" She asked in surprise.
"Yes." He answered easily. "I actually recognized you. I think your transformation really does conceal your true identity since I don't know who the other scouts are, but it doesn't affect me." He explained. "I wanted to tell you, but I figured it would be better for you to figure it out on your own."
"How are you always able to show up at fights or when I'm patrolling; how do you always know how to find me?" Serena asked.
"Because I can sense you transform." Darien answered truthfully. "I can sense you as long as you're transformed and follow that sense directly to you."
"Wow. I wonder what that means that you can do that." She said as she gazed at him.
She wondered if it had anything to do with her past lives. She remembered he said he thought he had become Tuxedo Mask because she became Sailor Moon. She also recalled wondering if they had been companions in the past, but she had yet to remember a memory with him in it.
Maybe I just haven't remembered him yet. She told herself thoughtfully.
Darien didn't bother replying because of course he knew exactly what it meant. He simply needed to continue on as he was to gain her love, so he could complete their soul bond and get his Serenity back completely.
"Don't worry I won't tell the others; especially with them thinking you're an enemy." She assured him. "I can already hear Luna's voice saying you're just getting close to me to get information and access to the princess." She added as she rolled her eyes.
"I'm not interested in a princess. I'm interested in my little scout right here in front of me." He said with a smile; never having even thought she would tell the others she worked with. "Now we can spend even more time together without worry." He added in pleasure.
"That's right!" She replied with a gasp as her eyes brightened.
"Who is Luna if you don't mind me asking?" Darien asked.
"Oh! Not at all. She's the one who found me and told me I was a scout." Serena answered, and he nodded.
She is likely that black cat, which is why my Serenity never said anything about having a pet cat. He thought.
"So were you patrolling or just out on a late night stroll?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I was out patrolling." She answered. "Sorry if I woke you. That can't have been a pleasant awakening." She added with a grimace, and then frowned as she wondered how many times she had awakened him by transforming.
"Don't worry about it." He said as he reached out and caressed her cheek. "And don't you dare hesitate to transform at this time of night for fear of waking me up. I really truly do not mind."
"Okay." Serena agreed as she nodded. "So let's go." She added as she gestured in the direction she had been headed in originally.
Darien nodded and the two of them began to walk instead of their usual run, which he thought was nice since he hadn't taken a night time stroll with his soulmate since before she was taken from him.
"What is that thing?" He asked as he glanced to the wand in her far hand. He had noticed it when he first caught up to her, the large crescent impossible to miss, but after greeting her he was distracted away from it with her idea to confirm his true identity.
"This is the Crescent Moon Wand." She answered as she lifted it so he could see it better. "Luna gave it to me. It's supposed to find the rainbow crystals, which are actually pieces of the silver crystal that belong to the princess."
Serena had no problem revealing that information to him, didn't even consider worrying about it, since she didn't think he cared beyond what it had to do with her specifically.
Darien's eyes widened dramatically. What the hell was she doing with that wand, and why on Earth was she the one having to find those crystals?!
"I don't particularly like that finding these rainbow crystals are being left up to you alone." He said with a light frown, because it was obvious that it was being left up to her considering that the wand had been given to her. "Why is it all your responsibility?" He asked.
"Apparently I'm the only one that can use this thing." She said as she looked at the wand.
Darien frowned at her answer, but didn't say anything. Why is she the only one that can use that wand? He wondered in disgruntlement. I do not think she even possessed that wand in the past.
Beyond that he absolutely did not like that she was the one stuck locating the pieces of the crystal that had changed their lives; hers especially. It was a slap in the face, insult to injury, and she didn't even know it!
"So have you found any yet?" He asked, careful to keep the distaste from his voice.
"Nope. None so far. Apparently this wand is supposed to alert when one is nearby, and it hasn't done that while I've had it with me." She said. "Of course there's always the chance that the silver crystal isn't in pieces, and so this thing will never alert to anything."
Let us hope that is the case then. He thought as he nodded and made a sound of understanding.
As they walked Darien pushed back his distaste at the knowledge that his soulmate was looking for the pieces of the crystal that had changed their lives. He wouldn't deny that it was difficult. It was bad enough that she was supposed to be looking for the princess that was responsible for ruining their lives, but now he was learning that she was looking for the instrument used to do it.
Still, he managed it by reminding himself that he was getting to enjoy a peaceful walk with his soulmate, and that if he really thought about it he could tell that she wasn't actually doing those things as he imagined everyone thought she was.
He was always with his Serenity. If she wasn't at school then she was with him, and if she wasn't with him then she was at home. If she was with her friends then she was spending time with them enjoying herself.
Those things didn't really leave her time to be searching for the Moon Princess and now the pieces of the silver crystal that had changed their lives.
No. Even now she is not trying very much. It is likely that she is simply out patrolling but brought the wand along just to seem like she was actually searching. He thought as he glanced over to her. I believe that if she finds anything, be it princess or crystal, then it will be because she simply happened upon it.
Serena for her part was very much enjoying simply walking with her masked boyfriend. Darien was the masked guy she had named Tuxedo Mask that was at every monster fight helping her. The same guy she preferred to fight alongside rather than her fellow guardian scouts.
The same guy that helped me train to be a better fighter and provided me guidance in and outside of monster fights. She thought as she looked over to him. The same guy I confided in about my memories. I don't have to hide that from him since he's the same guy. I don't have to hide anything from him anymore.
The only thing she really hadn't told him about was the addition of Artemis and the identities of her fellow scouts, and that's because she didn't really think it mattered. She only told him things about this secret life when it concerned her personally, and she really didn't think he cared who the others were.
He's never cared about the others. She thought as she looked back to where she was walking. She recalled how he didn't care to be introduced to Mercury when he saw her for the first time, and he hadn't even mentioned Mars during or after that first fight when she showed up.
And he's never spoken to either of them nor spared them more than a glance. He really doesn't care. His focus has always been on me. She thought as she looked back to him.
Darien paused and hummed in surprise as his soulmate practically flew into him and wrapped her arms around him. Surprised though he was it didn't stop him from returning the spontaneous affection and folding her into his own arms.
"What is this for?" He asked curiously. "Not that I mind at all."
"I don't have to hide anything from you anymore." Serena answered against his chest. "I don't have to wait until I'm transformed to talk to you."
"Ah that is true," He agreed. "and I don't have to pretend not to know what you have told me while transformed."
"Yeah. Oh! You knew why I left during our first date didn't you?" She asked as she looked up at him suddenly.
"I did." Darien said as he nodded.
"And you really didn't mind?" Serena asked worriedly.
"Are you still worried about that? I didn't mind at all. I completely understood." He told her sincerely. "And although we didn't get to finish at the restaurant I still got to spend more time with you afterward; even if it was to fight a monster."
He was happy to reassure his soulmate, but he was happy she had yet to wonder how he had gotten to the monster fight that happened during her class field trip. Lying by omission was one thing, but outright telling a falsehood was something he couldn't do with her.
"True." She replied with a nod, and then she smiled. "Come on; let's run!"
Darien laughed and happily joined her as they ran from the area, eventually leaving the park, and moving along a quiet sidewalk. They moved along sidewalk after sidewalk, coming across no one, as they traveled into the downtown area.
They eventually made their way to a rooftop when they began to see more cars and people walking along the sidewalks. It wasn't long before they realized they had reached the night life area where all the clubs and bars were.
Then they both received a surprised shock when the wand she was carrying began to beep. They stopped and Serena lifted it to see the cluster of gems on the pink stick glowing and pulsing with each beep.
She looked to Darien before she walked over to the front edge of the roof and looked down. The sign on the building was lit up and glowing, but couldn't be read from where she was standing, and further down standing on the sidewalk were a group of people. Some standing alongside the building in a line and others a few feet away from the entrance.
"Well, it's either in this building or down there with one of them." She said as her masked boyfriend joined her.
"I guess we'll have to wait and see if the beeping stops to know if the crystal is stationary or in motion and moving away from the immediate area." Darien said as he looked down at the people. They were all dressed nicely, and judging from their arrangement the building likely housed a club, and it was clear the club had a dress code.
Serena nodded and they waited. They stared down at the people, looking around the area, and gazed off into the distance at buildings further away to pass the time.
"Do me a favor will you?" She asked suddenly.
"Yes...?" Darien said as he looked over to his soulmate.
"Can we not go to a club for any of our dates?" Serena asked as she looked to him.
"You don't like clubs?" He asked.
"I don't like the idea of music so loud that we wouldn't be able to hear each other talk, or being squished up with a bunch of people trying to dance, or having to watch my drink to make sure it wouldn't be tampered with by something that could affect my judgement." She said as she shook her head.
"I have no problem with that. The club scene is not my style, and not just for those same reasons." Darien said reassuringly. "No club dates for us; although I like the idea of dancing with you."
"Well, I can't wait to see what you figure out to make that happen." Serena said with a wink, and he grinned before he looked back down to the people on the sidewalk.
After nearly fifteen minutes the beeping coming from the wand stopped. She looked down and saw a group of people walking away to her left. She looked to the right and only saw the line of people waiting to get into the establishment, so she turned and began to run along the rooftops back in the direction they had originally come from.
She slowed and kept checking over the edge to see if she had caught up to the group of people walking, and as soon as she did catch up the wand started beeping again.
"So it is one of those people." Darien commented as he caught up to her; having easily guessed that the group of people moving away was why the beeping stopped.
"Yes." Serena confirmed as she glanced to him. "Now I just have to figure out which one it is, and then how to separate them from the group to get it."
Darien hummed in agreement as he walked alongside her along the rooftop. It was either separate the one with the crystal from the group or follow them for however long the groups outing would last. Then there was the issue of trying to follow a moving car. He thought it was possible but neither of them had done it before.
I supposed it will be good training if we have to do that. He thought as he moved around her back to glance over the edge and down at the walking group.
They followed them from rooftops down a few blocks and across a few streets to what turned out to be another club, but only half the group entered and the remaining two continued walking. Thankfully the rainbow crystal was with one of the remaining two; a man and a woman as far as they could tell.
A few minutes later the two stopped outside a restaurant and the disguised couple knelt down on the roof of the building directly across the street to watch. After a short talk the man opened the door and the woman went inside, but he remained outside and dug into his pockets and pulled out a box of cigarettes and a lighter.
Both Serena and Darien frowned and thought that was a nasty past time and especially bad for the man's health.
Serena shook her head and idly took in his outfit now that she could see it clearly. He was wearing a dark royal blue suit with a white button up shirt with the top buttons open.
He's dressed nicely, and his short brown hair and glasses go with it. Altogether he's a nice looking guy, but the fact that he smokes ruins his attraction in my opinion. She thought idly.
She didn't know if that girl in the restaurant was his friend or girlfriend, but if she was her she couldn't imagine kissing him while he smelled like cigarette smoke.
I'm glad Darien doesn't smoke, so I don't have to deal with that. She thought gratefully; although she wondered if she would have allowed their relationship to grow or not if he did smoke.
Darien closed his eyes briefly to block out the sight. He knew that in the past his people had bad habits, but nothing as unhealthy as smoking. Such a thing didn't exist; hadn't even been thought of.
How hard will it be to eliminate such a thing when I restore my kingdom? He wondered before he pushed the thought away.
"Is he the one?" He asked.
"Yes. He has the crystal, which ever crystal it is." Serena answered, and then sighed. "You know I had kind of hoped I wouldn't find one."
"Why?" Darien asked curiously as he looked to her. He knew he didn't want her to find the crystals, but he wondered what her reason was.
"Because I don't know how to get it; I wasn't told how." She answered as she looked over to him. "Plus, does he have it in his possession or is it unknowingly inside him? And either way how am I supposed to get it without him knowing or seeing?"
Darien nodded as he looked back down to the smoking man. He usually didn't have a problem helping his soulmate, but in this instance he didn't want to give her any advice. He didn't want her finding those crystals or even touching them.
Still, he didn't want her worrying and stressing, especially since she was likely to be blamed for not getting the crystal if she revealed that she found one and didn't get it, so he would give her his opinion. Whether it would work or not he didn't know.
"Maybe the wand is the key. You should focus on the wand and focus your will into it." He suggested. "Be specific about what exactly you want, and see what happens."
"Okay." Serena said as she nodded.
She looked back down to the man before she lifted the wand she held and looked at it. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly before she aimed the wand at the man.
Okay. I want to get the crystal, rainbow or silver whichever it happens to be, without hurting the man, and also without him knowing anything is happening. She thought as she focused on the wand even as she stared down at the man. This is what I want, what I need to happen. She practically told the wand.
Darien looked over to Serena to see her staring down at the man intently and then his eyes shifted to the crescent wand she held as he wondered if anything would happen. In the next moment the crescent of the wand began to glow a bright white before a beam of light shot off it and down toward the man.
The white light hit the man in the chest, but he didn't react; he simply continued to smoke his cigarette. It was as if he didn't see the light let alone feel it. Not that he knew that it would feel like anything.
But I know how my own energy feels when I use it, so I would guess that he would feel something. He thought as he watched the man. But perhaps being a normal civilian makes it so he does not feel anything; just as they do not seem to know when their energy is being stolen.
Serena watched closely as the beam of light continued to stay with the man as he shifted around, and then her eyes widened slightly as she watched a red object slip out of his chest as if it was made of liquid instead of bone, muscle, and tissue.
The beam of light began to retract back toward her with the object at its end, and once it reached the crescent of the wand she grasped it in her gloved hand and the white light disappeared. She looked to the man and saw that he was obviously oblivious about what had just happened.
"Well, at least I now know that the silver crystal is really in pieces." She said as she looked at the clearly red crystal.
Darien simply hummed, not wanting to say anything about the crystal or the state of it. He wished he didn't even have to see it since looking at it brought back bad memories; memories of the day he woke up and found his Serenity gone and the position of Sailor Earth no longer in existence.
"Now that you have it do you want to continue patrolling?" He asked as he looked to her beautiful eyes.
"Yeah. I'm not ready to go home yet." Serena answered before she lifted the rainbow crystal and slipped it beneath her blue collar, so it could sit securely against her skin, and she wouldn't have to worry about losing it.
She just wished she could store the wand away as easily since she didn't want to have to hold it the entire time she was out tonight.
"Alright; let's go." Darien said after he watched her storing the crystal away. He thought she had chosen an interesting location, but he didn't allow himself to get distracted by the sight. Now was not the time to be admiring her chest.
Together the couple stood up and ran off across the rooftop and away from the area; leaving behind the smoking man unaware that something foreign had been removed from his body while he was enjoying his unhealthy pass time.
oOo
Almost two hours had passed since the couple resumed patrolling, and they reluctantly decided it was time to head home so they could get some sleep to be rested enough for the day ahead.
They ran along the sidewalks, coming closer and closer to Serena's neighborhood, since Darien had insisted on escorting her home for his peace of mind since he now safely could; or at least to her neighborhood so the feline wouldn't spot him.
He also couldn't risk taking her directly to her house because there was a chance an insomniac neighbor could spot them while looking out the window in their sleeplessness. The last thing they needed was someone seeing Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask going to a particular house.
That could cause gossip and alert her family to her secret, and of course the feline could overhear and try and chastise her for spending time with my masked persona and leading me to her house. Darien thought as he ran at his soulmate's side.
I cannot wait until she remembers her true self. Then none of this subterfuge will be necessary since she could teleport directly into her house without being seen. He thought.
They would no longer have to be concerned about being seen together outside of fights by the guardian scouts because of how it would make things difficult for her, no longer have to worry about concealing his true identity from those scouts, and definitely not have to hide his distaste and loathing for the Moon Princess.
Yes. I definitely cannot wait for that time. He thought quietly.
Serena gazed around as they ran and seeing that they were getting close to her block she began to slow. She thought it was very sweet and considerate of her masked boyfriend to see her safely to her neighborhood, would rather he could see her safely directly to her house, but there was a chance a neighbor could see.
And of course Artemis if he is awake and looking out the window. She thought with a light sigh before she slowed to a stop in a place where there were no windows and the angle on the sidewalk was out of view of windows on other streets.
"This is a good place to part." She said as she looked to Darien.
"Yes." He agreed, seeing from the familiar houses that they were around the corner and a block away from her house.
"Thank you for seeing me home." Serena said as she turned to him and stepped close in front of him. "Well, close to it anyway." She amended as she reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"You are very welcome." He said as he placed his hands on her hips. "I will be happy to do so every time."
Serena smiled before she pushed up on her toes and brought her lips to his, and hummed happily as he didn't hesitate to return the affection. She was also admittedly feeling thrilled that she was kissing a masked man that happened to be her boyfriend. It was definitely exciting.
Unfortunately it couldn't last and they slowly broke the kiss, helplessly stealing two more, before they stepped back from each other.
"I'll see you tomorrow...or, well, later today." She said as she idly shifted the wand in her hand.
"Absolutely." Darien confirmed with a small smile. "I look forward to it as always." He added honestly.
"Me too." Serena said and then sigh. "Bye, and goodnight."
"Goodnight." He replied as he reached out and caressed her cheek.
