Chapter Two: Goodnight My Sweet Prince Darien's shaking ceased and finally he stilled and slept. In a far distant place where no mortals dared tread, Serena watched as her only love fell in to dreams and wept. "Oh, Darien. I'll find some way to return to you, I promise!" Adam silently watched Serena and felt her pain as deeply as his own. "Would you like me to show you how to speak to them in dreams, Serena?" Serena met his candid gaze and snuffled a bit. "But you said Mina didn't remember them. What would be the point?" Moving beside her, Adam tilted her chin from him and forced her to look at the wall. "That is the point, Serena. They are the point. They are all torn up inside, countless people wailing because you're not there. One dream, one vision of you strumming a harp or glowing with a gentle light, that's all you have to do to help them subconsciously. Even if they don't remember it all, even if they remember none, inside they will feel better. That is the point." Serena stared at Darien and her eyes moved to Seyia, preparing for bed. "What about him? I can't remember living with him, dying near him. How do I know that I really was his wife? Doesn't he deserve peace as well?" "Of course he deserves peace, Serena." Adam sighed and strode to the wall, pointing to the image of Seiya brushing his teeth. "He probably needs it more too. At least Darien knows who you were. He always knew there was a chance of you dying in the line of duty. Seiya just lost the only thing that linked him to this world, you. Now he's living on a planet not his own, living a life alone, because the woman he chose to give up everything for died. He needs your compassion as well." Adam's tone softened, "Look, Serena, don't think I don't understand. For awhile there I was hurt Mina could move on with her life, though I wanted the best for her. But he needs to move on, figure out what he's going to do now. He got a visit today, right? One that offered him an escape back in to the world he came from? A chance to become Star Fighter once more, right? All he has to do is say yes, and he can go home." "But he won't," Serena whispered. "We have children. And he feels he doesn't have the right to abandon them or even leave them to help with Fireball's request." "What was her request?" Adam glanced at the man turning down his covers and listened as Serena began recounting the afternoon discussion. * * * * * * * * * * * The sheets felt cool and silky beneath his smoothing hand. Seiya fluffed his pillow and plopped down on the bed with a sigh, his mind skidding a hundred miles an hour around the curves of the conversation set earlier in the day. They need help, Fighter. It is your duty to help them. But if it is my duty, why am I so reluctant to do it? I know we gave up that mission years ago but why are they returning to it again? The Sailor Scouts of this galaxy can not be found. The only time we even got close is when I followed the heart crystal indicator and found Corrine. Then I met Serena. This is all so confusing; there is no way that the Sailor Scout of this world has not discovered her powers. As for the rest, it's understandable why there are none, the other planets in the Milky Way were destroyed a Millennia ago. But...there was something indicated on the sheet Taiki showed me. There are people on this planet, as yet inactivated, who have the potential... Why am I thinking like this? I can't leave the children to go on a wild goose chase that I abandoned years ago! It wouldn't be logical or right. Serena would most definitely not approve. Am I willing to tell my children the truth? Are they prepared to discover that their loving father is actually a woman from another planet who loved their mother so much he was willing to remain in his human disguise form for years so their mother would never know the truth? Am I willing to do that to them? Would it be fair to them? If I did, I would have to take them to my home planet and...and then what? Can I give up everything Serena and I made here to help my Princess and the team? * * * * * * * * * * * The night was cool and filled with soft, unhurried noise. Molly and Melvin huddled together beneath the willow tree and silently contemplated the large stone tablet before them. It was made of quartz and marble slices, a rare and beautiful thing in the lonely old graveyard. Along the top the phases of the moon were engraved deeply, and at the bottom a crescent moon with rose calligraphy swept vines along the bottom sides, curling at the final words of the apt inscription. Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt, and dance like no one is watching. Serena Anne, loving daughter and sister, born June 30, died February 14. Goddess of the Moon, protect our little Bunny. "I can't believe it," Melvin whispered. "I still half expect her to come tearing around the corner like she used to when we were kids and klutz out or something. She had so much life inside of her. I would never have thought she would be the first of us to go." Wiping at the tears dripping off her chin, Molly nodded. "I know, Melvin. She was the best friend I ever had. I used to tease her because of school, but she really got everything together, and when I heard she was studying law, I was so proud of her." She leaned in to his shoulder and clutched at his jacket. "I miss her, Melvin. I kept saying, that I'd call her tomorrow, or the next day, but the last time I actually saw her was in December, before the holidays." "Yeah," commented a low voice behind them, "the mall was really crowded that day. It's a miracle you found us." Molly lifted her head and turned to greet their surprise visitor. The person who met her weary gaze caused Molly to blink and rub her eyes in surprise. "Melvin," she whispered softly, "turn around." Melvin turned and gasped. "Serena! What are you doing here?! You're...I mean, you..." He looked at the grave and back at the woman. She smiled at his obvious confusion and closed Molly's gaping mouth with the fingers of one expertly manicured hand. "Are you talking about my...accident?" She gestured to the grave and moved beside the headstone. "Yes, it is lovely. The prettiest in the entire graveyard, I think." "Serena," Molly protested, "if you were alive this whole time, why didn't you tell anyone? Everyone is thin and wasted from grief. The least you could do is tell Darien." Serena knelt on her grave and pulled out one of the dozens of fresh roses from the large vase at the foot of her stone. She shrugged as she traced the velvet petals with the tips of her fingers. The crimson rose shivered against her gentle touch. "I don't think telling anyone would be wise at the moment, Molly. It would cause..." she glanced up, "...complications. I think the way things have turned out is excellent. Don't you dear?" "Of course." Melvin turned as a tall figure stepped out of the liquid shadows and helped Serena rise to her feet. He stared down at the grave as she broke off a long piece of the rose stem and wound the flower through her hair. He didn't notice, instead his eyes watered as he read the stone. She smiled at Molly and lightly touched his arm. "I do believe we are scaring them. What are we going to do?" He glanced at Molly and Melvin before shrugging and running his hand through his coal black hair. A strand caught on his hand and he impatiently shook it free. It floated to the ground, softly settling on the hem of his companion's billowing ivory skirt. "Serena, you know I don't care what you do to our victims," he ground out, "Just make it quick, okay? Don't play with them this time, I hate the screaming part, it makes my head ache in the worst way." Molly backed up at his words and grabbed Melvin's hand. Serena turned to them and Molly moaned softly at the sight of her long-time friend. "No...you're not Serena! What did you do to Serena?" The Serena-thing chuckled and they found themselves unable to budge an inch from the spot they were glued to. "Why Molly, I did nothing to Serena. She's in a place where I can't touch her now; more's the pity. Darien is really steamed about that, let me tell you. She was supposed to be his play toy, but someone stole her away before we could collect your little Meatball head. Such a shame, I had to use her open spot in order to travel to this world. Darien made his way on his own, didn't you dear?" There was a low growl in response and the Serena-thing didn't turn around. She knew he was staring at the grave wondering what had gone wrong, wondering who had taken his prize from right under his nose. She sighed petulantly. "Oh, no matter. If you're going to be grumpy about the entire thing, I might as well have fun." She swirled around, the light material of her gauzy ivory gown flaring up, exposing enough of her perfect creamy legs to boggle the eye. Molly winced as she drew closer, how could she have ever mistaken this thing for Serena? The face and body were identical, true, but the eyes told an entirely different story. Serena's eyes had been a large, luminescent blue. They normally conveyed countless emotions with ease; most people commented on how direct, honest, and true they were. The clarity of her eyes had been astounding, and the purity of her heart shone through unequaled by any other. This thing, on the other hand, had none of those good qualities. Surely enough, her eyes were the same breathtaking shade of blue, but there were no emotions in those eyes. They were blank, wide and open, yet no feeling lay behind them. If there had been hatred, any malice, Molly could then understand her a little, but that lack of anything, that utter emptiness frightened her beyond words. The woman licked her lips and chuckled as if reading Molly's thoughts. "Grandma," she cooed softly, creeping closer to Melvin, "what big eyes you have." The graveyard stilled as his harsh, bloodcurdling screams rang out. They echoed on for several agonizing seconds before spiraling down to nothing. All was utterly silent, then the normal night sounds resumed. Nothing