She smiled at the gesture and then turned and dashed away to head the rest of the way on her own.
Darien watched until she disappeared around the corner, and then focused on his bedroom and the area at the end of his bed before teleporting himself away in a flash of golden light.
As Serena jogged along the sidewalk she couldn't help thinking about the man she had just left. Darien, her boyfriend, was Tuxedo Mask.
She was still surprised by that, but she was also glad for it. She didn't have to hide half her life from him, and could talk to him away from their secret lives about their secret lives without worry.
She also saw from tonight that his guidance and advice would continue, which was something she was happy about. She didn't pretend to have all the answers and wasn't afraid to ask for help when she knew she needed it.
It's just nice that I'll be able to get that help from him, someone I trust and know I can rely on; someone that won't judge me and be suspicious of me because I have an ability I didn't mention previously. She thought, remembering how he hadn't batted an eyelash when she first mentioned that she could sense dark energy. He just accepted it as something she could do and didn't question it.
Serena slowed to a stop in front of her house and looked around to make sure no one was looking out their windows. When she saw that she was unobserved as far as she could tell she moved forward and jumped up onto her balcony and slowly eased the glass door open.
She slipped inside, looking around and seeing that no one was there, and closed the door quietly. She sighed lightly and placed the wand on her nightstand before she sat on her bed and gently stroked Artemis' warm fur.
"Artemis." She called softly as she continued to pet him to wake him. "Artemis." She called a second time, and listened as he began to purr.
"Serena?" Artemis said sleepily before he opened his eyes. He blinked to see that she was still transformed.
"Look what I found during my patrol." Serena said before she reached beneath her collar and pulled out the red crystal.
"Is that one of the rainbow crystals?" He asked with a gasp as he sat up slightly.
"Yeah." She confirmed. "It was inside a man. He was coming out of a club and it took some time to figure out how to get it without him knowing or being injured."
"How did you do it?" He asked curiously. He knew the wand could aid in finding the rainbow crystals, but he had wondered how she would get the crystals.
"I channeled my will through the wand and it worked exactly as I wanted." She answered easily. No need for him to know it was Darien's suggestion. She thought as she placed the crystal in front of him and released her transformation.
"I admit I expected there to be some kind of fanfare with the crystals when they were found, assuming that the silver crystal was in pieces, but it is just a colored crystal as far as I can tell." Artemis said as he gazed at the crystal and poked at it with his paw.
"Maybe it will only do something when the princess has it or all of the rainbow crystals are together." Serena suggested as she leaned over and placed her brooch on her nightstand, and grabbed the wand and went and placed it in her school bag since she wasn't going back out that night.
"I suppose." He said with a sigh.
"I'm going to put this away." She said as she walked over and grabbed the crystal. "You can tell Luna about this the next time you see her since I'm sure you'll see her before me." She added before she walked over to her vanity table.
She pulled out one of the small drawers and placed the crystal inside before she closed it. She didn't want the crystal out in the open, and this way it was less likely to be found if her parents or brother came into her room looking for something.
"I'll tell her tomorrow while you're at school." Artemis said as he watched Serena walk back and begin to get under her covers.
"Okay. Well we know if she has any questions she knows where to find me." Serena said as she began to scoot down to lay down as she pulled her covers over her.
"True." He replied with slight amusement; knowing Luna would have questions, and likely ones that didn't truly matter. "Goodnight Serena." He said as he shifted and lay down at her side and closed his eyes.
"Goodnight." She replied as she closed her eyes, prepared to go over her time with her masked boyfriend until she fell asleep.
oOoIRoOo
Venus stood on the sidelines in the ballroom in the palace of her home planet as the ball celebrating the Venus Prince's birthday.
As she watched her princess dance she remembered how she had celebrated privately with her brother and family since they knew she would be duty bound to watch and guard her princess during the ball. They had had a good time and she had thoroughly enjoyed seeing her family again.
Now here she was standing and watching as people from every planet happily celebrated her brother's birth. As her eyes flickered away to look around the room she saw some of her fellow scouts frowning, looking disapproving and disgruntled.
Her eyes went back to her princess, but she was enjoying herself on the dance floor. She looked back to them and saw that they still looked the same, so she tried to follow their eye sight and that's when she saw what their issue was.
Her fellow scout, Sailor Moon, was standing against a wall speaking to the prince of the Earth. She looked calm and was still watching their princess while occasionally looking to the prince. She could see Moon was trying to do her duty as well as not be rude to the prince.
Venus glanced to her princess and saw that she was still occupied on the dance floor then she looked back to Moon, and watched as she suddenly blushed in the middle of their conversation and look away from the prince. The prince on the other hand had a small smile on his face and never looked away from Moon.
A few minutes later she watched as the prince seemed to coax Moon onto the dance floor with him, and watched as they began to dance and nearly blend in with the rest of the dancers.
She quickly looked to her other fellow scouts and saw their looks turn severe, and then looked to her princess to see that she had spotted the pair and was obviously angry and jealous. She looked back to Moon and the Earth Prince, and saw them both smiling and moving together and around other dancers elegantly as if they had years of practice dancing together.
Which was strange since she only knew of one instance of them dancing together. There could have been more, but that still didn't explain how well they danced together.
Still, beyond all of that Moon looked happy, and so did the prince for that matter. She could actually sense their attraction for each other and happiness together. It was very clear to her despite sensing loving emotions from the other people in the large ballroom.
She'd heard the rumors like seemingly everyone else in the solar system about the prince being withdrawn, unhappy, and depressed for months. Then ever since he spotted Sailor Moon at the luncheon gathering on the Moon he had been different.
And now she was truly seeing that difference with her own eyes, and sensing it as well. There was no denying the happiness he was feeling nor the happiness of her fellow scout.
Mina's eyes snapped open as her alarm sounded throughout her bedroom. She groaned before she reached over and turned it off and flopped back on her bed. Then she blinked her eyes rapidly and wide to help herself wake up further as she registered that it was Wednesday and she had school.
As she lay in her bed blinking her eyes around her room she recalled her dream. Her very vivid dream, which she was sure was a memory of her past.
She was surprised at seeing it at all, but remembered Serena saying she might start remembering the past just like she was.
Still, she didn't expect what she saw, a romance or a budding romance between Sailor Moon and apparently the prince of the Earth, when she thought of the possibility of remembering, but she guessed it had been something she had seen and noted so it was now a memory.
And it's clear that the other scouts didn't like it, and apparently neither did the princess. It's also clear that I didn't seem to mind. She thought quietly. I wonder if Serena has been remembering instances of her spending time with the Earth Prince, and what she thinks of it considering she has a boyfriend in this life.
She also couldn't help wondering just how deep that romance went, and what Serena would do if the prince ever showed up wanting to be with her again.
Mina then turned her mind to the other information the memory had given her in terms of what she was supposed to be doing as a guardian scout. She now knew what the last scout and the Moon Princess looked like.
She was immediately surprised at Sailor Moon and the princess having the same hair style. Considering Serena wore her hair that way again she wondered if the reincarnation of the princess did as well.
One thing she knew for sure was that Sailor Moon wasn't the Princess. They had a slightly similar appearance, mostly because of the hair style, but they looked different, and Serena herself said she had remembered memories of the princess so obviously she couldn't be a scout and the princess at the same time.
Another thing she noted now that she was awake was that seeing what the princess looked like, putting a face to the name in essence, didn't inspire any positive feelings about the fact that she was one of her Guardian Scouts.
The royal young woman looked just as Artemis said she might be; arrogant, selfish, and spoiled. Then again she was seeing the guy she liked happily dancing with one of her Guardian Scouts. Jealousy was to be expected, but then again one would think a princess would have more decorum and not show such feelings in public; and on a different planet then her own no less.
The fact that she did shows that she felt entitled and justified. Mina thought with a light frown.
She also saw that the last scout, Sailor Jupiter, was dressed like the rest of them and wearing green and white, her brown hair was pulled up in a high ponytail, and from looking across the ballroom she had looked tall.
From that memory alone she did not think she had come across anyone that looked like her, but then again she went to school with both Serena and Amy and hadn't remembered seeing either of them. It was very possible the scout of Jupiter went to school with them, and none of them had seen her yet.
I'll keep an eye open for anyone that looks like her. She told herself as she finally sat up. And I suppose anyone that looks like the princess as well. She added reluctantly with a sigh.
Turning her mind elsewhere she considered the last thing the memory had revealed to her. A possible ability she may have had in the past. The ability to sense emotions. So far she hadn't sensed any emotions from anyone, so either she was just really perceptive in the past or the ability hadn't manifested itself yet.
I think I might like that ability depending on how it works. She thought as she got out of her bed. I guess I'll just have to see if that ability appears.
With that thought she went about gathering her clothes to begin getting ready for her school day.
oOoIRoOo
Wednesday afternoon found Amara and Michelle stretching in the grass in a park after a physical sparring match. Both of them were quiet and lost in thought. Amara was considering how they each did in the spar and what they would be working on next, but Michelle's mind was preoccupied with the health of a particular man.
The general Neflite, if she remembered his name correctly, had been injured pretty badly the night before. That wouldn't be a bad thing since he was part of their enemy, but he was also the reincarnation of one of Prince Endymion's Guardian Generals and it made her worry for him.
Next time he might be killed, and that might cause a chain reaction of the other generals being killed as well. They couldn't let that happen could they? Pluto had said the Generals had been brainwashed in the past, and she wondered if that had happened this time around as well. If it did that meant they were with the enemy against their will.
We don't know, but we will never know if they are killed before we can find out. She told herself thoughtfully as she stopped stretching and looked over to her companion.
"What do you think of the general being hurt last night?" Michelle asked.
"You mean almost killed." Amara replied, and Michelle hummed in agreement. "I like that Serena fought him strategically and didn't hesitate to seriously hurt and try to kill him, but after having thought about it I'm glad she didn't manage it."
"That is what I was thinking." Michelle agreed. "I don't want him killed before we can find out if he and the other generals have been brainwashed."
"Prince Endymion is focused on Serena but he is going to need them or at the least want them back, and it would be best to get to them before the Scouts kill them. Not to mention to save Sailor Earth from the pain of knowing she had killed, or been part of killing, friends she had known once she remembers her true self." She added.
"Mmm...good point." Amara admitted thoughtfully. "Last night was close, and even though I don't believe he died from his injuries I believe he was seriously injured enough to be absent from fights; unless they have a way of being healed instantly."
"Next time he might not be so lucky. Serena is fighting seriously because as far as she knows he's her enemy and out to kill her, Prince Endymion will likely be fighting seriously as well if only to keep his soulmate safe, and the other scouts will be doing their best to injure him because he's an enemy." She added.
"I want to go after him and the others." Michelle stated outright. "Perhaps we should speak to Pluto and see if she is willing to aid us."
"Hopefully she will since she's all about getting all the essential people together, and I like to think the Generals could be considered essential." Amara said.
Michelle nodded and lifted her wrist and looked to her communicator watch. It was dark turquoise and gold with a series of golden discs circling the cover with the symbol of Neptune emblazoned in the center. It was identical to Amara's except for the color and planetary symbol.
She opened the cover, allowing it to swing upward like a clamshell, and pressed the magenta button with a white symbol for Pluto on it and waited.
"Pluto here." A familiar mature feminine voice answered moments later.
"We need to talk. Are you available?" Michelle asked seriously.
"Of course." Sailor Pluto said. "Would you like to speak now or in person?"
"Now is fine." Michelle answered. "Amara and I were just discussing the fight we witnessed last night between Sailor Moon and the general Neflite after they defeated the monster. Did you happen to see it?"
"I did not; what happened?" Pluto asked curiously.
"She almost killed him." Amara said bluntly. "She sliced his throat and shoved her tiara through his back with so much force that it punched through his stomach. He was lucky to get away."
"Oh!" Pluto said quietly in surprise.
"Yes. We were thinking because of what we witness we should try to free the Generals for Prince Endymion before they are killed. After all, with his attention on his soulmate he is not focused on them." Michelle said.
"They are essential being his guardians are they not?" Amara asked.
"True; they are, and they should indeed be saved. I had seen them in the new Silver Millennium, and wondered how they were there if they are presently part of our enemy." Pluto said thoughtfully. "Although, I believe only Prince Endymion can find out if the men are actually brainwashed, so he will have to be involved at some point." She added.
"We should wait until we actually manage to save one of them." Amara suggested. "That way we could simply bring the general to him, and find out right away if the man is brainwashed. If he isn't then we can deal with him for Prince Endymion."
"Yes." Michelle agreed. "That way neither Sailor Earth nor Prince Endymion will have to deal with that pain, but since you have seen them in the new Silver Millennium it is highly likely they have been brainwashed."
"True." Pluto agreed. "Do you two have a plan as of yet?"
"No. We had only thought of the idea right before contacting you." Amara replied.
"Then let us plan what is to be done." Pluto said.
From there the three of them worked out a plan of action. Who would fight the Generals, where exactly they would fight them, on neutral ground or enemy grounds, how they would find them, and when they would enact this plan.
oOoIRoOo
Serena and Darien met up at the cafe as usual after she got out of school, but instead of hanging out there they decided to head to his apartment. They headed to his car and got in and secured their seatbelts before he started the engine and pulled out and joined the light traffic.
"I still can't believe you're Tuxedo Mask." Serena said as she gazed over at him. "You really don't mind that I gave you that name?" She asked.
"No I don't mind." Darien said as he glanced her way. "I truly didn't have a name to call myself, so I didn't mind you coming up with something. I didn't care to think of a name, and you needed to call me something."
"I'm glad you don't mind." She said with a sigh.
"Have you recalled any more memories?" He asked after a few quiet moments.
"Yes. One more since we last spoke of them." Serena answered. "It was me, as Sailor Moon, talking to Sailor Venus about the tension and hostility that had developed between me and the other scouts and princess, because the Earth Prince was courting me."
"And they did not like you seeing him, because of the princess' feelings for him." Darien said, knowing for a fact that was true.
"Yes. When she asked me I explained how I liked him and the attention he showed me, exactly how he was courting me, and that it was made clear that he was serious in his pursuit of me." She explained. "From what I can tell so far with these memories Sailor Venus is the only one of the scouts that didn't have a problem with me seeing the prince."
"That is good." He replied thoughtfully as he turned a corner. "That means she knows how to use logic and common sense, and not base her views and decisions on misguided loyalty."
He also thought it could very well mean if the scout of Venus had the same or a similar personality to what she had in the past then she would be supportive of his Serenity. That was something he knew she needed since at the very least the scout of Mercury was suspicious of her and who knew what the scout of Mars thought.
Not to mention once she remembered that she was actually Sailor Earth the scout of Venus might continue to be supportive, which meant they could continue their friendship from the past.
"True." Serena agreed. "She hasn't been a scout long, but so far I think she's turning out the same as she was in the past." She said, remembering clearly how Mina hadn't wanted to be a scout because they were supposed to be loyal to and protect a princess none of them knew.
Mina had also done well during the last fight, better than Amy and Raye, and shown that she would be the only scout she would call on for help if need be; as in if she and Darien weren't enough.
"Then hopefully you'll have a friend among the scouts or an ally at the least." Darien said.
Serena hummed in agreement since she thought Mina would be a friend as well. She had known it since she first met her and convinced her to be a scout. She wondered about needing an ally though. Why would she need one?
Then again I definitely haven't forgotten Amy's suspicions of me, and Raye's thoughts of me are up in the air at the moment. She thought with a light sigh.
The remainder of their ride was silent as Darien drove them closer and closer to his apartment building. When they finally arrived he parked in the buildings garage and they rode the elevator up to the floor his apartment was on. When they made it to his door he unlocked it and they stepped inside as he pushed the door open.
"So what should we do for our next date?" Serena asked as she stepped toward the living room.
"Well, there's bike riding, camping, dancing, or we can try for a boat ride." Darien suggested as he closed the door and moved to join her.
"Well unless you've figured out where we can go dancing that's not at a club that option is out." She said as she settled on the couch. "A boat ride sounds nice and bike riding could be interesting depending on where we go."
"And camping?" He asked curiously, wanting to know her opinion as he sat next to her.
"Camping sounds...good." She said thoughtfully. "We could get away from the city, and have a break from studying; and monster attacks." She added as she nodded.
Serena felt she was ready for that; going away on an extended trip with her boyfriend that involved an overnight stay. She trusted Darien; even more so now that she knew he was Tuxedo Mask. She would be safe with him.
"That does sound good." Darien agreed, pleased that she didn't seem to mind the idea of spending time with him that extended for longer than an evening date.
"Do you want to go this weekend? Do you think we can?" She asked.
"I don't see why not, and I certainly would not mind going this weekend." He answered. "Perhaps we can bring along one of your friends; like Kagome." He suggested, knowing that would make her more comfortable.
"Hmm...maybe we can have both Kagome and Sesshomaru, so she wouldn't feel like a third wheel." Serena suggested in turn.
"I'm fine with that." Darien said as he nodded. "I'll leave it to you to call her and see if she and Sesshomaru are up for it."
"Can I use your phone?" She asked. "That way we can find out as soon as possible if they want to join us."