remained except the feeding. * * * * * * * * * * * The door slammed behind her and Mina shivered. The old diner looked exactly as it had all those months before. There was a low hum of music emitting from the kitchen, but other than that and herself, Mina was alone in the restaurant. "Hello? Is anyone here?" A large brown head poked itself through the kitchen doors. "Oh, I'm sorry Miss. I didn't even hear anyone come in. It's so late and we don't usually get a rush until about two a.m. or so." Mina smiled at the familiar face as memories of her last encounter with the diner swirled through her head. "That's okay, Jim. Is Ms. Elisa here?" Jim looked at her questioningly. "Ms. Elisa got fired about four months ago. The boss found out she was spiking the coffee and hot chocolate, so she was kicked out." He shook his head, "It's a damn shame too, she was one hell of a good waitress. How do you know her?" Understandably shocked at the revelation, Mina took a step forward. "She always spiked the chocolate? Even in the winter?" Jim nodded, then his brow furrowed. "Say, you look familiar. Where you in here this winter? With a red-headed boy about your age?" Mina swallowed and nodded. There was a pause and Jim stepped fully out in to the restaurant. Mina gasped and backed up a step; the man was enormous. Towering near at least six feet four inches, his large body stepped towards her. "You were that little girl, the one who looks like Sailor-V, that kid's show, right?" "Yes, I was...I mean, am." Mina settled down in the bench he indicated. He slid his large frame across from her and sighed. She almost felt sorry for him; he was gangly, and though his caramel colored skin was smooth and wrinkle free, he seemed almost too old for words. "What happened that night, Jim?" He stared out in to the silent midnight and collected his thoughts. Far up the road, a car was exiting the highway, slowly picking its way along the shivering curves of the exit ramp. "That was the night I found out about her habit. She gave you two the stuff from her "special" pot. You were so cold, and soon you were warm and happy." He glanced at her and grinned, "Neither one of you drink much, we could both tell that right off. You were far gone before she even realized exactly how much she had given you. Once you passed out we felt guilty and sprung for a cheap motel down the road. We each took one of you in your cars and got my son Billy to drive his jeep for us to return in. We left you on the motel bed, both sleeping soundly and passed out." Mina chuckled but it was a mirthless sound. "If only we'd remained that way." His head snapped up and he flushed with embarrassment. "Oh! I am so sorry, Miss. I...I...I don't know what to say." She shook her head; there was nothing more to be said. "It's all right. Things will work out in the end. I forgive you both, you tell her that if she ever comes back, okay?" He nodded and rose to his feet. "What can I get you?" Mina sighed and stared out in to the night. The car was pulling in to the parking lot. She gathered up her purse and shook her head. "Nothing, Jim. I need to get home. I didn't even mean to come here, I just needed time to clear my head." She shrugged, "I thought a drive might help even things out in my mind and maybe make an important decision for me. It didn't work, but I do feel better, thank you." The large man nodded and returned to the kitchen. Mina glanced around the restaurant and rose to her feet. She began walking to the exit when the door flung open and a young man strode through, glancing about wildly. "Mina?!" Mina's mouth dropped. "Jeremy! What in the world are you doing here?" "I just knew," he declared, striding across the room to her, "I just knew you'd be here. I knew...I don't know how, that we needed to talk, and now was the perfect time." "Jeremy," Mina paused, uncertain of how to go on, when the sound of shrieking tires rent the air. They both turned to see a car swerve off the highway and slide in to the parking lot. Mina blinked in surprise; she recognized the car. "What the hell...?" she wondered aloud. The door slammed open and Malachite stormed out. He flung open the entrance door and strode over to Mina. Grabbing her by her upper arms, he looked deeply in to her eyes. "Why? Why did you just leave like that? Artemis and I were worried sick, Mina! And now there's a Scout emergency; it's too dangerous to be out by yourself!" "Who the hell is this guy, Mina?" Jeremy demanded, staring at Malachite. "I suggest you get your hands off her this instant unless you want a fight right here, right now!" Malachite stiffened and dropped his hands, fully remembering the incident in the Silver Millennium. "You're that boy," he snarled, "that foolish boy at the airport. Solan's friend." Jeremy retreated a step; he hadn't been expecting that response. "How the hell do you know Solan? And what airport, when?" Mina stared at both with an expression of utter shock on her face, how had they known to find her here? Jeremy