"Sure. Go ahead." He said as he gestured toward the phone.
Serena got up and went to the phone and grabbed the receiver and began to dial her friend's number as she walked back to the couch. She sat down as she listened to the line ringing and after a few moments her friend's mother answered.
Thankfully Kagome was home and as soon as she was on the phone Serena explained the camping idea she and Darien had for the weekend and if she and Sesshomaru wanted to and were able to join them. Kagome said she liked the idea and was free to go, but she would have to check with Sesshomaru to see if he was free and wanted to go.
"I'll call him, and get back to you." Kagome said.
"Ah, I'm at Darien's place right now." Serena said quickly.
"Give her my number." Darien said, knowing what was going on from what he was hearing. "That way we'll know right away what the answer is."
"I'll give you his number so we can find out as soon as possible and start making plans." She told her friend before she did just that.
"Alright. I got it. I'll call you back as soon as I have an answer." Kagome said.
"Okay; until then." She said.
"Until then; bye." Kagome said.
"Bye." Serena said before she pressed the button to end the call. "Do you think Sesshomaru will want to come?" She asked her boyfriend as she idly rested the phone in her lap.
"I'm not sure." Darien said. "I don't know if he is the camping type, but if he cares about her as much as I care about you then he'll take any chance to get away with her."
"Then I'm sure he'll want to come." She said as she smiled. "At least if he doesn't have anything important planned." She added realistically.
"True. It's possible that he could be busy." He said, and she nodded.
"So do you know of any place we can go for this trip?" Serena asked.
"No, but it shouldn't be too difficult for us to find a place." Darien said. "Do you prefer camping outside or for there to be a cabin or some kind of cottage?" He asked thoughtfully.
"It doesn't matter to me as long as we get away from the city, and can breathe the fresh air of untouched nature then I'm good." She said with a light smile.
"I would love to be surrounded by untouched nature." He agreed as he nodded. "We'll just have to see what Kagome and Sesshomaru, if he can come, prefer and then we can start planning."
"Yup." She agreed as she nodded.
"Will your parents have an issue with you going away, going camping like that?" He asked suddenly as soon as the thought occurred to him.
"They won't." Serena answered and then paused. "Well, I think my father will when he learns I'm going with you, but he should be fine when he realizes we won't be alone. Of course even if we were going to be alone that wouldn't stop me from going if he didn't like it."
"Good." Darien said in satisfaction. He was definitely pleased by her stance. She was old enough to go away on an overnight date, and he definitely wanted her to be firm in her conviction to be with him and not let anyone else come between them.
Before anything more could be said the phone rang and Serena picked it up from her lap and pressed the button to answer the call.
"Hello?" She said as she pressed it to her ear.
"Serena?" She heard Kagome's voice cautiously ask.
"Yeah it's me." Serena reassured her.
"Oh good." Kagome said with relief. "I have Sesshomaru on the line, and he said he doesn't have anything planned so he can go too."
"Great!" Serena said. "Since he's on the line let me put the phone on speaker so Darien can hear."
"Alright." Kagome replied, and Serena pulled the phone away and pressed the speaker button.
"Can you guys hear me?" She asked them as she held the phone between her and Darien.
"Yeah." Kagome answered.
"Yes." Sesshomaru's deep voice came through a moment later.
"Alright; let's plan this trip." Darien said, and with that the four of them began to plan their camping double date trip.
oOo
Serena waved to Darien with her free hand as he waved from where he sat in his car before she turned and walked to her front door and entered the house. She closed the door behind her and stepped forward only to pause and look into the living room.
Both her parents were there, so she decided to take the time to inform them of her upcoming date.
"Hey mom, dad." She said as she went and leaned on the back of the couch.
"Hello dear." Her mother greeted her.
"Hello." Her father said as he looked her way.
"I wanted to let you know I'm going on a camping date this weekend." Serena informed them.
"Camping?" Her mother said curiously.
"Date?" Her father said with a frown. "I don't like the thought of you going away with that boyfriend of yours."
"It's not just going to be the two of us dad; although we would be perfectly fine if it was." She insisted with a frown of her own. "My friend and her boyfriend are going as well. Think of it as a weekend long double date."
"Which friend?" Her mother asked.
"Kagome." Serena answered. "We've all already met and hung out together, so we're all familiar with each other."
"And what do you know about this boyfriend of hers?" Her father asked, as she sighed in slight irritation.
"Surprisingly he goes to the same university as Darien. He's studying business and plans on opening his own company." She informed them. "Kagome's friends with his younger brother and that's how they met."
"Do you know where you all are going?" Her mother asked curiously.
"Yes. We planned it all out earlier before I came home. We're going to meet up later in the day on Friday and drive to the location together then we'll come back Sunday." Serena explained as she looked from her mother to her father and back again.
"Well I certainly hope you have a good time." Her mother said as she looked from her daughter to her husband and back again.
"Me too!" She said with a smile. "Alright, I'm headed up to my room now." She said before she turned and left the living room and quickly made her way to the stairs.
She jogged up them lightly and walked the short distance to her room. She pushed the door open and flicked on the light before she closed the door.
"Hello Artemis, Luna." She greeted the pair of felines as she walked over to her floor desk.
"Hello." Luna said from where she sat at the end of the bed.
"Good evening." Artemis said as he watched her.
"I'm going on a camping trip this weekend, so you guys are going to be on your own unless you go hangout with the other girls." Serena said, wasting no time letting them know so they wouldn't be surprised by her packing.
"Who are you going with?" Luna asked instantly. "Do you think that's for the best? You'll be away and unable to fight, or look for rainbow crystals, or search for the princess and last scout."
"It is just a camping trip Luna." Artemis said with a sigh.
"Yes. Artemis is right." Serena agreed as she turned toward them. "I'm going with my boyfriend. I want to go on this trip; it's only for the weekend."
"I'm sure the others can handle fighting whatever monsters attack and the search for the last scout and princess for a few days. The rainbow crystals can definitely wait a few days, and I'll bring the wand so I can know if a crystal is around where I'm going to be." She continued.
"But should you really be going on this trip with your boyfriend? You haven't known him very long." Luna said, and Serena sighed heavily.
"I've known him long enough and one my friend's is going as well." She said then shook her head. "Look, I'm going with my boyfriend, and I'm going to have fun, and that's that! I don't want to hear any more about it."
With that said Serena grabbed her pajamas and began to change out of her school uniform since she had no plans to go out and didn't mind eating dinner in her pajamas. Once she finished she was going to get started on her homework, and with any luck she would be finished before the food was ready.
oOoIRoOo
Andrew sighed as he settled on his couch that evening after returning to his apartment from his shift at work. He grabbed his remote and turned on the TV and began to mindlessly flick through the channels as he let his mind relax and roam where it wanted.
And where it went was to Darien and Serena.
He had seen the couple at the cafe earlier in the day during his work shift as was usual since their second meeting in front of him, and it had been hard not to stare at Serena and to greet her normally.
There in that slip of a young woman with such long hair was the reincarnation of Sailor Earth but currently believed herself to be the reincarnation of Sailor Moon, and his best friend's soulmate.
It was incredible. He could still hardly believe it. In fact, he was still amazed to learn that Darien was the masked man that helped the Sailor Scouts, and that he was the reincarnation of the prince of the Earth; and had resumed that identity as if no time had passed since that life.
He was also still very much glad his best friend had opened up to him, and informed him of his past and secret current life. Glad that he trusted him enough to tell him the truth.
Andrew wished he could do something in return for his friend beyond just accepting the information and not telling anyone. He could not help put things to rights with Serena because of the nature of what was wrong with her.
Her soul was still affected by the power of the silver crystal, the power that was keeping her identity as Sailor Earth locked away, and there was nothing he could do about that. He thought Darien's plan for helping her was likely the best; that or the chance that she would remember everything on her own before he had the chance to enact it.
As far as he could tell their relationship as just Serena and Darien was doing just fine. Her feelings were clearly there and looked to be steadily growing, so there was nothing for him to do in that instance to help out.
He thought it was much too soon to try to help him build or reestablish his kingdom. He was still shocked by that fact; the fact that his friend intended to bring his kingdom back and become the King of the Earth. Logically he knew his friend was just continuing to live his life as if he had never died in the past while incorporating his present life.
He was studying to be a doctor, but he had died in his previous life before he could rightfully take his place on the throne. The way his friend had spoken he got the impression that Darien thought nothing strange about his desire to be ruler of the planet, so if he thought about it from his point of view he could understand.
Darien planned on getting his soulmate back the way she was supposed to be if the Moon Princess had not interfered, become a doctor, reestablish the Golden Kingdom as he remembered him calling it, marry Serena, become King, and all the while protecting the planet. Not necessarily in that exact order.
Andrew sighed as he tossed the remote onto the couch cushion beside him. There was nothing he could do for Darien besides be his friend and listen when he needed to vent his feelings. The only other thing he hadn't thought about helping with was in his secret life, and he knew that wasn't possible. He had no power like his friend did to help fight those creatures, and no physical fighting skills either.
Hmm...but he did say he would try to get his Guardian Generals back after Serena remembered her true self. If they were still alive. He thought quietly, and let that thought sit for a few long moments as he stared at the TV.
But what will he do if they don't survive that long? He considered. Surely with Serena and the other scouts only knowing them as enemies they will not be hesitating to kill them, and Darien can't try to save them without seeming like the enemy himself. Not that I can see him doing that since he's already said Serena is more important to him than trying to save his Generals.
So maybe that could be a way to help him. If his Guardian Generals don't survive maybe I can be a new general to him. He considered thoughtfully.
Andrew sighed again and shook his head. He didn't even know how something like that would work or if it could work. How had his Guardian Generals been chosen in the past? Could it be anyone of his choosing or would there have to be some ritual process?
Of course even if he could be chosen, or accepted if he offered, he had just thought moments ago that he had no power or fighting ability that would allow him to do that job. Not to mention he would need to seriously consider the details of said job if he could really find himself in a position to become a general.
He thought the military definition of a general would apply but he wasn't entirely sure, and beyond that was what he imagined the main duty would be; which was to guard Darien's life and protect him from harm.
That meant a willingness to put his life on the line. He was understandably hesitant about that, but then he remembered that Darien did the same thing every time he went to fight with the Sailor Scouts.
And he did it for perfect strangers. Well, he also did it for Serena, but mostly for the people being endangered. He admitted to himself.
He decided to think about it more and wait and see, or rather hear, what happened with the generals. He would say nothing to Darien until he knew one way or the other, and thought more on the responsibilities of the job.
oOoIRoOo
Friday had finally arrived and two couples were quietly excited about it, because it meant they could go on their camping trip.
Serena met Darien at the cafe after school as usual and they hung out talking about their upcoming trip. She learned that Darien was already packed, his bag in his car, and ready to go, so it would only have to be her getting changed since she had already packed as well.
Luckily even that shouldn't take long since she set her clothes out before she left that morning, so she wouldn't have to think of something to wear.
They continued to talk about their trip and their day as they ate a somewhat filling snack since they knew they wouldn't be eating anything substantial until dinner time rolled around. After just over an hour they left the cafe and Darien drove them to her house where she assured him that she would not be long.
She practically hopped out of the car, leaving her school bag behind, and rushed to the front door. She let herself in and hurried up to her room and closed the door, and ignoring the felines she began to strip out of her uniform and change into the outfit she laid out earlier.
On went a pair of navy blue yoga pants, a small matching shirt, a white pullover hoodie sweater, and white tennis shoes. She pulled her streams of hair free then briefly straightened her uniform where she had tossed it on her bed before grabbing her stuffed duffel bag.
"Alright you two. I'm out of here." Serena told Artemis and Luna as she pulled the strap over her head and settled the bag against her side.
"Have fun." Artemis told her as he watched her grab her backpack, which he knew was full of her textbooks, and swing it onto her shoulder.
"Don't forget your brooch! You might need it!" Luna insisted as she watched her begin to head for the door.
Serena sighed and turned toward her bed and shifted her uniform top until the bow was visible. She pulled off her brooch and stuffed it into the large pocket of her sweater and then once again headed for the door. She knew she wouldn't need it, but she saw no reason to argue about it.
"Bye! I'll make sure to have fun Artemis!" She called lightly before she opened the door and left her room. "Bye mom! I'll see you Sunday!" She called as she made it to the bottom of the stairs.
"Goodbye dear. Have a good time." Her mother said as she looked at her from the living room.
"I will!" Serena said with a grin before she stepped toward the front door and opened it.
She stepped outside and closed the door before hurrying towards Darien's car. She watched him get out and walk around and open the passenger door for her just before she got there. She smiled at him thankfully and pulled off her duffel bag before she slipped into her seat. She made sure her hair was all inside and smiled in readiness at Darien for him to close the door.
Darien did just that and watched her toss her duffel bag into the back seat with his as he walked back to the driver's side. He opened the door and seated himself inside as she pulled out her brooch and slipped it inside one of the pockets of her backpack before tossing it into the backseat as well.
"Luna insisted I might need it." Serena said to his raised eyebrow as she rolled her eyes.
"I doubt you will." He said as they pulled on their seatbelts.
"I agree, but I didn't want to argue." She said as she clicked her seatbelt closed. "I figured it would be no trouble to take it and put it away out of sight than listening to her."
"Like you did with that wand and your communicator." Darien commented as he pulled the car out into the street.
"Yes. I told her the other day that I would take it so on the off chance it alerts to a rainbow crystal where we are then that's another crystal." She said as she shook her head. "The communicator was a last minute thing on the way to the house. I figure it would be good to have it in case they miraculously found the last scout or the princess and wanted to inform me."
"I guess we'll see then." He replied as he focused his gaze on the road as he drove them to her friend's home.
The four of them had agreed during the planning that they would all meet at Kagome's house and the two couples would take separate cars. He and Serena would follow Sesshomaru and Kagome since the place they were going to belonged to Sesshomaru's family.
From his description it was a really nice cabin in the woods that would offer them peace, comfort, and privacy while still enjoying the camping experience.
Half an hour later the couple pulled up and parked a few feet down from the long set of stairs leading up to the Sunset Shrine.
"Do you want to come up with me?" Serena asked as she unbuckled her seatbelt.
"No. I will stay here and wait if you do not mind." Darien replied.
"Not at all. I'll be back in a flash." She said with a grin before she opened the door and slipped out.
She closed the door and walked toward the stairs and jogged up the long flight, happy that she was in shape, and headed for the two story house that was located behind the main shrine building. When she reached it she moved to the front door and knocked.
"Serena!" Kagome said happily as she opened the door.
"Kagome!" Serena said with a big smile as she saw her friend dressed just as casually as she was. "Are you ready? Is Sesshomaru here yet?"
"Yeah he's here, and we're both ready to go." Kagome replied as she gestured behind her into the house. "What about Darien? Is he with you?"
"Yes. He's down with the car waiting to learn what I just asked you." Serena said as she gestured vaguely behind her.
"Alright. Let me get my stuff and we'll meet guys down there." Kagome said.
"Alright. Don't forget anything!" Serena said as she began to walk away, and listened to her friend laugh.
She made her way across the shrine grounds back to the stairs and down them where she spotted Darien leaning against his car. He turned his head toward her and smiled lightly, and she couldn't help smiling in return at her handsome boyfriend.
"Kagome and Sesshomaru were both there and she's just grabbing her things before they join us." She informed him as she walked closer to him.
"Excellent." Darien said as he grasped her hand and pulled her to lean against him. He smiled a little wider as she settled against him with a sigh. "This is going to be the best weekend." He said as he rubbed up and down her back.
"Yes. We'll make sure of it." Serena replied softly as she enjoyed leaning against him and feeling his arms around her.
They looked over as they saw Kagome and Sesshomaru coming down the stairs carrying an extremely large backpack and her bow and arrows
"She must plan on getting in some practice." She commented quietly.
"So she is an archer?" Darien asked quietly though it appeared the answer was visible.
"Yes. She's in the archery club at her school." She answered.
They watched them reach the bottom of the stairs and go to the white car parked two spaces ahead of them directly in front of the stairs. They put her things inside the car and then began to walk toward them. Serena and Darien stood straight and began to move toward them in return.
"So now we just need to pick up some food." Kagome said. "Anyone have any preferences on a store?"
"No." Serena said as she shook her head, and looked to Darien who was also shaking his head.
"It does not matter to me." Sesshomaru said.
"Okay then I know just the place for our shopping. Follow us and we'll lead you there." Kagome said.
"Very well." Darien said, and with that the two couples parted and got into their cars.
A few moments later Sesshomaru pulled his car out into the street and Darien did likewise right afterward and began to follow him. They were driving only a few minutes before they were pulling into the parking lot of a medium sized grocery store.
The men parked side by side and they all exited the cars and walked together to the entrance to the store. Kagome grabbed a shopping cart and they began to search the isles for the foods they wanted. One item after the other entered the cart; fresh meat, vegetables, some fruits, a few snacks, and a variety of drinks.