she could put down to luck, but Malachite? She voiced the question aloud. "You should know we have a connection, Mina," came Malachite's thin reply, he still glared at Jeremy. "I merely followed that. Is this the man, Mina? Is this the Jeremy who left you alone in your condition?" Jeremy half-turned, his eyes betraying his confusion. "Connection! Ha! That's a good one! Mina, what's this jerk talking about? What connection, what condition? Will you please explain what's going on here?" She drew silently away from them both and simply walked out the exit door to her car. Her heart was thrumming in her chest, her head was filled with that achy sensation that meant danger was near, she knew Malachite was correct; something was dreadfully wrong within the fine balance of good and evil on the planet and the Scouts were needed right away to correct it. "I'm coming, Serena," she whispered blankly to the night air as she opened her car door. In the distance she could hear Malachite and Jeremy calling after her and still arguing; "I'm coming, my Princess. Sailor Venus is on her way." * * * * * * * * * * * The first thing Molly did when she woke up was scream. The next was scream some more. The first was out of fright; she was in the middle of a graveyard at night and the afterimage of Serena's evil eyes boring into her own was still fresh in her mind. The second was of pain; her baby had picked that moment to make its entrance in to the world. "Ohhhhh, Gooooodddddd!" she shrieked as the pain ripped its liquid way through her lower body. "Ohhhhh, SERENA!" Luckily for Molly, Lita had grown worried when Ken didn't arrive home as quickly as he should. She grabbed a flashlight and her transformation wand then took the shortcut to Greg and Ami's house, through the graveyard. "Maybe," she reasoned aloud as she walked, "Ami or Greg will know when he left the office. At least I won't be alone in that apartment." Molly's agonized scream rent the air and Lita dropped her flashlight in surprise. "That sounded like Molly!" she gasped. "JUPITER STAR POWER!" Bolts of electric power wound their way around her limbs and Lita spun, sensing the intense concentration at her temple magnify. Moments after Molly's scream her transformation was complete and she snapped open her communicator, hitting the general call button. "Scouts! I'm in Serena's graveyard and I think Molly just screamed. I need backup, now!" She snapped the communicator closed without waiting for a response. Thirty seconds later she knelt at Molly's side and helped her very pregnant friend to her feet. "Molly," she whispered quickly, "Molly, honey, you have to calm down. If you don't, I can't help you! Where's Melvin, Molly? Where is your husband?" Molly's eyes rolled up and she screamed again. Lita shook her lightly to try and get her to stop, but instead a fierce pain shot through her shoulders and back. A low familiar voice ripped through her mind, and Jupiter felt like screaming herself. Sailor Jupiter turned slowly to face her worst nightmare. "Serena..." All was silence, all except Molly and her birth pains. * * * * * * * * * * The graveyard was still as the assorted Scouts gathered near the gate. "So what now?" demanded Sailor Mars as Mina drove up. Auriel shot Aurora a glance as Mina stepped from the car and transformed in the middle of the street. The Generals stood with swords drawn nearby as Ken and Greg arrived in Ken's car, their faces drawn and white. "Yeah," Solan repeated, "what now? We need to do something, not just stand around." "Well," Mina drawled as Jeremy and Malachite's cars skidded around the curve and parked nearby. "The rest of us transform and go help Lita." "Right," Greg answered as he and Ken pulled out their transformation roses. Jeremy stepped out of his car, his mouth agape as his best friend pulled out a golden rose and did the same. "Solan?" The Solar Knight turned and glanced at his friend. "You didn't believe us Jeremy. We told you what we were to save your life. Now do you believe me that Mina is Sailor Venus and I am the Solar Knight?" Jeremy took in the members of the Sailor Soldiers team silently. Mina stood off to the side, her long blond hair blowing in the wind; her eyes were leveled at him with a certain cold dignity. She was breathtaking, but in a shut off way he knew he would never be able to get close to. This woman wasn't the Mina who had cried in his arms, this woman was a warrior in the name of Venus, planet of love. She was untouchable to anyone not a soldier themselves. Beside her stood the obnoxious jerk from earlier, Malachite. He had a sword drawn, and though his simple silver shirt and black pants were nowhere near as flashy as the clothing of several members of the group, Jeremy sensed Malachite was wearing a uniform. Surely enough, three men nearby also stood with swords drawn, all with silver shirts and black pants. They looked out of place in such comfortable clothing; he felt they would almost look better with capes similar to some of the other men