They went to the checkout counter and bought their groceries, and exited the store and put all the bags into the trunk of the closest car; which turned out be Sesshomaru's. After everything was secure they got into their cars and continued on their way with Sesshomaru leading the way since the place belonged to his family.
After a few minutes of gazing out the window Serena grabbed her school bag from the floor in front of her. She and Kagome had decided to bring their homework with them since neither of them wanted to get behind in their studies and grades considering it was their last year of high school.
She intended to work on her homework during the car ride, but as soon as they arrived she would not touch it. She wanted it to be all fun and relaxation once they arrived. Hopefully the ride wouldn't be too bumpy for her to write, because if it wasn't she was hoping she would finish before they arrived.
Darien glanced over to his soulmate and smiled at her activity before he returned his eyes to the road. His Serenity was always responsible so it didn't surprise him that she would bring her homework with her. He also liked and respected that she wanted to keep up with her studies. He would have done the same if he had not already made sure he was ahead in his studies.
There was soothing classical instrumental music playing on the radio, so there was no lyrical music to catch her attention; nothing for her to sing along to or make her think of another song. Only soothing background melodies to hopefully help her think easier.
In addition to that, he would leave her alone and not distract her with conversation. He didn't have anything important or really anything much to say anyway. He was just quietly excited about going on this camping trip with her. They would be sleeping under the same roof! It was going to be hard to stay away from her during the night.
Still, he was excited, and could not wait until they arrived.
oOo
The drive was slightly long for the two couples. Gradually the cars around them and the multiple streets and lanes decreased while the sight of trees and single roads increased.
They had been on the road for almost three hours before Serena and Darien began to suspect they were close to their destination. It was dark out, they were the only two cars on the road, and they had just turned and followed Sesshomaru's car down a side road.
Serena had managed to get most of her homework done before there wasn't enough light for her to continue, which was something she was happy about and determined she would be able to finish the rest on the drive back.
The couple came to attention as the car ahead of them slowed. Suddenly bright lights on the ground immediately came on illuminating the building and giving them their first look at where they would be spending the weekend.
It was a large two story building made of wood but the color was hard to see even with the lights since it was dark out. It was bigger than Serena's family house, and in no way looked like the cozy somewhat small cabin she had been imagining. Still, it was a cabin to Sesshomaru and his family, so that was what she would think of it as.
They all parked along the gravel driveway side by side before they began to get out of the cars. Sesshomaru walked up to the door of the large cabin house and unlocked it before he stepped inside briefly to turn on the lights, which lit up the entire ground floor and illuminated the outside slightly through the windows.
They all grabbed their personal things and the bags of food before the guys locked the doors. One would think with them being practically in the middle of nowhere they wouldn't have to worry about keeping the cars secure, but Serena didn't think there was anything particularly wrong with that.
She had heard about bears being able to open doors but she also wasn't worried about that. She didn't think they would have to worry about wild animals and since the cars were secured there was no worries there. She wasn't concerned about her personal safety or Darien's since she thought they could keep themselves safe.
If there was one good thing about her becoming a scout it had let her know what she was capable of. She could handle dangerous monsters so there should be no reason she couldn't handle a dangerous animal. She knew she could run just as fast or faster than an animal, and she wouldn't have to worry about avoiding energy attacks coming at her as she did so. She was sure that Darien was the same.
But I don't know if Kagome and Sesshomaru will be safe. She thought and then mentally shrugged. I'll just keep my eyes open and if there is any trouble I'm sure Darien and I will be able to help them just fine.
The two couples began to file inside the cabin and move toward the kitchen. As they did Serena, Darien, and Kagome easily saw that the kitchen, dining area, and living room were all in an open floor plan. The kitchen only being separated from the dining area by an island that looked like it had a marble or granite countertop.
"There are enough bedrooms for each of us if that is what you prefer." Sesshomaru announced as they placed the bags of food on the counters.
"I don't mind sharing a room with you." Kagome immediately told Sesshomaru.
Serena and Darien looked to each other curiously with questions in their eyes. Serena eventually nodded after a few long moments that she wanted to share a room also, and he nodded in return with a small smile.
With that decision made they all headed upstairs and to pick a room. Each couple silently went in different directions and Serena and Darien picked a room at the back of the cabin that had a nice sized window set in the wood paneled wall directly across from the door that overlooked the back of the cabin and an attached bathroom.
There was a large bed that looked queen sized with nightstands on either side, a small fireplace was set in the wall directly across from the end of the bed, a light on the ceiling with an attached fan, a dresser off to the left of the door against the wall, and a door that obviously led to the attached bathroom almost next to the fireplace and near the window.
They put their bags on the bed and left to return downstairs and help put the food away, and to see what they were going to eat for dinner.
oOo
Serena sat on the side of the bed brushing her hair, having just released it from her buns, while Darien was in the bathroom changing. She had already changed into her pajamas, which consisted of a cloth sky blue spaghetti strap top and matching pants, and was now brushing out her hair to get rid of any tangles and to pass the time.
After making it back down stairs they found Sesshomaru lighting the fireplace and Kagome in the kitchen sorting the food items they had bought. Darien had gone to assist him, while Serena had gone to help her friend.
Once the fire was going strong they all gathered in the kitchen around the island. Suggestions on what to make were tossed back and forth based on what they had bought, and they all eventually decided on a pasta dish with some meat and a salad.
Decision made they began to cook a nice dinner together, which turned out to be more fun then they thought it would be. None of them had ever worked in a group to prepare a meal before; the closest any of them had come was Serena and Kagome occasionally working with their mothers.
The four moved around the kitchen easily for the most part, sometimes bumping into each other, and everyone took on the tasks best suited to them, so that the meal could cook without any problems and be perfectly eatable.
Dishes and cutlery were set out on the dining table, and soon they were all seated and passing bowls of food around and serving themselves. Conversation was minimal at first since they were all rather hungry, but three of them eventually began to comment on their surroundings.
The walls and floors were made of long rectangular reddish brown wood planks, which extended upstairs into the bedrooms, with soft rugs on the floor here and there, large windows were placed here and there, and double glass doors led outside to the back of the cabin house.
The living room housed a nice sized fireplace with couches and large reclining chairs arranged around it, and on the ceiling there were two large chandeliers. They were obviously electric but gave the clever appearance of being candles, which spread light throughout the entire area keeping it well lit.
There were no TVs in sight, including in the bedrooms they had seen, but there were bookshelves in all the rooms, which suited everyone fine. They hadn't come there to watch TV.
Kagome, Serena, and Darien all complemented Sesshomaru on him and his family having a nice cabin, which he accepted silently with a small smile.
They continued to eat and chat lightly and after they finished Sesshomaru had given them a little tour of the cabin, and let them know that considering the time they would be able to see the outside of the house in more detail as well as what was in the back tomorrow, before they all relaxed in the living room in front of the fire and talked.
It had been nice and relaxing and Serena already found she was enjoying the camping date even though it had just begun.
"I hope you don't mind." She heard Darien's familiar voice, and realized she hadn't heard the bathroom door open.
"Mind what?" Serena asked as she looked over to him. Her eyes widened, her brush stopped moving mid-stroke, and her face reddened a moment later to see her boyfriend standing shirtless in only a pair of black sweatpants.
"I don't mind." She added after staring for a few moments, and then looked away and went back to brushing her hair.
"Are you truly alright with us sharing the room?" Darien asked as he moved over to his bag and dropped his clothes onto it. He certainly didn't mind, but he didn't want his soulmate to be uncomfortable.
"Yeah I'm fine with it." She replied as she twisted on the bed to look at him while she continued to brush her hair. "As my boyfriend I've grown comfortable with you and trust you, and as my masked companion I've also grown comfortable with you and trust you. Add those together and you got me being completely fine with our situation."
Darien nodded before he got under the covers and joined her on the bed. That was all he needed to hear. She was comfortable and trusted him. Now he was going to take advantage of the opportunity and further their relationship.
He had never had her in his bedroom in his apartment, and that was for the simple fact that he knew he wouldn't be able to control himself. He was also well aware that she wasn't ready for the feelings he kept tightly in check around her.
However, now he believed she was ready to experience some of what he felt for her, and it would bring them closer together and deepen her feelings for him. Love was the ultimate goal after all. Only then could he allow himself to be fully intimate with her, and complete their soul bond and break the hold on her true memories.
Serena finished brushing the ends of her hair a few minutes later before she put her brush on the nightstand. She then got up and turned off the light before she climbed back onto the bed and began to get under the covers.
Before she finished reclining she felt Darien grasp the back of her neck and pull her to him. She pressed her hand to his bare chest without thought to steady herself just as she felt his lips against hers.
She gasped lightly, surprised by the move and a little unsure about what was happening. They had made out plenty of times but none of those times were while they were lying down, and definitely not in or even on a bed.
Darien may be her first boyfriend and she may be innocent of many things that go on between couples, at least in the practical sense, but she was sure she knew where this situation could go if she let it.
She thought she was ready to experience a bit more of the passion he held in check, and she hadn't forgotten what it felt like to be wrapped around him when she regained herself after being turned into a child.
Obviously she had tried to forget it when she thought he was just her masked companion, but since learning he was her boyfriend she had given herself complete permission to recall every detail. She had very much appreciated the feel of his tall firm body beneath her as well as the feel of his arms holding her securely.
Yes she had liked it very much, and she had always liked it when he held her as they kissed and the many caresses he gave her.
Yeah. I'm definitely ready for more. She told herself. Plus, I trust him and I'm comfortable and this cabin is a neutral place. Not my bedroom or his. Maybe this will tell me how comfortable I might be when we return home.
Her decision made Serena allowed the hand on her boyfriend's chest to slip off to the side and slid it up and underneath his shoulder as she lay against him.
Darien sighed internally as he felt his soulmate relax against him after a few tense moments. He was reasonably sure she would be fine with moving forward, but those tense moments were almost heart stopping to him. However, now she was obviously relaxed and ready to proceed, so he would not keep her waiting now that he had started.
He deepened the kiss slipping his tongue into her mouth as he moved his hand from the back of her neck up into her hair. His other hand he stroked through her long silky soft locks with a pleased groan, and instantly he felt her shiver. He didn't know if it was the feel of his fingers in her hair that caused it or the sound he made.
Either way he liked it and wanted to feel it again.
Serena curled her tongue around Darien's and hummed as she felt his hand coast down from the hair at the back of her neck along her back. It was a smooth move that was almost a caress before he slid his hand along her lower back.
As his fingers wrapped around her hip she felt him gently tug her. It didn't take a genius to understand what he wanted and she quite willingly eased her lower body over until she was laying on top of him. Her legs settled on the outer sides of his and she gasped as she felt his hand ease down and settle on her bottom.
He had never done that before but then they had never been in this position before. She certainly didn't mind it, it was just a new feeling and definitely one that she wasn't opposed to.
Come on! I already said I wanted to experience a bit more of the passion he holds back from me, so I just need to stop being surprised by everything and just feel what he's doing. She told herself as her tongue moved with his. That and to participate more.
With her pep talk ringing through her mind Serena brought her hand up and placed it on his cheek and caressed a little as she bent her knee and shifted her left leg up on the bed feeling almost as if she was curling around him.
Feeling her move Darien made a move of his own. He stroked her bottom before he pressed down and squeezed as he rolled his hips up into hers. Instantly she broke their kiss with a gasp but he didn't stop; he moved his lips to caress along her chin and down to her neck as he continued to roll his hips against hers and squeeze her bottom.
Her panting breaths almost gasped in his ear with her every exhalation, and it was clear to him that the sensations he was thrusting on her body were entirely new to her. For his part he was thoroughly enjoying the feel of her on top of him, the feel of her beneath his hand, and the smooth warm skin of her neck.
Suddenly a groan escaped his throat as his Serenity began to roll her hips down into his upward motion. What he was doing was already pleasurable, but the added surge of pleasure was very much appreciated. He groaned again just to voice his pleasure, and brought his lips back to hers in an intense kiss that he instantly deepened.
He didn't know how much time passed after that. It could have been seconds but it felt like eternity. He knew that if he pulled himself from the moment he would be sure that less than a handful of minutes had passed, but regardless of how much time had passed he decided it was time to change things.
Serena broke their kiss with a panting breath as she felt Darien roll them to her right until they were on their sides. She shifted her arm from where it was under his arm and grasping his shoulder to wrap around his neck. She quickly threaded her fingers into his dark hair and brought her lips back to his.
As she curled her leg over his she felt his heavy hand stroke up her thigh, and his other arm beneath her, keeping her close, his fingers still tangled in her hair. A quiet moan snaked up her throat and drifted into his mouth as their tongues danced together their hips still moving together creating a pleasurable heat between them.
She was happy that she had gone along with this. The passion his movements inspired and the pleasure they produced was something she had only been able to guess at before she finally got to experience them. She couldn't believe what she had been missing; there was definitely no way she could go back to the simple kisses and light make out sessions they had had before.
Darien broke their kiss and slowly trailed kisses across her cheek, over her chin, and down her neck. As he continued down and along her shoulder he slid his hand up her leg as it rested over his and along her thigh.
He imagined his Serenity in her white, green, and blue sailor skirt and his hand easing beneath it along her smooth skin. It was something he had done in the past when they were in the privacy of their rooms, and he admitted in that moment that he missed it. Her current sailor skirt was not the same because her uniform was not the same and her demeanor was not the same.
He sighed as he cracked his eyes open. From his angle he could see the crackling fire in the fireplace giving the room a soft glow as well as warmth that filled the whole room. He suddenly wished he had a fireplace in his apartment to help add to the romantic atmosphere he could create for them.
He could certainly imagine a candlelight dinner date ending on a soft rug in front of the warm fire full of passion. He wished his palace was still around; there were plenty of fireplaces he could have used there.
There would have been instant privacy and the surroundings halfway to a romantic atmosphere. He thought wistfully before he decided to focus back on the moment.
He closed his eyes and moved his lips back along the path he had taken until he found a spot not far from her ear, and parted his lips and slowly suckled the soft skin. She hummed in clear enjoyment and he continued his movements sliding his hand over her hip and along her side until his fingers brushed the side of her breast.
Serena gasped and clinched her fingers around his hair. Darien had never touched her there before, not even by accident, and the combination of the move along with their grinding hips sent more pleasure flowing through her body; seemingly through her veins.
However, before she could finish registering how the light brush made her feel his hand slid over and cover her breast before giving it a squeeze. Her back arched instantly, pushing herself further into his hand, even as she gasped again.
Quickly he found a matching rhythm of squeezing her breast and rocking his hips against hers, which caused her to moan her pleasure and press herself further against him. The movement of their hips, the feel of his heavy hand squeezing her, his lips and moist tongue against her neck, and his warmth all added to the building heat and pleasure flowing through her body.
Darien guided his hand away from the softness of his soulmate's breast and down over her hip to her leg. He gripped the back of her knee and hiked her leg up over his hip before he slipped his leg between hers. He pressed his thigh against her, feeling the intense heat even with their clothes in the way, and she gasped sharply but before she could cry out in pleasure and surprise he sealed her lips with his in a heated kiss; swallowing the sound so there was no chance whatsoever of her being heard.
He hadn't been sure how far he wanted to take this when they first started, but now he had finally decided. Of course he had no plans to consummate their relationship this night, as that certainly wasn't what this was about, but he had wondered if they would be removing clothes and touching skin to skin.
However, he had decided against that. He didn't want such a thing to happen away from their homes, away from their comfortable spaces, because he knew he was not comfortable engaging in such activities away from a space he was familiar with. This cabin, as nice as it was, was not his, and that simply would not do. It would be like engaging in such activities in a hotel room. There was the illusion of privacy, but one could never be sure of the truth.
So he would stick to what they were doing and leave it at that. He would not remove any of their clothing or move his hands beneath her clothes. He would not try for any skin contact beyond what skin was already visible. He would simply make these moments enjoyable and leave them something to look forward to.
As their tongues slid and twisted together Serena moaned, pleasure surging through her core every time she felt the pressure of Darien's thigh press against her. It would surge sharply and fade and repeat with every move of their hips, but she could feel him deliberately moving his thigh up against her every time.
She loved it! She loved every second of it, and wanted more. She wanted to experience more of his passion, more of what he could do, more of what he could make her feel.
Suddenly he pressed heavily against her until she was on her back and broke their kiss to move his lips to her neck with heavy panting breaths. All she was able to do was hold on to him and gasp in a combination of pleasure sparking through her core and surprise at the scene that suddenly began to play through her mind.
oOo
She shivered as fingers ran through her loose hair before she was rolled onto her back. A gasp escaped her before her lips were covered in a sensual kiss that had her arching up against the heavy body above her. Covers shifted around them but were no hindrance as their hips continued to thrust and roll against each other on the large comfortable bed.
Their lips parted briefly and a lusty moan sailed from her mouth, her hand slid along the skin of his warm broad back before her fingers gripped short dark hair. Her eyelids parted and she saw twin flashes of glowing gold return her gaze in the darkness surrounding them.