in the group. Solan was one of those men. He and the woman Jeremy recognized as Solan's girlfriend, Auriel were grouped with other couples garbed in almost identical attire save for the color. "The Sailor Soldiers are real," he whispered brokenly, "you all are real and you fight in multicolored tuxedos and school girl uniforms." He shook his head and glanced at Raye. "Don't you find it hard to fight in heels?" Raye smiled savagely. "I get along fairly well. Now what are we waiting for?! Sailor Jupiter needs help!" Jeremy watched as they jumped the high fence and were gone from sight. Malachite glanced at him as the Generals followed. He paused and turned to Jeremy, "Don't think this discussion is over. It isn't." Running his trembling hand down his neck, Jeremy winced; it was slick with sweat. "No, Malachite," he replied, "it is. You won. Mina..." he paused, "Mina was who I was in love with, not Sailor Venus. I love her, but I'm not worthy of a warrior, just a lonely woman with a tender heart." Malachite nodded abruptly, "If this is what you wish to believe, so be it. I will not stop you either way...but just know she might love you. It is only fair I tell you that before your decision is final." Jeremy bit on his lip. "Can I see her fight if I stay out of the way? I won't be a bother, I promise. I need to see them in action; Solan and Mina, I mean." "It's not safe," Malachite snapped, "but I can't stop you. You're a full grown man and whatever you do, you bring it upon yourself." A scream of pain rent the air, they glanced at one another, then the two rushed through the cemetery gates. Jeremy's lungs were bursting as he struggled to keep up with Malachite. The man was simply super-human, he ran too quickly to be believed. Can he see in the dark? The thought came from nowhere and returned just as quickly for soon they were in the old part of the graveyard, ancient stones surrounding them. They made their way hastily past the crumbling stones, and in the distance Jeremy heard the low hoot of an owl and the caw of a crow. He skidded to a stop as Malachite continued on. Just ahead figures were battling uncountable numbers of dive-bombing shadows. There were bright flashes of light from each of the soldiers as they each fought with their ancient powers. Nearby a familiar figure was dealing with more than a dozen shadows on her own. Jeremy could hear Mina's lovely voice rip through the air, chanting her warrior tongue. "Rolling Heart Vibration!" Three or four of the shadows went down as a ball of red-tinted light rumbled through the air and incinerated them. He watched in amazement as three more appeared where their fellow comrades had fallen. In the distance he could make out Mina's friend Ami tapping away at something hand-held as chaos reigned around her. A figure in a blue tuxedo protected her as she typed and scanned. At their feet lay two more figures; one a woman panting and grunting, the other a green-suited soldier he instinctively knew to be Mina's friend Lita. "What is going on?" he whispered, returning his gaze to Sailor Venus. She was still fighting bravely, as he watched she raised one arm and pointed it at a nearby line of monsters attacking a man garbed in a red tuxedo. "Venus Crescent Beam Smash!" A bright light shivered at the tip of her finger before shooting directly at the foes, ripping them to shreds in a flash of golden light. The man blinked in surprise, and then laughed. "Thanks Mina," he called. "No problem, Chad," she quipped back. "Venus Love-Chain Encircle!" The tip of a long chain of golden hearts mysteriously appeared in her upheld hand; she whipped her arm around and caught three or four more shadows in mid-air. In the distance a yell sounded. "Mars Firestorm Flash!" A ball of fire erupted from across the clearing and burst the three captured shadows into nothingness. Jeremy couldn't help but be spellbound as Mina swirled and lashed out again. "Venus Love and Beauty Shock!" She blew a kiss in to the air and it contacted with a nearby shadow. The explosion was loud but not as loud as her next attack. "Venus Meteor Shower!" Countless numbers of the shivering shapes dissolved under the wave of intense golden light raining from the sky, but still more fought on. A voice cut through the clearing, desperate and angry. "Hurry up Ami! I don't know how long we can hold them! Solar Flare Obscure!" Though he couldn't hear the words, Ami answered and Mina paused in her fighting to stare at her friend. "What do you mean, 'they don't have any weaknesses'? Ami, with this many, there is ALWAYS a weakness!" She threw her hands into the air. "I can't take this anymore! Ever since (grunt) Artemis said (grunt) to be on our guards, (grunt) things have been getting worse!" She slammed her hand into the ground and picked up a handful of soil. "It makes me so mad! I just..." She broke off as the soil in her hand began to glow a shivering golden light. "The Silver Millennium," she whispered, as if a voice spoke to her in her mind, "Guys! What