"Endy." She breathed and he pressed his lips back to hers, slipping his tongue into her mouth, even as he pressed his hips harder against hers. She moaned and parted her legs as she lifted her hips into his downward motion.
oOo
Serena blinked out of the memory snippet and gazed up at the firelight glowing on the ceiling. She had felt his, Prince Endymion's, weight, the heat of his body, and the feel of his arousal even though she also felt that they both had underwear on beneath the covers.
Her body was on fire with the pleasurable sensations he had caused her to feel, caused her past self to feel. She moaned as she recalled the feel of his hips thrusting against her, between her legs, and the combination of that and what Darien was doing to her with his thigh was too much.
She gasped in a long sharp breath as her body tensed and her arms and legs clenched around him as pleasure burst through her core and spread in shockwaves out into her body. A following moan was swallowed by an open mouth kiss as he continued to rhythmically press his thigh against her; keeping the pleasure spreading deliciously.
Eventually, after long moments, her body relaxed and Darien stopped moving his hips and slowed their kiss before breaking it. He sat up slightly and gazed down at her seeing her eyes closed and her face flushed and her lips ruby red and plump. She opened her eyes slowly and the flush on her face deepened to see him gazing at her.
"Did you enjoy yourself?" He asked quietly.
Serena blushed in pleasure and embarrassment at the flash of memory she had seen. She had absolutely no intention of sharing that memory with him. She didn't know how he would feel about that. She didn't even know how she felt about that!
It was one thing to know that her past self was in a relationship with the Earth Prince, but another thing altogether to know that it had gone farther then proper courting. She didn't even know if that memory was of her past self as Sailor Moon or her possible self as Sailor Earth.
"So did I." Darien said softly with a light smirk, seeing that she had indeed enjoyed herself. "Time for us to get some rest." He added a moment later.
Serena blinked and frowned hesitantly as she shifted her gaze down his bare chest to where they were still pressed together before looking back to him. She bit her lip and tightened her arms around his neck slightly. She knew what had happened to her, and she knew he hadn't reacted the same, hadn't gotten that release yet.
"Don't worry about it." He said as he stroked her side. He recognized the look his soulmate was giving him; she had given it to him in the past as well. "This was for you." He added before he shifted off her and to the side.
She moved her arms away from his neck and he pulled the covers up over them even as he gently guided her until she lay with her back to him. He lay down behind her, pressed himself against her, and curled himself around her.
"I intend to enjoy this as well." He whispered to her as he tucked her hair behind her ear, running his fingers through it a he did, and grinned as he felt her shiver.
The earlier shiver was because I ran my fingers through her hair. Every time I do that she shivers just as she did in the past. He thought as he rested his head on the pillow and snuggled his face close to her head.
"Me too." Serena replied quietly. "Goodnight Darien."
"Goodnight my Serena." Darien breathed as he pressed his hand against her stomach.
Serenity stood almost on the edge of a cliff overlooking the ocean transformed into the scout of the Earth. It was a clear bright sunny day, and the air was warm but the breeze was cool. It let her know that her love was content and in a good mood.
As she gazed at the rippling water and listened to it crash against the side of the cliff she couldn't help being reminded of her soulmate's eyes since the color matched his beautiful eyes perfectly.
She was alone on the lonely yet peaceful cliff since she had decided to spend the day training. Endymion was back home with his father making travel arrangements for a royal gathering on Mars. She had been invited to join in on the activity, but had opted instead to train since she hadn't worked with her powers in a while.
She shook off the thought and took a deep breath and released it as she concentrated on what she was about to do. She lifted her arms up in front of her from where they had been resting at her sides, and then pulled her hands back toward her chest slowly before she pushed them out again and repeated the process.
It looked like she wasn't doing anything but if someone looked down to the ocean they would see the water, the tide, moving back out and away from the rocks and cliff wall before it rushed back forward and crashed into the cliff, practically climbing all the way up the wall.
After a few minutes of doing that she pushed the water back out, and held one palm forward while she lifted her other palm up.
In response to her will and direction the ocean water stayed back away from the cliff wall and began to rise higher and higher, passing her as it reached into the air, and formed a wall of water.
She narrowed her eyes as she focused not wanting anything to go wrong since she hadn't worked with her powers on such a large scale like she was. After holding it for a couple of minutes she gently lowered the wall to settle back down and slowly released her hold on the water to flow back toward the cliff wall and settle back down.
Serenity then turned and moved away from the cliff edge into the large field of grass behind her. She lifted her hand off to her side and turned in a circle as her fingers moved through the blowing breeze like it was water.
The breeze began to turn into a strong wind around her, forming a spinning circle that gained speed until she was standing in the eye of a tornado.
She looked around and nodded in satisfaction before she willed the air to lift her. She slowly and steadily moved upward, her skirt and cape fluttering, until she reached the top and floated half inside as she looked out at the view.
Rich green grass and thick tall brown trees with green leafy tops met her eyes before she cast her gaze down, and spotted her prince in his armor and uniform standing in the grass at a slight distance from her tornado.
She willed the air to lift her out of the tornado and then she began to gracefully step down like she was moving on invisible stairs until she reached the ground and stood in front of him. His eyes briefly flashed gold, and she could see that he was impressed and pleased.
"What are you doing here?" Serenity asked.
"I am here to make sure you take a break. You have been training for hours." Endymion answered, and looked behind her at the small yet still large tornado. "You have clearly been working on a large scale. What have you done so far?" He asked as he looked back to her.
"I worked with earth, fire, and water on a small and large scale, and I only started working with wind. Obviously on a large scale." She answered.
"I wish I had been able to see you work with fire. For some reason it always makes you look as a goddess. At least in my eyes." He said with a smile, and watched her blush. "Might I watch as you continue to train?"
"After my break?" She asked in return.
"Indeed. That way you shall be refreshed and ready to impress." Endymion said with a slight smile.
"Impress indeed." Serenity said with a raised eyebrow. "Very well my love. After I rest I shall bring forth the goddess only you seem able to see."
oOo
"Endymion!" She cried out and hurried toward him, quickly dropping to her knees at his side as she placed a hand on his shoulder and grabbed his hand with the other.
"Why?! Why did you do this?" She asked, angry and sad. "It is my duty to protect my princess!"
"No. It is not your duty and never has been." Endymion said weakly. "You were never supposed to be Sailor Moon. Your destiny was taken from you."
"I do not understand." Sailor Moon said in confusion.
This man had just saved her life, taking a clearly mortal wound for her, and it was clear from his words that he did it for her and not her princess. She had already admitted to herself that she loved him, but seeing him so hurt and knowing he was dying shattered something deep inside her.
They heard a scream and she looked up to see her princess being attacked by an earth soldier. She moved to get up but looked back to Endymion as she felt him squeeze her hand.
Sailor Moon looked frantically between Endymion and her barely struggling princess. She knew she needed to protect her, but her body was already settling back at his side and it made her abruptly aware that his life was more important to her then her princess' was.
"I do not want you to die. You cannot die. I love you too much for you to leave me." She said sadly as she gently ran her fingers through his hair.
"I love you as well my Serenity. I will find you again, and you will remember what we had." He said quietly.
Serena woke with a start, her eyes almost popping open, and yet instead of her heart racing she felt incredibly sad. It was the same feeling of intense sadness she usually felt when waking up from a memory, but she couldn't help wondering if it was just her imagination that it felt stronger, more consuming, with Darien lying there with her; feeling his arms around her.
As always since she couldn't explain the sadness she tried to push it aside, and carefully lifted her head from where it lay on his chest only to discover that her boyfriend was still asleep. Just as carefully she lay her head back on his chest and blinked as she looked at the closed door to their room.
She was surprised at how easy it had been to fall asleep with Darien, and how comfortable and comforting it felt to lay next to him and in his arms. He was so very warm, despite being shirtless, and made her feel safe.
Maybe it's a combination of him being my boyfriend and being Tuxedo Mask. She considered. She knew it had to be something because she distinctly remembered falling asleep with her back pressed to his chest and her head on the pillow. Being comfortable and feeling safe was the only explanation for her unconscious change in position during the night.
Either way she felt how she felt and she accepted it without question. She trusted Darien so being comfortable and feeling safe with him was nothing for her to worry about or question. Instead she turned her mind to what happened last night.
She had experienced her first brush of intimacy with him, and it had been beyond anything she had tried to imagine. He had been slow in his movements yet confident; there had been absolutely no hesitation at all.
She could definitely say she got to experience some of the passion he held in check, and after last night she knew that it had only been some. She didn't know when she would get to experience all of it, but she now knew that she did in fact want to. She had never experienced such pleasure before, and couldn't imagine denying herself more of those sensations.
My Darien seems to be equal parts perfect gentleman and ardent lover. She thought with a soft sigh.
Serena mentally shook her head and turned her thoughts to the memory dream she had just woken from.
It was the first memory she had remembered of her training as either Sailor Moon or Sailor Earth. Immediately she felt frustrated that Sailor Earth, this scout that looked like her, that may or may not actually be one of her past selves, was more powerful and capable than she currently was as Sailor Moon.
It wasn't fair! Why couldn't she do that?! Why did she have to see it, remember it? It was almost like she was being taunted with those abilities.
Logically she knew that wasn't true. It was simply another memory revealing itself to her, but it still frustrated her with the unfairness of not being able to do those things some past version of her could do.
Here she was the reincarnation of Sailor Moon and all she had to work with was her tiara. Meanwhile, apparently this possible past version of her that was Sailor Earth could use the elements. She could move ocean water around, direct wind with enough precision to move on it, and could apparently also use earth and fire!
Frustrated is starting to barely scratch the surface of how I feel. She thought with a light sigh, but her thoughts instantly shifted as she felt her boyfriend shift. She lifted her head just in time to see his eyes blink open.
"Good morning." She said with a soft smile.
"Good morning Serena." Darien replied with an answering smile.
He had to call her by her name as a reminder to himself. Waking up with her looking at him, her long hair loose, resting in his arms with a smile on her face he had been about to call her Serenity. It was only seeing the room around them that brought him to his senses before he spoke.
"Did you sleep well?" He asked quietly as he lifted his hand and ran his fingers through her hair.
"Yes," She answered with a nod. "and I dreamed of another memory."
"Which scout were you this time?" He asked curiously.
"Sailor Earth." Serena said, and he nodded and she began to describe the memory.
As he listened Darien recalled the memory. There were many times he had been there when his Serenity was training or he showed up halfway through, but this one stood out because it was the first time he had referred to her as a goddess when using one of her elements.
Just as she had said she had impressed him by bringing forth the goddess he liked to see, and dazzled him with an elegant dance with her fire. It had been amazing to watch not just to see the fire swirling around her, but because of the control and precision she had displayed. That always impressed him because it showed how hard she had worked to get it to look so effortless.
"That's interesting." He said after she finished.
"Yeah." Serena agreed. "It's very frustrating to see that scout with those abilities and all I've got is my tiara."
"I can only imagine." Darien said sympathetically. "Perhaps all you need is time to gain more abilities."
Of course he knew as soon as she remembered her true memories she would have those abilities she had just remembered. The only thing in question was if she would have her former control or have to work up to it.
Still, he could understand her frustration. He imagined he would feel the same way if all he had was his throwing roses, and yet he was dreaming of memories of his past self as prince with all the abilities he had available yet had no access to them.
"Maybe." Serena said with a sigh before she lay back down on his chest.
Darien smiled at the move since it was further proof of just how comfortable she was with him.
"I don't know what time it is, but I'm hungry so I'm getting up!" She said as she suddenly sat up and began to free herself from the covers. She shoved Darien as she listened to him laugh, but it didn't stop her from getting up.
With that good note ringing through the room they both got out of the bed and began to start their day. They took turns taking showers and made sure to dress warmly since it looked cold outside, and the room wasn't exactly warm with the fire having died down during the night.
Once Serena had put her hair up in her familiar bun style they left their room and headed downstairs to eat a late breakfast. They were halfway down the stairs before they realized Kagome and Sesshomaru were sitting in the living room cuddled up sipping hot drinks with the fire blazing in the fireplace spreading warmth.
They moved into the kitchen and began to make themselves something to eat. They found the process interesting and enlightening since they had never eaten breakfast together let alone made it together. They were now discovering what each other liked to eat and what they liked in common.
"So do you guys have anything planned for today?" Serena asked Kagome and Sesshomaru halfway through eating her meal from where she sat at the dining table with Darien.
"I plan on doing some practicing with my bow and arrows." Kagome replied as she shifted and looked over the back of the couch.
"Oh! I want to watch." Serena said cheerfully.
"Then as soon as we finish we can head outside." Kagome said.
"Alright." Serena said and went back to her eating; going a bit faster then before.
Once Serena and Darien finished eating they cleaned up their dishes while Kagome went and grabbed her bow and arrows from her room. When the dishes were finished they all headed out through the glass double doors to the back of the cabin.
The Saturday sky was blue and sunny but the air was cold, which was a shock even with them dressed warmly. Darien, Serena, and Kagome looked around curiously since this was their chance to really see the environment they were camping in not to mention to get a good look at the cabin.
The wood covering the building was the same reddish brown as the wood inside but in a much more vibrant tone that made it stand out from the surrounding trees. There was a deck that stretched along the back of the cabin with a swinging bench, on the ground a few feet from the deck was a large fire pit surrounded by cut stones, chairs surrounded the pit, and a large hammock swayed from its own stand not far away.
Everything was made of the same reddish brown wood and looked so very nice and inviting.
Serena followed Kagome as she walked off and away from the deck with her quiver of arrows slung over her shoulder and bow in her hand. They stopped about a dozen feet from the tree line, and she moved off to the side as Kagome shifted her feet into a steady stance before lifting her bow in front of her.
She watched her pull on the string a few times, as if she was stretching her arms, then grasp an arrow from her quiver over her shoulder and notch it against the string. Kagome pulled back on the string, a finger lifted from the bow and pointed along with the arrow before she released it. It flew through the air and landed in the trunk of a tree with a light 'thunk' sound.
From there Serena watched her friend shoot arrow after arrow in quick succession until she had gone through seven more of them.
"You want to give it a try?" Kagome asked curiously, lowering her bow as she looked to her friend with raised brows.
"Sure." Serena said cheerfully before she stepped forward and took the bow her friend handed her.
She moved her hands along the curve and grip of the bow as if testing the feel of it before she gripped the bow in her left hand and pulled back on the string just enough to feel the tension. She tilted her head slightly in a thoughtful manner although she wasn't actually thinking about anything.
She shifted her eyes over to Kagome who held out an arrow, and she grasped it with her right hand and stared at it for a few long moments. Without a word or thought she straightened the bow and notched the arrow against the string even as she shifted her body in a stance that she would have been surprised to learn was perfect.
Her arm lifted the bow seemingly of its own accord as she pulled back sharply on the string until her hand was nearly next to her shoulder. She aimed the arrowhead at the same tree that Kagome had been using, her mind blank of all thoughts, and released the string. The arrow shot through the air and struck the tree and sank into the bark among the cluster of arrows that were already sticking out.
Serena stared blankly at the arrow she had shot, her body still unconsciously in the stance of an expert archer, and couldn't understand how she had done it. She had never used a bow in her life, but she had clearly just shot an arrow like it was the easiest thing in the world.
She knew that it actually wasn't very hard to fire off an arrow, but also knew there was actually a technique to get the best results; and of course it actually was hard to hit exactly what you aimed for without a great deal of practice.
But that was exactly what she had done. She aimed with both eyes open, staring at the spot she aimed at, and released the string and watched the arrow hit the same spot she had been staring at.
Her mind slipped back to the only other instance she could recall where she had experienced a similar situation. Back when she had been dealing with a monster with her Tuxedo Mask companion before she knew he was her boyfriend, and grabbing the monster's staff and using it against the monster as if she had trained with it for years.
That too had been a first time experience. Before then she had never even seen a staff in person let alone held one and used it, but just like in this instance with the bow and arrow she had known how to use it the moment she had touched it.
What is this? Why...? She thought, growing more upset by the moment, as she finally lowered her arms and looked down at the bow in confusion.
It was instinct just as Darien had said with the staff. She had done it on instinct with both weapons; used them properly the first time as if she had always known how to use them. But if she could use these weapons then why didn't she have them?
Clearly she must have in the past, so where were they now? Did she have to earn them in order to use them? Or did she not have them as Sailor Moon, but as Sailor Earth instead? Was it as simple as that? She wasn't Sailor Earth in this life, so she didn't get those weapons.
And she definitely couldn't forget the abilities she had seen in her memory dream. That version of her had been able to control the elements, and it had been in a much different way then she had seen Amy and Raye use the elements. They seemed to use energy to produce the elements, while the Sailor Earth version of her used the actual elements around her.
It was confusing, frustrating, and irritating, and that on top of her confusion and anger was leaving her seriously out of sorts!
"Serena? Are you okay?" Kagome asked quietly, and she looked up to see her friend looking at her in concern and confusion.
oOo
Darien and Sesshomaru sat in the chairs around the fire pit as they watched their girlfriends walk toward the tree line.
"Have you seen Kagome practice before?" Darien asked as they settled back in their chairs.
"Yes." Sesshomaru confirmed. "A few times now. She's very good, but that is not surprising given the amount of practice she puts in."
"Do you know how long she's been using the bow?" Darien asked curiously as he glanced to Sesshomaru.
"From my understanding she's known how to use a bow since she was a child, but didn't really start using it regularly until junior high." He answered. "That's when she decided to join the archery club, and she has stuck with it since then."
Darien nodded in understanding as they watched Kagome work with her bow and arrows as Serena stood at her side watching. She was very good, just as Sesshomaru had said, and struck the tree in the same area every time she released an arrow. Her stance looked perfect and her movements precise with no wasted movements.
After a couple of short minutes he sat up straight and immediately focused on Serena as soon as she took the bow in her hand. He had not seen his Serenity use the weapon since long before she had been taken from him and made into the scout of the Moon.
Will she instinctively know how to use it just as she instinctively knew how to use a staff? He wondered curiously. He hoped she could because that would be yet another indication of her further remembering her true past.
He watched as she tested the bow, seemingly feeling the texture and tension of the string, before her body language seemed to change. It wasn't like before when she first held the staff, however, that was likely because she had been in the middle of engaging a monster; whereas here she had no threat to deal with.
His eyes followed as Kagome handed her an arrow and her body language changed again. She notched the arrow and assumed a perfect stance, a familiar stance to his watchful eyes, before she lifted the bow and pulled back on the string. Within moments she was releasing the string and sending the arrow streaking through the air, and he nodded as it sank into the tree in the middle of the arrows already there, which he was sure had been her intention.
Darien turned his eyes back to his Serenity and watched as she stood paused for long moments, so long that Kagome looked to her in confusion, before she relaxed slightly. She was clearly lost in thought but as he continued to watch he could see her confusion and upset, and decided that he needed to speak to her in private and see what he could do for her.
He stood up and began to walk toward her as she silently handed the bow back to Kagome, and when he reached her he took her hand silently, watching as she looked up at him, and began to lead her off into the trees making sure to angle away from where the two women were shooting the arrows.
"Talk to me my lady." He said quietly when he judged them to be far enough away that they wouldn't be heard. "What are you thinking?" He asked as he stroked his thumb along her hand as they walked.
"I knew how to use that bow, and it was the first time I've ever held one." Serena said as she gazed aimlessly into the distance. "I didn't think about it at the time but I knew how to stand to give myself the best balance, and I knew how to aim and release the arrow so it would hit exactly where I was looking."
"It was just like with the staff. Instinct like you said before." She continued. "That was disconcerting enough, but it also occurred to me that if it was instinct then how come I don't have those weapons. I wonder if I just haven't gained them yet, but I don't think I had them in the past; at least not as Sailor Moon."
"You think you had them as Sailor Earth." Darien said; of course he knew for a fact that she did.
"Yes." She said as she nodded. "If I was going to have them as Sailor Moon I think I would have gotten access to them by now, but after the memory I dreamed of I think it makes sense that the other version of me would have had them. Sailor Earth seemed more powerful and just looked like she could handle those weapons."
"I understand what you mean, however, I believe you are just as powerful where it counts." He said as they walked, squeezing her hand in sympathy. "I don't want you to think you're less of a scout simply because you don't have access to the abilities or weapons you've seen this past version of you have."
Realistically he knew that as Sailor Earth she had been more powerful in terms of abilities and the weapons she had access to, but her personality as both scouts had essentially been the same. She had simply been limited in what she could do as the scout of the Moon because her duties had been different.
As the scout of the Earth she had been responsible for the protection of an entire planet, which included the planet itself and the population, however as the scout of the Moon she had only been responsible for protecting the Moon Princess, a single woman.
Serena squeezed Darien's hand and stepped toward him as they walked and leaned her head against his shoulder with a sigh. She raised her free hand and grasped onto his arm as she looked up into the canopy of the trees. The sun was shining through the high branches, and she blinked and stumbled slightly before pausing in her steps as a scene began to play through her mind.
oOo
"Close your eyes." Endymion said gently. "Do not open them until I say so."
Sailor Moon did as he asked and felt him wrap his arms around her and hold her against him firmly. A moment passed and she saw a light flash behind her closed eyelids, and couldn't quite identify what she was suddenly smelling.
"Open your eyes." She heard him say softly after he released her and moved around behind her.
She did as he said and immediately gasped; her eyes widening as she took in the sight around her. They were surrounded by tall thick trees, and bushes were everywhere. To her left was a bubbling stream with clear water and slick smooth rocks in it, and the sun was shining down on them through the long high branches of the canopy.
She blinked as she turned in a slow circle. It looked beautiful and smelled amazing. And the sound! The bubbling rush of the stream, the back and forth calls of birds, and the rhythmic cadence of insects.
"What do you think my lady?" Endymion asked after a few minutes.
"It is amazing." Sailor Moon said as she looked to him. "It is beautiful, and I positively love the smell."
The colors are so bold and vibrant. She thought as she took in the deep greens and the earthy browns. She walked up to a tree and placed her gloved hand on the trunk as she tilted her head back and looked toward the top.
"This is amazing." She said again. "There is nothing like this on the Moon at all. The Moon has gardens full of plants and flowers, but they are pale in color and the area is silent. This forest is so full of vibrant colors, the more I look the more I see, and a constant soothing sound drifts from every direction."
"I would love to come and read here." She added as she turned and looked to the prince. "Thank you for bringing me here."
"You are welcome my lady." Endymion replied. "I am pleased you like this place, and I will be more than happy to bring you here or anywhere else you wish any time you wish it."
Sailor Moon blushed at his words, and smiled gratefully as she looked to him.
oOo
"Are you alright?" Darien asked as he looked down at his soulmate, but blinked as he saw her eyes were dazed and gazing up into the trees.
What is she remembering this time? He wondered as he glanced around at the area before returning his eyes to her.
Serena blinked rapidly as she became aware of reality again, and looked up into her boyfriend's curious and concerned eyes.
"Another memory." She said simply before she looked around at the woods, seeing them differently than she had only moments ago.
"What was it this time?" He asked curiously.
"The prince took Sailor Moon to see a forest for the first time." She answered as she looked back to him. "It was amazing. Everything was so vibrant to her; the colors, sounds, and the scents."
"Sounds like that past version of you enjoyed the experience." Darien said even as he recalled the memory for himself.
He had wanted her to experience something new, but at the same time he had been hoping the experience would trigger her true memories or even bring about a hint of familiarity. Unfortunately that hadn't happened, and he was disappointed although he didn't show it at the time. After all, it wasn't his soulmate's fault that she didn't remember.
It was that selfish princess' fault. He reminded himself resentfully. He didn't think he would ever get pass the fact that the Moon Princess had taken his soulmate from him. Among other things. He thought angrily, remembering everything he and his soulmate had lost as he looked off into the trees.
His rage was still strong, still as hot as it had been in the past, and it didn't help that he was seeing evidence of the results of the princess' selfish manipulation and abuse of power in the form of his Serenity.
Every day he saw her and could clearly see that she didn't remember her true past, every time he saw her as the scout of the Moon, every time she told him of a memory she dreamed of or recalled in the moment, and every time she looked at him and there was no recognition of who he truly was to her.
All those instances and other details were constant evidence of what had happened, and all because a selfish princess couldn't take the fact that he didn't want her!
It is also highly likely because she was jealous of my Serenity as well. He acknowledged. Serenity simply being with me would have been enough for her to be jealous, but there was also the fact that my Serenity was more attractive than her in every way. More beautiful, more elegant, more confident, and stronger.
There is no doubt the princess will be jealous of her again, but hopefully my Serenity will remember who she really is before that royal is found. He thought with an internal sigh. That way she would have little to no interaction with the princess.
"She did." Serena said, bringing his attention back to the present.
"Since we're alone how about we enjoy these woods while we have the time?" Darien suggested as he gazed around at the trees and grass surrounding them, once again recalling the memory she had just remembered.
"What exactly do you have in mind?" She asked as she looked up at him.
He smiled at her, deciding to do what he would have done in the past had he been in the forest with his soulmate as Sailor Earth. He released her hand and wrapped his arm around her waist and cupped her chin as he leaned down and kissed her.
Serena hummed happily, pleased with the kiss and the distraction from her unhappiness about not having the weapons she instinctively knew how to use and the fascinating powers of Sailor Earth, and leaned against him. Their tongues met and danced in a twisting sliding tango, and she trembled slightly at the feel of his arm tightening around her and pulling her flush up against him.
"I got distracted by the memory earlier," She said as their lips parted. "but I wanted to thank you for what you said; it means a lot to me."
"You are welcome; just make sure to keep my words in mind." Darien said meaningfully. "Now, how about we head back and let Kagome know you're fine." He suggested and she nodded.
They parted but both of them reached for the other's hand, and smiled as their fingers linked together as they turned back toward the cabin. They hadn't walked far, and could still see the cabin from their position so there was no concern on that front.
"You know since you have the instinctive knowledge of how to use a bow and arrows and a staff you should start practicing with them." He advised after a few long silent moments. "That way you can become familiar and comfortable using them, and given time you might become powerful enough to produce them with your power so you could use them while transformed." He explained, and she hummed thoughtfully.
"You're right. I should start practicing with them." Serena replied thoughtfully. "I seriously hope I grow powerful enough so I can produce them, because they would be so much more useful than my tiara; or at least be a great addition to what I can use. That way I would be able to handle fighting monsters at long and short distance."
"That's what I like to hear! Be optimistic." He said with a pleased smile.
"I'll try to be more optimistic from now on." She said. Which means I need to train more in general. She admitted. After all, she couldn't get more powerful if she didn't train.
It didn't take them long to reach and clear the tree line, and spot Kagome and Sesshomaru who both immediately looked their way; her friend looking concerned.
"I'm fine Kagome." Serena assured her when they got closer. "I was just honestly surprised and confused about how well I did using your bow. I hadn't expected that."
"I was surprised as well, but that just means I now have a friend who I can share the ability with." Kagome said.
Serena perked up about that as she hadn't thought about that benefit to having that instinctive knowledge. Darien had just suggested she practice, but she hadn't thought to practice with anyone but him; and with him just watching at that since he didn't use those weapons.
"I like that. Now I just have to get my hands on a bow of my own." She said brightly.
Darien hummed quietly at his soulmate's words. She was right about that. She was going to need a bow of her own. She'd had access to plenty in the past, but hadn't kept one of her own because she didn't use it enough for such a measure.
That could change now, and I would rather have her have the best; especially considering what she would be using it for. He thought as gazed at her. Yes. I will look into this.
"We're going to head inside." Serena said as she glanced to Darien. She wanted to relax a bit and be alone with him.
"Alright." Kagome said as she nodded. "Have fun." She added mischievously.
"Maybe we will!" Serena said even as she blushed.
She pulled a chuckling Darien along as they made their way back inside the cabin, waving to Sesshomaru as they passed him, and headed toward the stairs.
"So, are we going to have fun my lady?" Darien asked in a low tone, and watched her blush again.
"I don't know. Do you want to?" She asked in a slightly suggestive tone as they moved up the stairs.
"I'm always up for having fun with you." He replied flirtatiously.
"Do you have anything in mind?" Serena asked as she paused on the top step and turned to face him.
Instead of saying anything he wrapped his arms around her waist and pressed his lips to hers since the step he stopped on made them the same height. Her arms slipped around his neck and the next thing he felt was her fingers plowing through his hair as their kiss deepened.
"How about we take this to our room so we aren't interrupted?" She suggested as she pulled her lips from his.
"As you wish." Darien replied huskily.
Serena smiled a blushing smile but grasped his hand again and began to guide him to their room. It was only a short walk down a hallway and she pushed the door open as she reached it.
As they stepped inside the room Serena paused as she heard the muffled sound of her communicator going off. She looked to Darien in surprise before walked further into the room, stepping toward the side of the bed she had claimed. She leaned down and dug the device out of her backpack, and grimaced as she straightened to see the Mercury button flashing.
She sat on the bed with a sigh and looked to Darien as he closed the door before she looked back to her communicator and pressed the dark pink button with a blue Mercury symbol on it.
"Serena here." She said.
oOoIRoOo
Raye and Amy sat inside her temple home at the large floor desk in the room where they and the others usually had their meetings. The two had decided after school the day before to hangout that day and do some studying together.
They went to different schools but most of the subject material was the same, and when it wasn't they would simple work on their homework and get it out of the way.
They had thought about inviting Serena and Mina, especially since they went to school with Amy, but decided against it since it had been a while since just the two of them hung out.
"What do you think Mina and Serena are doing?" Amy asked idly as she wrote down some notes from one of her textbooks.
"Probably hanging out with their friends." Raye answered as she glanced over to her. "I haven't seen either of them since the last monster attack, but you go to the same school as them so you must have right? Did you hear anything about them having any weekend plans?"
"No." Amy replied. "We may go to the same school but we hardly see each other on campus let alone talk. I actually don't think I saw either one of them except briefly after school, and that was only Serena walking out of the gates. And I'm not even sure if she and Mina have seen or spoken to each other since the last attack."
"Wow." Raye said as she shook her head slightly. "I thought with you all going to the same school you would see each other all the time."
"We each have different classes. The only times we could possibly see each other without intentionally seeking each other out is before classes start, during the morning or sometime in the hallway while moving between classes." Amy explained.
"Ah that makes sense then." Raye replied. "I guess none of you seek each other out."
"No." Amy said and then sighed. "Do you think it's strange that we all aren't more closer as friends? I thought with us being this team of guardians set to protect the Moon Princess we would be better friends; spend more time together so we can know each other well and be a better team."
"I've wondered about that as well." Raye said. "The thought has come to me off and on since I became a scout, but even more so since Mina became a scout. I thought since there are now four of us it makes sense for us to hang out together."
"I wonder if we were all close in the past." Amy wondered as she idly recalled the memory of her past self speaking to Sailor Moon about her seeing the Earth Prince. They hadn't appeared to be the best of friends, but they also weren't angry with each other; just disagreeing with each other. She thought her past self had been concerned, frustrated, and upset.
Before Raye could reply a beeping sound nearly echoed in the quiet room, and Amy quickly dug into her bag and pulled out her minicomputer. She opened it, stopping the beeping sound, and clicked around as she narrowed down the location of what was obviously a monster.
The screen first showed a birds-eye white map of the city and it gradually yet quickly zoomed down until it showed a blinking red circle that was steadily moving straight along the dark blue line of a street.
"The monster isn't far from us." Amy said in surprise before she quickly visualized where the front of the house was, and therefore the street, in relation to the room they were in. "The monster is some blocks from here in that direction." She informed her friend as she gestured behind her.
"Alright. Let's go." Raye said as she stood up. "I'll contact Mina; you contact Serena." She said as they hurried out of the room.
Amy nodded and closed her minicomputer before she pulled her communicator from her pocket. She pressed the dark pink button with a white crescent moon on it and waited as she glanced over to see Raye doing the same; only she pressed the button with an orange symbol for Venus on it.
It wasn't until they were out of the house and almost to the tree line off to their right of the property that they got an answer.
"Mina here." The voice of the secret scout of Venus came through.
"There's a monster attack happening not far from my temple. We don't know exactly where yet because the monster is moving." Raye informed her.
"I'll be there as soon as I can; I'm on my way." Mina said after a few quiet moments. "I'll contact you when I reach the general area for further directions."
"Okay. If we reach the monster first I'll contact you." Raye said.
"Okay. Mina out." She heard the secret scout of Venus say, and pressed the button to end the connection. She put her communicator away with a light sigh and pulled out her transformation pen a moment later.
Amy sighed heavily and pressed the button and ended the connection she was trying to make.
"Serena isn't answering." She announced as she put her communicator away.
"Try again once we know where the monster is." Raye replied.
Amy nodded and pulled her transformation pen from her pocket as she fit her minicomputer into her other pocket as they slowed to a stop when they were sure they couldn't be seen within the trees.
"Mercury Power!" Amy called out, and watched as blue light and a stream of water came pouring out of the top of her pen and begin to swirl around her.
"Mars Power!" Raye said as she held her pen out in front of her, and squinted her eyes as red light flashed and fire came streaming out of the top of the pen to circle around her.
They were each covered and surrounded by light and their individual element for a few long moments before they cleared and revealed the young women to be transformed into their alter egos of Sailor Mars and Sailor Mercury.
Mercury pulled out her minicomputer and opened it to check the monster's location, and immediately saw that it was still moving along the same street as before.
"Let's go." She said as she looked to her companion and watched Mars nod sharply.
The two took off running through the trees, carefully yet quickly moving down the sloping hill, until they reached street level. As soon as their feet hit the ground they took off sprinting along the sidewalk with Mercury occasionally checking her computer to make sure the monster was still headed in the same direction.
They moved along coming across a few people who they heard gasp briefly as they swerved around them and continued on their way. The longer they ran the closer they came to the monster and Mercury realized it was slowing down.
"We're almost there!" She called to Mars.
"Right!" Mars called back as they continued to run.
A few minutes passed and they moved up to the roof of a building and continued along the rooftops until Mercury slowed to a stop. She checked her computer and saw that sure enough the monster had stopped moving and they were right on top of it.