were the last attacks we learned before the Silver Millennium was destroyed?! Remember them, they're the key! Venus Shimmering Rainbow Arc!" With those words she threw the shivering dust in to the air and twirled beneath the falling cloud. It arched above her and one end planted itself two feet away from Jeremy's position. The other flew in to the sky and lit up the area with shimmering golden light. The shadows cringed as they began to fade; soon the Scout's attacks had more effect, destroying ten or more at a time rather than merely two or three. The tide of demons slowed. As if by magic, one by one the Scouts remembered their last night on the Moon in training. "Mars Rolling Fire Explode!" Raye's eyes widened as the unfamiliar words shrieked from her throat. Before her eyes a ball of cupped orange light curled within her fist. Unconsciously she held it high in the air and swung her arm around in an ellipse. The ball of flame was suspended in the air above her head, quivering until she brought it down and thrust it away from her body with a mighty open palmed heave. Ami gasped at the sight. She turned to Greg, but cried out instead. Her Knight was being attacked from all angles and nothing was hurting them. "Mercury Snow Queen Smother!" She reached down and scooped up a handful of dirt much like Mina had. Closing her eyes, Ami threw it directly in front of her body then pivoted quickly around with her hands wrapped tightly around her waist. She finished the spin, throwing her arms high above her head and bringing a wave of ice on the dirt. Suddenly the wave and dirt combined, forming a wavering figure in the air which dove past Greg and enveloped its prey in its icy embrace. Even from his position Jeremy could see Mina's satisfaction and knew in his heart that he could never be the one for this incredible woman. Who was he to be the lover of a golden warrior such as she? Jeremy turned to leave, but noticed at last second a hidden creature in the shadows. As Mina's golden rainbow faded, the shadows grew stronger, and this one had never been affected by the attack in the first place. "MINA LOOK OUT!" he cried, throwing his body in front of the pulsing dark energy the thing threw at the Soldier of Love. The world slowed in those few seconds. Auriel and Solan felt the wheel of destiny shiver and both raised their heads to watch the actions across the clearing. Lita's eyes fluttered open as the yell cut through the air and the first thing she saw was Mina's slowly turning form. Nearby Raye and Chad shifted position and in what felt like slow motion, dropped to their knees to attack. Greg threw off an opponent and spun around as Ken hit the ground from the force of an unexpected blow. They both stared at the dark pulse streaming through the air towards Mina, and Ami screamed in surprise for Mina to duck. Mina herself could see Malachite gasp across the clearing. All of the Generals were starting towards her, and both Raye and Chad were powering up, two incidences that could only mean one very bad thing. Dimly her mind noted the yell behind her as she pivoted and began powering up; but it was too late. "Venus..." As she did before, Mina reached deep within her, bringing up pictures of Adam in her mind, the way his green eyes flashed, his strength and her love for him. Jeremy screamed, arching through the air as the dark energy ripped in to his stomach, he skidded across the clearing and under the power up Mina was preparing. She didn't notice him as she continued her block. "...Golden..." the words flew from her lips, and Mina welcomed the familiar lack of control as the blast slipped away from her while her body arched and spun of its own accord. Jeremy moaned at her feet, more of the things were coming straight for them, with the Scout's all busy watching them, no one was paying attention to the building enemy. Venus felt the enemy gather and saw the flash of cumulated dark energy throb towards her from the corner of her eye. She bit down and continued, hoping deep within she would finish in enough time. "...Dome..." her arms arched above her head, and Mina leaned backwards, spinning a small orb of golden light in her palms. "...Protect!" As her scream faded, the ball exploded outwards in a circle of golden links, effectively creating a barrier of shifting energy chains. Mina turned under the protective barrier, but the blast hit the edge of the descending wall and reflected beneath. She screamed, holding up her arms to ward off the pulse but found herself on the ground, protectively trapped beneath a writhing figure instead. "JEREMY! NO!" Everything was still for one heart stopping moment, and then a chorus of voices cut the air throughout the clearing. "MERCURY AQUA MIRAGE!" Even from within the safety of the dome, Jeremy could feel the sting of water patter his face and lips. Nearby a wind rose and he heard Lita's voice boom in anger. "JUPITER OAK EVOLUTION!" "Mina," he whispered brokenly, "I..." A savage scream nearby diverted his concentration, "MARS