"It's here." Mercury said with a frown as she looked around. "I don't know if it's in the building we're on or someone down there."
Mars hummed thoughtfully as she looked down at the sidewalk and street below. There were a couple of people walking in both directions, but it couldn't be them because Mercury's words made it seem like the monster had stopped. There were a few parked cars and a muni bus stopped along the sidewalk, but she couldn't tell if there were people in the vehicles or not.
Mercury meanwhile was busy switching to a different map, one that would allow her to see the area closer up, so she could see if the monster was inside the building or outside it. The screen on her computer showed a live map of the area instead of a plain white map with lines and street names zooming in to the exact spot where they stood.
The red circle appeared and blinked, not inside the building but out on the street directly on top of the image of the parked bus.
"It's in the bus." She said as she closed her minicomputer. As she gazed down at the bus she put her computer away and pulled out her communicator.
"I've been looking at it and I can't see anyone through the windows from this angle." Mars said with a frown as she pulled out her own communicator.
Before she could press the button with the Venus symbol they heard a familiar voice call out from behind them. They turned and saw Sailor Venus running toward them along the rooftops.
"Hey." She said as she slowed to a stop next to Mars. "I managed to overhear some people near the temple talking about seeing you two, so I followed the direction they were pointing in before I managed to spot you guys at a distance." She explained as she huffed, trying to catch her breath from her long sprint.
"Well, then that just leaves Serena." Mars said as she looked to Mercury to see her pressing the button with a white crescent moon on her communicator. She nodded and put her own communicator away as she began to explain where the monster was to Venus.
"It hasn't made an appearance yet?" Venus asked as she looked down to the bus after listening to Mars' explanation.
"Not yet." Mars said.
Just then as they were gazing down at the bus the front door opened and out stepped a tall woman in a dark green pants suit uniform with a white button up shirt, dark blue tie and a matching hat pulled low so they could barely see her face let alone her eyes.
They only knew she was a female because of the shape of her body along with the red lipstick and hairstyle.
"Serena here." All three scouts heard and Mercury and Mars looked away from who they thought the monster was to see Serena's face on the tiny screen of the communicator.
oOo
"There's a monster at the end of the bus line not far from the Cherry Hill Temple. Mars, Venus, and I are here and we believe the monster is disguised as the bus driver." Amy's voice came through clearly as her face appeared on the tiny screen.
"It's good that you're all there and have eyes on the monster. Make sure to check the bus for victims in case there are people that don't just have their energy taken or don't wake up once the monster is defeated." Serena said as she glanced up to Darien as he walked away from the door.
"Unfortunately I'm not in the city right now, and can't get back in anywhere near enough time to help in the fight. However, I'm confident you all can handle it without me. If I was able to do it with just Tuxedo Mask's aid then the three of you will have no problem." She continued.
"What?!" Amy's voice came through as her face displayed her shock. "Why didn't you tell us you were going away?"
"I told Artemis and Luna." Serena said with a light frown. No need for them to know that I only told them because they live with me. "I thought they would tell you guys."
Darien walked across the room, making sure to stay away from his Serenity to keep out of view of her communicator, and leaned against the wall next to the window. He shook his head as he gazed through glass. He couldn't believe that scout thought Serena needed to report her activities to them just so they could know she wouldn't be around for a monster attack.
Perhaps that would have been courteous so they would have known ahead of time that they would be down a fighter, but she didn't have an obligation to tell them her plans whenever she was going to be unavailable. They should always be prepared to fight without everyone. Even if she had been in the city there was no guarantee that she would make it to the fight on time.
"Why did you even bring your communicator then?" She heard Raye's voice ask; the disgruntlement clear.
"I brought it in the highly unlikely event I happened to come across the last scout or princess or some other information I felt the need to relay to you all." She answered coolly, in no mood to explain herself.
"Since you all have a monster to deal with I'll let you go. Good luck." She said before she pressed the button with Mercury's symbol on it ending the connection.
"Can you believe them?!" Serena said she put her communicator away.
"I'm not too surprised." Darien said as he watched her. He honestly wasn't at all surprised, but he didn't want to risk her questioning why that was. "At least Venus didn't say anything." He added optimistically.
"True." She agreed. "Maybe she's reasonable, and understands that I didn't need to tell them that I was going away."
Darien hummed in agreement, and she huffed away her irritation and brought her leg up to rest on the bed and placed her hands on her shin.
"So what do you want to do now that we're here?" She asked, her mind going back to their kiss on the stairs and the plan to continue in the room.
"I can think of a number of things, but I will settle for at least one of them." He replied as he pushed away from the window and stepped toward her.
Serena looked at him, curious of what he had in mind, and caught her breath as she felt his hands cup her face. Darien lowered his face to hers and confidently pressed his lips to hers, and listened as she hummed in pleasure.
oOo
"Ugh! Unbelievable!" Sailor Mars said with a frown as she looked back down to the monster.
"I can't believe she didn't tell us she was going away." Sailor Mercury said as she pressed the button to end the connection on her end and put her communicator away.
Sailor Venus just shook her head as she kept her eyes on the monster that was still standing just outside the front door to the bus. She didn't see a problem with Serena being away. It wasn't as if she knew a monster attack would happen and planned to be away for it.
It was only luck that she herself had been able to come since she had just finished a volleyball game with her friends. Serena was living her life; any one of them could have been away when this attack happened.
I could have been gone on an official away game depending on where the game was taking place instead of just playing for the fun of it. She thought as she narrowed her eyes down at the monster.
She wouldn't have been able to get back in time, and it was doubtful she would have even known an attack was happening since she likely wouldn't have known her communicator was going off during a game.
"So how do you want to approach it?" She asked, bringing their focus back to the matter at hand, which was the monster and not the lack Serena's presence.
"I don't know." Mars said with a sigh. "Can we just attack it out in the open?"
"There aren't many people on the street." Mercury said, but before she could say more the monster happened to look up at them revealing black beady eyes.
The female narrowed her eyes and bared her teeth at them, which looked rather jagged instead of how a human's teeth looked.
"It looks like it's too late for a sneak attack." Venus said. "It doesn't matter if it's out in the open. We certainly can't wait until it's inside a building. Out in the open is best."
With that said she lifted her hand and silently launched her Crescent Beam attack down at the monster.
The female instantly jumped up, higher than any regular person should be able to, avoiding the light beam, and landed on top of the bus.
"Mars Fire Ignite!" Mars yelled as she aimed her hands down at the female sending a ball of fire speeding through the air.
"Mercury Ice Bubbles Freeze!" Mercury called as she focused on the disguised monster sending cool bubbles streaming toward the female.
Crescent Beam! Venus thought as she sent another beam of light streaking through the air just ahead of the female.
The monster ran as soon as she heard one of the females speak. She didn't need to wait around to see what would happen; the words alone sounded like some kind of attack. A glance to her left proved that she was right. A ball of fire was speeding toward her and just behind that what looked like bubbles.
She frowned and ran faster, her feet pounding on the roof of the bus, as she dodged the fire and bubbles, but she cried out as she was hit in the side and went flying off the roof of the bus. She hit the ground hard, her bus driver hat flying off, and skidded slightly along the asphalt.
She scrambled to her feet and when she looked up all three females were standing on the roof of the bus spaced out almost evenly along the length. The next thing she registered was another ball of fire headed her way fast. She knew she couldn't dodge it so she threw her hands up to block it.
Sailor's Venus, Mars, and Mercury watched as the disguised monster stood in the middle of the street with its hands up in the air in front of it as if bracing for impact, but to their surprise Mars' attack seemed to hit an invisible surface and dissipate into nothing.
They watched the monster's beady eyes glow red, an angry hiss leaving its mouth, and its body follow suit. Before many moments passed the female's figure was completely covered in a bright red light before it flashed and cleared away leaving the female's true form visible.
She had an emaciated reptilian look with olive green skin, long blood red hair, large beady red eyes, sharp pointed teeth, and claws on her hands and feet that were a red shade. She wore a black and red sleeveless knee length bodysuit with black forearm sleeves.
Mercury and Mars shared a look at seeing what they were dealing with before returning their eyes to the monster. Venus on the other hand kept her eyes on the monster and wasn't about to wait for it to attack them first.
Crescent Beam! She thought as she lifted a hand and pointed a finger down at the monster.
"Mars Fire Ignite!" Mars shouted as she aimed her linked hands at the monster as well.
The beam of light and ball of fire sped toward the monster and she lifted a hand and produced an invisible shield causing the two attacks to crash against it and dissipate. While that was happening she flung her free hand up toward them and sent her own attack streaking their way.
At the sight of what looked like bright red 3D looking boxy arrows Venus ran to her left, Mars jumped off the bus, and Mercury sprinted to her right.
Mercury slowed to a stop at the front end of the bus and frowned down at the monster even as the arrows streaked through the air where they had stood. That attack looked like it came out of some cartoon or a manga. It looked unreal and she was wary about what it could do if it hit.
"Mercury Ice Bubbles Freeze!" She yelled as she aimed her hands at the monster hoping it wouldn't be able to stop the attack.
Crescent Beam! Venus thought, aiming her hand toward the monster as she tried to take advantage of the monster focusing on Mercury's incoming attack.
"Mars Fire Ignite!" Mars called, sending a ball of fire shooting toward the monster.
The monster raised a hand toward the incoming stream of bubbles and they hit her invisible shield, but she cried out as she was hit in her side and then again as she was hit in her chest with a ball of fire. Both attacks sent her flying back and to the side and she landed hard on the ground and skidded slightly.
She growled and swung her arm from left to right at the females as she was getting up and sent red sharp 3D reptile scales spraying at them. Once she gained her feet she sent another wave of scales at them.
Venus and Mercury leapt off the bus to avoid the scales and Mars dropped to the ground and covered her head as the scales flew through the space she had been standing and hit the bus shattering the windows.
Crescent Beam! Venus thought as soon as she hit the ground her body twisting as she knelt down and aimed at the monster from around the bus.
"Mercury Ice Bubbles Freeze!" Mercury called out, aiming her hands at the monster as she stepped away from the front of the bus.
Mars looked up from her position nearly lying on the ground and quickly shifted into a kneeling position before she brought her hands up and linked them together.
"Mars Fire Ignite!" She called out and sent a ball of fire shooting straight toward the monster.
The monster raised her right hand and shielded herself from the beam of light headed her way, and skipped back out of the way when she heard the female in blue call out the same attack from before. She watched it pass by where she had been as the light beam stopped, but quickly raised her invisible shield when she heard the female in red speak from in front of her. The ball of fire slammed into her shield and faded away to nothing soon after.
She quickly lowered her shield and stretched both arms out as she raised her hands as if she was lifting something and smirked at the reactions she got.
The scouts were suddenly caught by surprise and, startled, they cried out as they rose off the ground and into the air. It was as if gravity had disappeared but only for the three of them since vehicles remained on the street, and they panicked as they moved their limbs instinctively to find some form of traction to steady themselves.
The monster chuckled, a mix of smug sinisterness, and looked up to the sky. She raised one hand higher, aiming at the bright blue sky, and focused until a small black circle began to swirl in a clockwise motion. As the circle swirled it grew larger until it looked like a deep black disk in the sky.
She lowered her gaze and hand to the struggling females and raised them higher, smirking as she listened to their cries as they moved further and higher into the air toward the dark opening.
oOo
Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus knelt on a rooftop at a long distance from the monster and three guardian scouts. They had a clear view of the entire street and the buildings and bus that were in the immediate area the fight was taking place. Admittedly they had to squint as they watched because of the distance, but knew that if they needed details Neptune could use her mirror.
The mirror was what had alerted them to the monster activity in the first place and they had arrived in time to see what looked like the guardian scouts first attack on the monster since it had yet to reveal its true form.
"Where are Prince Endymion and Sailor Moon?" Uranus finally voiced the thought as they watched the monster reveal its true form in a flash of bright red light.
"Yes they would usually be here by now." Neptune said as she summoned her mirror.
The handle of the mirror appeared in her gloved hand and she brought her free hand up to rest on the back of the mirror, and focused on finding her prince and his soulmate. The reflective surface rippled and her image disappeared to reveal Serena and Darien lying on a bed talking and sharing kisses.
"They're busy." She said as she gazed at the couple, and her companion pulled her eyes away from the fight and looked at the mirror.
"Obviously they won't be joining us." Uranus said with a raised brow since it looked like they didn't even know of the attack. Although, it was more likely that they did know, and simply wouldn't make it in time to be of any help; assuming they were close enough to even try to make it.
The fact that they look quite comfortable means that they aren't going to try, which means they are likely too far away. She thought, eying the unfamiliar wooden wall that she could see of the room.
"We can use this. This is our chance to see how the guardian scouts fight without Sailor Moon and Prince Endymion's aid." She said as she glanced back to the fight.
"Yes." Neptune agreed as she cleared the image from her mirror. "They are still missing one, but this will give us an opportunity to see how they might behave after Serena remembers her true self and is no longer with them. I certainly cannot imagine Sailor Earth remaining with the group of guardians and working with them."
"I can't imagine it either; especially since we really have no idea how she will react once she remembers." Uranus said.
"Perhaps that is something we can ask Prince Endymion." Neptune said thoughtfully. "Ask how he reacted to remembering who he truly was. Her reaction is bound to be more similar to his than either of ours."
"Mhm." Uranus hummed in agreement. "Then we'll find a time to ask him."
With that they turned their entire focus to the fight, and took in the monster's unusual form of attack. They also noticed despite their distance that Mercury and Mars were still voicing their attacks, and that Venus had not taken up the habit they seemed to have.
"Oh." Neptune said in slight surprise as the guardian scouts were lifted into the air seemingly for no reason. Obviously it was the monster's doing, which made the monster that much more dangerous. The scouts would have a hard time trying to fight the monster while in the air with no stability.
"Something is appearing in the sky." Uranus noted with a frown.
Neptune shifted her eyes away from the struggling figures of the guardians and saw the black circle opening and widening in the sky. She lifted her mirror and aimed it at the anomaly. The reflective surface showed it as if there was no back to her mirror before zooming in to show a closer image of it.
"It is a portal." She announced after gazing at the swirling black hole for a few long moments. "Where it goes I cannot imagine."
"Let's see how they handle this or if they will be able to handle it at all." Uranus said as she stared at the fight scene.
She wondered vaguely what would happen if the guardian scouts were pulled into that portal, but she knew for sure that it wasn't hers or Neptune's duty to save them. If they could not handle the situation how did they expect to keep their princess safe?
Then again it is possible that Prince Endymion might want us to keep them safe as people of the Earth and not guardian scouts. If this situation turns out fine then this scenario is something we should bring up to him and see if he would want us to interfere if it happens again. She thought.
oOo
Sailor Venus' heart raced uncomfortably at her weightlessness and inability to stop what was happening. Then she blinked and realized she could stop what was happening. She lifted a hand and aimed her finger down at the monster with narrowed eyes.
Crescent Beam! She thought angrily and sent the beam of light streaking down at the monster.
The beam struck the monster since the female apparently couldn't move with what she was doing, and was blasted back with a cry, which released the scouts and sent them falling to the ground.
The three scouts all managed to right themselves and land on their feet although they did stumble and kneel down with their momentum.
Crescent Beam! Venus thought sending another beam of light at the monster before it could recover.
"Mercury Ice Bubbles Freeze!" Sailor Mercury yelled as she aimed her hands at the downed monster sending a stream of cold bubbles in its direction.
"Mars Fire Ignite!" Sailor Mars nearly shouted from her kneeling position sending a heated ball of fire speeding at the monster.
The monster hit the ground and skidded back her legs flying up as if she was going to roll backwards with her momentum, but her legs came back down and before she could do anything more then sit up she cried out in pain as she was hit again with the same attack.
The beam knocked her back onto her back and she cracked her eyes open before widening them with a gasp and bringing her hands up and slightly off to her left. The bubble attack heading her way hit her invisible shield and the bubbles spread off to the sides before disappearing.
However, as she was focused on blocking that attack she was too late to do anything about the ball of fire streaking toward her. The heated ball flew beneath her shield and hit her in the stomach causing her to scream at the flame burning her through her clothes and into her skin.
Sharp pointed teeth flashed as she grimaced in pain then she quickly swiped her claws twice in a panic as a glance told her the females were getting ready to attack again sending two waves of sharp red scales in the hopes of buying herself some breathing room.
Venus narrowed her eyes and ducked under the scales until she was kneeling on the ground. The attack didn't deter her and she quickly lifted her hand and aimed her finger at the monster. She wanted to hit it while it was distracted and in pain.
Crescent Beam! She thought, sending the streak of light toward the monster while it was getting to its feet.
The beam slammed into the monster's lower legs and it fell forward with a cry, and released another cry as it slammed face first onto the ground.
"Mars Fire Ignite!" Mars yelled after avoiding the scaled attack and sent a heated ball of fire toward the monster.
"Mercury Ice Bubbles Freeze!" Mercury cried out as she finished dodging the monster's attack sending a stream of cool bubbles toward it.
Mars' attack hit the reptilian monster in the head as it was pushing itself up causing it to scream in pain, and Mercury's attack hit the monster in the side immediately freezing it leaving a pained yet surprised looked on its face.
"Mars Fire Ignite!" Mars called out as she stood up with her hands together and pointed toward the monster.
Crescent Beam! Venus thought with her arm outstretched and her finger aimed at the frozen monster.
The beam of light and ball of fire sped through the air and slammed into the monster at the same time shattering its figure and melting the pieces until nothing was left.
"Is everyone alright?" Venus asked immediately as she moved toward Mars.
She figured it was good to check and she knew that if Sailor Moon was there she would do the same. Even though she didn't appear to have much of a friendship with Mars and Mercury she still cared if they were hurt or not, and didn't want them to be injured or killed.
oOo
Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune watched closely as the guardian scouts struggled weightless in the air. Within moments they watched as Venus was the only one of the three with the presence of mind to attack the monster. She freed herself and the others and they had landed safely on the ground.
From there the guardian scouts attacked the monster rapidly and continuously. They avoided the one attack the monster managed to aim at them, but it didn't help the monster one bit because Venus was quick to attack. Her silent attack being so affective because the monster couldn't avoid it unless it saw it coming.
"Venus is good at rallying them together so to speak." Neptune commented as she watched the monster be blasted to pieces.
"Yes. She is quick to attack and they follow up just as quickly." Uranus said as she watched the guardians come together. "Makes me wonder how this fight would have gone if Venus wasn't there."
Neptune hummed in agreement before looking to sky to see the black portal close up and disappear.
"Look!" Uranus said sharply, and Neptune returned her eyes to the scene quickly. Before her eyes could focus on the guardians they alighted on a man standing on the roof.
"Another guardian general." She said seriously.
"Looks like it." Uranus agreed with a nod. "Can we get a better look at him?" She asked.
Neptune silently raised her mirror so it was aimed at the man's figure, and they watched as his image magnified until he filled the entire length of the reflective surface.
He had blue eyes, and straight white hair that flowed pass his shoulders but didn't reach the middle of his back. Like the other young men that they had seen he wore a light gray uniform with dark gray trimming, a black belt, and black shoes that were likely boots that were covered by his pants.
In addition to that he had a white cape with a gray inner lining attached to his shoulders, wore white gloves, and had narrow diamond shaped earrings.
oOo
"You appear to be missing some members of your little group."
Sailor Venus, Sailor Mercury, and Sailor Mars looked up quickly at the sound of a calm unfamiliar masculine voice, and were confronted by the sight of another one of those men in uniform that were part of their enemy.
"Even so you still managed to defeat my monster." He added in an almost thoughtful tone as he narrowed his eyes down at them. "Where are the other two?" He asked.
Venus narrowed her eyes at the man ignoring his question, but taking in his demeanor and baring. He looked calm and confident, and she had the feeling he was stronger than the other man. Which she wasn't particularly happy about since it had been Sailor Moon that had sent him running away.
Mercury frowned up at the man taking in everything she could about him. She wanted to pull out her minicomputer and analyze him and what she couldn't see, but she obviously couldn't pull it out without him seeing her. She very much hoped he didn't pull out some ability they couldn't handle.
Mars glared at the man trying to hide her concern, because she felt he was stronger and more composed then the previous men they had seen so far. He just gave off that feeling, and that made him all the more dangerous in her mind.
Malachite gazed calmly down at the women as he identified them. From what the others had informed him of he was looking at the scouts of Venus, Mercury, and Mars.
Which means Sailor Moon and the masked man are missing. He concluded. They couldn't have left early, so they must not have been at this fight. The three of them alone are capable of defeating a monster, so perhaps we should begin sending out more than one at a time. Force them to split up. He considered thoughtfully.
"Obviously they are not here." He answered himself as he continued to look down at them.
"Who are you?" Mercury asked.
"I suppose I will have to settle for getting rid of the three of you for now." He continued like she hadn't spoken.
Venus narrowed her eyes up at the man but then they widened slightly before she practically threw herself aside to avoid whatever he was doing. She had been watching him closely and saw his expression change slightly as he raised his hand. Her instincts told her to move so she did, and was glad when she caught a glimpse of the energy dome that rapidly sprang up around her fellow scouts.
She rolled and came up firing her Crescent Beam, but the man teleported away. She looked around but didn't immediately see him. She knew he was still there though, because the dome over Mercury and Mars was still there.
Her heart was racing and adrenaline was pumping through her veins at the situation they found themselves in. Not just that though. It was more than clear that it was up to her to fight this man and drive him away or injure him enough to release the energy barrier around her fellow scouts.
And unfortunately she knew there was a very real possibility that even injuring him wouldn't release the barrier.
Mars and Mercury looked around wildly as they found themselves inside some kind of barrier that was a transparent white. The first few seconds after it appeared had already proved that it was solid to the touch and busting out through their physical strength alone would do nothing but wasted time.
"I think I should try my fire, and see if it will burst through this thing." Mars suggested.
"Alright." Mercury agreed. "But we need to be careful in case the barrier makes your attack ricochet back toward us."
Mars nodded and stepped back and brought her hands up and together as Mercury joined her at her side.
"Mars Fire Ignite!" She called out, sending a fireball speeding toward the area of the barrier in front of them. It hit with its usual force but did nothing but spread along it for a few inches before dissipating into nothing.
Both of them were disappointed but not deterred.
"I'll give it a try and see if my attack works." Mercury said.
Mars nodded in agreement, and watched as she brought her hands up as she aimed ahead of them just as she had.
"Mercury Ice Bubbles Freeze!" Mercury called out, sending a stream of bubbles at the same spot that Mars had; hoping the fire might have destabilized the barrier in that area.
The bubbles hit and the area froze where the bubbles touched, but just like with Mars' attack it dissipated into nothing leaving the barrier untouched and still very much in place.
Both of them frowned in displeasure at the results.
"I'm going to see if my minicomputer can pick up on anything about this barrier that can help us get out." Mercury said before she pulled out said computer.
"Okay." Mars said as she nodded, and looked through the barrier to Venus to see how she was faring.
Venus continued to look around as she turned this way and that way trying to make sure she wasn't caught off guard by the man or hit by a car that might be coming and not caring who was in the middle of the street.
She tuned out Mercury and Mars' attempts to free themselves from the barrier, but was still aware that they were not succeeding in their efforts, which meant she really was responsible for freeing them.
As she stepped along the street pass the area of the barrier where her fellow scouts had been aiming their attacks, her head and eyes turning this way and that way, something inside her suddenly screamed at her to duck. Instincts. She thought vaguely just as her fellow scouts were yelling at her to move.
She ducked down and spun around, her Crescent Beam attack already lighting up her finger, and as soon as she spotted the white haired man she let it fly at him.
Malachite swiftly sidestepped the light beam, slightly surprised at her quickness, and quickly raised his hand and sent a white gray energy blast at the scout of Venus who ducked under it and almost popped back up as she fired off her light beam at him again. He spun away from the beam and retaliated with an energy blast from one hand and then another from his other hand.
Venus saw that the blasts were coming from right to left so she quickly moved and ducked to her right to avoid them, and sent her Crescent Beam at him in return; wishing she had more than just that one attack to have a better chance against this man.
He ducked under the beam and sent an energy blast back, and she sent her light beam again this time directly at his energy blast. The two attacks met in the air and caused a slight explosion that while small was large enough to block their view of each other.
Venus hurried forward and took advantage of the lack of sight the explosion caused for the both of them to fire her beam through the fiery cloud hoping to hit him when he least expected it and at a closer range to cause more damage.
Malachite was hit full on in the chest and blasted back, and slammed into the side of a parked car, which was enough to release the barrier he had been maintaining containing Mercury and Mars.
"Mars Fire Ignite!" Mars yelled immediately, sending a heated fireball flying through the air toward the man.
"Mercury Ice Bubbles Freeze!" Mercury shouted, following Mars' fireball with a cool stream of bubbles.
Malachite groaned and grimaced, but within moments his eyes widened. He was in pain, mostly from the impact of hitting the car, even though the light beam wasn't anything to scuff at, but he was aware enough to see the new attacks coming his way. He rolled away, not quick enough to avoid his arm getting hit by some of the fireball, but quick enough to miss the bubble attack after it.
He moved further away before he teleported away and reappeared behind the scouts. He glared at their backs. He was furious! He couldn't believe he couldn't defeat these women, just three of them, and get them out of the way for his Queen! How could this be?!
Maybe the others weren't being weak as he'd begun to believe. Although, after seeing Neflite after his last encounter with the group of fighters he had begun to doubt his belief.
"You may have gotten the drop on me this time," Malachite said, and watched as they spun around. "but I'll be ready next time now that I know what you're capable of." He added before teleporting away to get his injury looked at.
Mars, Mercury, and Venus looked around tensely for a few minutes before they were positive the man was truly gone.
"Are you two okay? That barrier didn't do anything to you did it?" Venus asked the others as she looked to them.
"Yeah we're fine." Mars replied as she nodded.
"It didn't do anything." Mercury added. "As far as I can tell it was only meant to contain. I didn't get the chance to analyze it long enough to see if it could do anything else."
"Are you alright?" Mars asked Venus.
"Yeah." Venus said as she nodded. "Thankfully I managed to avoid all of his attacks."
Mercury sighed and looked around briefly. "I think we should have a meeting, and inform Luna and Artemis about this new guy." She said, remembering how the two had somehow modified the communicators to add a button so they could be contacted if they weren't with one of the girls.
"Yeah. No need to wait." Mars agreed. "We can inform Serena another time."
"Where should we have it?" Venus asked even as she held in a sigh. She thought one of them was sufficient enough to inform the felines, but if they wanted to have a meeting she didn't care. She didn't have anything planned for the rest of the day.
"We can go to the temple since it's close to here." Mars said, and Mercury nodded.
"Then let's go. We can contact Artemis and Luna on the way there." Venus said.
Mercury and Mars nodded, and with that decision made they began to dash away from the area.
As the three guardian scouts ran Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune watched them from their spot on a distant rooftop. They shared a meaningful look and exchanged a nod before they too dashed away from the area. They had watched the fight closely, but knew it would be better to discuss it when they were elsewhere.
Raye, Amy, and Mina arrived at the Cherry Hill Temple almost twenty minutes after the white haired man had left the scene, and easily made their way inside the house and back to the room Amy and Raye had been studying in before they left to fight the monster. Thankfully Luna and Artemis were already there sitting alert on the table.
"Are you girls alright?" Luna asked as they began to sit around the table.
"Yes we're all fine. Just a bit tired." Mina answered for them all.
"So we saw another one of the men that have been showing up at some of the fights." Raye announced.
"What did he look like? Did you get a name?" Artemis asked.
"No name, but he was tall with straight white hair pass his shoulders and blue eyes." Raye answered. "He wore the same light gray uniform as the others only his had dark gray trimming and he wore a cape. I don't know if that addition makes him more powerful or more important than the others or if it's just a fashion statement."
"So far we've seen three of them now, and know of four of them so far." Amy commented.
"Which ones haven't I seen?" Mina asked curiously.
"Of the ones Raye and I have seen you haven't seen the one called Jedite whose uniform has red accents. He has short pale blond hair and gray eyes." Amy said.
"None of us except Serena has seen another of the men. We don't know his name, but he has long blond hair pulled back into a ponytail, green eyes, and wears the same uniform but with green trimming." Raye added.
"Now there is one that Serena hasn't seen." Artemis commented.
"Yes." Raye said, and the others nodded. "Wait; how do you know she wasn't at the fight?"
"She told us she was going camping this weekend." Artemis said easily.
"I wish she would have told us she wasn't going to be around." Raye said.
"I told her she shouldn't go, because I feared this would happen. A monster would attack and she wouldn't be here to help." Luna said.
"It is just a little get away Luna. She fully believed you all would be able to handle a monster attack without her." Artemis said.
"That is what she said when we contacted her, and she was right. We handled it fine and defeated the monster, and forced the man that showed up to retreat." Mina said.
"I still don't like that she didn't tell us." Amy said with a frown. "I feel like her not informing us of things we should know is similar to what I recall of her behavior in the past."
"You've begun to remember the past?" Luna asked, and the others looked on curiously.
"Yes. I have had a couple of memories come to me." Amy answered before she sighed. "And with what I've seen I'm concerned. In the past Serena was in a relationship with the man the princess liked. From what I gathered she started the relationship with the full knowledge of how the princess felt about him, and I'm concerned she'll do the same thing in the present."
"Do you have any other concerns?" Artemis asked after the surprised silence had stretched for a few long moments.
"Yes." Amy said with a frown. "I'm suspicious of her ability to sense dark energy, and why she didn't tell us about it when we first became scouts. Plus, I'm concerned about how she sometimes knows where a fight scene is before she can be given directions."
As far as I'm concerned I should be the only one that should be able to know when a monster attacks, and where it is because of my minicomputer. She thought with a light huff.
"I was informed about her ability to sense dark energy when I first came into contact with her." Artemis said, sounding like he was raising an eyebrow.
"Well I wasn't. I don't know about Raye and Mina, but I only found out about it when she contacted me about a monster attack before I got an alert for one." Amy said.
"I actually didn't know she had that ability at all." Raye said thoughtfully as she thought back to the fights she had been at.
"Do you guys know if she had that ability in the past?" Amy asked the felines.
"I don't remember." Artemis admitted.
"No she didn't have that ability." Luna answered. "That's why I was surprised when she first told me about it."
"Tuxedo Mask wasn't at the fight." Raye said thoughtfully, and everyone looked at her wondering why she spouted out that random fact and seemingly changed the subject. "He's always there, and the one time Serena isn't there he doesn't show." She added as she looked to everyone.
"Do you think there's a connection?" Luna asked after a short pause of silence, a frown in her voice as she considered everything she knew of the masked man.
"I just think it's quite the coincidence that he's been there every single time since I've been a scout, and he just happens to not show up the one time Serena's not there." Raye said.
"He's been there at attack scenes every time since I've been a scout as well." Amy added.
"Have any of you actually spoken to him before?" Mina asked curiously, though she wasn't sure she liked where this was going. "Has Serena said anything about him being at each fight when it was only her; before you two were found?"
"No. We've never spoken to him." Amy said. "I've never tried and the times I thought about it he left before I could try."
"I haven't even thought about trying to talk to him, at least not during fights or right after, because of what's usually happening at the time." Raye said. "And as far as I know Serena's never mentioned him not being at fights before we became scouts. Nor has she mentioned him actually being there, but then I haven't asked for details about the fights that happened before I became a scout."
"I don't think there's any connection there." Mina said with a sigh. "There didn't seem to be any different behavior between the two of them during the last fight. They didn't speak much to each other, and they had no problems fighting."
She was sure that Serena trusted the masked man, but that didn't mean she knew who he was beyond that mask. That was the only connection she could think of in relation to what they were talking about.
Amy and Raye just seemed focused on linking her to Tuxedo Mask and the man from the past. Of course with him there actually was a connection; having recalled a memory of her own about Serena's past self with the man Amy was likely talking about. She also didn't see anything wrong with that relationship.
Serena's past self had looked happy and so had the man, the prince, and common sense showed that the prince because of his station alone would have likely known about the princess' feelings for him, which meant he likely hadn't cared and wanted Serena's past self instead.
But that was then and this is now, and now Serena has an apparently steady boyfriend. She thought.
Beyond that Mina didn't see anything wrong with Serena's ability to sense dark energy, and thought Amy was jumping to large conclusions rather quickly based on nothing but her own personal thoughts and not facts.
It made sense to her for Serena to know the location of a fight if she could sense the dark energy the monsters were putting out. She would be able to follow her senses directly to the creatures.
Mina looked at Amy with muted skepticism and began to wonder if Amy was just jealous of Serena, and trying to discredit her so she looked better in the long run. Amy didn't seem to have that kind of jealous personality just looking at her or speaking to her in general, but then again she didn't really know her all that well.
And I really can't explain her "concerns" any other way. She thought as she shook her head lightly.
"I still wonder about Tuxedo Mask being absent from the fight today of all days. I don't think I can just let that go; especially since we don't know anything about him and what he wants." Raye said.
"Then perhaps you two should speak to Serena about these concerns or issues instead of talking about it behind her back." Mina suggested with a sigh. "We're supposed to be a team, and if we can't speak and function as one then what's the point?"
"She's right." Artemis said seriously. "Amy, Raye you both obviously have concerns. You should talk to Serena about them. She could very well be able to put them all to rest."
"You all should have a meeting when she returns tomorrow." Luna said as she looked around at the girls.
Mina frowned. She didn't think a meeting was necessary. Raye and Amy were the ones with concerns they needed to address with Serena. Actually technically Amy was the only one. Raye's concern was with Tuxedo Mask. Serena was away camping and had nothing to do with him not showing up. So if anything Raye needed to speak to that man if she wanted her curiosity sated.
"Then that's what we'll do." Amy said. "You two should be home whenever she gets there, so you can tell her to contact us, and we can arrange a time and location to meet."