FLAME SNIPER!" He smiled weakly and coughed a little blood. "I am so sorry." "No," she moaned, "Don't you dare, Jeremy. Don't you dare! I already lost one; I'm not going to lose another. Adam died protecting me from an attack, Jeremy. I am the reason he died. I decided I would forget my stupid curse and love again, and he died, and now I've done the same to you." Jeremy wrapped his arms around her and felt the heavy weight of luxurious locks cover his hands. "You love me?" She leaned down and kissed him tenderly, and Jeremy shivered with the intensity of the emotion. But a spasm of pain wracked his body and he gasped. "I love you too, Mina. I'm sorry I have to disappoint you, but..." he winced, "I'm afraid this is one time I can't help a pretty lady out." She moaned and shook her head in denial, but Jeremy could see the truth in her eyes. There was no way he was going to survive this, his body was mangled and he could feel his lungs filling with blood as he lay there with the heated battle still surrounding them. "I am so sorry, Mina." He gritted his teeth and coughed again. "You have to promise me something though." "Not again," she whispered, "Oh please, Aphrodite, not again." He smoothed a tear off her silky cheek. "Mina, promise me you'll take care of Solan and Malachite. Solan's been my best friend forever...and...Malachite is not that bad." Another cough broke the air, "He cares for you, you know. He loves you; it's in his eyes. You could do worse." She sniffed and nodded, her large teary eyes meeting his own. The battle faded, it was no longer important. Mina put his head in her lap and he smiled up at the lovely young woman. Knowing that she loved him helped the pain, he knew it would be over soon. "I'm sorry, Mina. Please forgive me." She nodded again, her eyes dim and ravaged. "I would do anything you asked, Jeremy. But what do I need to forgive you for?" He sighed; it was a lost and broken sound. "I'm sorry...I couldn't face you...that night. I...was a coward...and we lost...(cough)...so much due to my...(cough)...ignorance." Mina leaned over him and shook her head. "It was both our faults, Jeremy." She held his hand and he nodded once as she leaned down to kiss him again. "I love you," he whispered against her lips. A tear hit his forehead and slipped down, erasing some of the dirt from the battle. "I know," she breathed against his lips as she laid her own against them. The kiss was brief but his hand slackened in her own as they kissed and as she drew away, Mina knew he had passed. "I know, Jeremy, I know." * * * * * * * * * Serena shivered as her words hung in the air. Adam had his back turned to the wall; his shoulders were shaking with repressed emotion. "Adam?" "We need to get out of here, Serena," was his reply, ripped from somewhere deep within his soul. "At least you do. I am trapped here, stuck to forever watch her fall in love and watch as they leave her again and again, one way or another. I sent them the memory of the final night of training in the Moon Kingdom for their own benefit, but instead it got him killed. They need those new powers Serena. Or they will die." Serena didn't utter a syllable, but her tender, loving heart broke at the words. Instead she wrapped her arms around him and urged him to cry on her shoulder. As Adam leaned on her, Serena stared at the screen. The battle slowed and the Scouts finished off the last of the shadows. Mina simply sat there, her hand still tightly gripping Jeremy's and Serena idly wondered if he would soon join them in the odd limbo they inhabited. Instead of an answer, a low scratch caught her attention. The other wall showed her small son getting out of his bed and clutching a gray bunny almost larger than he was. He slid to the floor and clasped his hands together as he stared at the full moon high above the earth outside his window. His timid voice broke through Adam's grief and he raised his head to listen to the small, golden child. "Okay, I know I'm supposed to be a good boy, and not ask for too many things for myself, but I really, really need this one thing, okay Moon Princess?" Serena gasped at the direction her son was going with the plea. "Okay, you probably know my name, so I don't need to tell you, but my Daddy really needs someone to help him out. He wants to go home, but he thinks we won't want to go with him. I heard Fireball and the two men talking to Daddy when I got up to get a drink and they said they need him to help them. Daddy is scared to help, 'cuz he thinks if he does we'll be alone if he gets hurt." Serena met Adam's eyes and they both neared the screen, leaning in to hear the quiet voice better. "My Daddy doesn't know that I know he's not from here. I wanted to tell Minako, but she would have made fun of me and I don't want that. My Mommy wasn't from here either, but no one knew that, not even her. She was special, Moon Princess, and special Mommies have to go away or else they aren't as special, okay? I know you took her away because she wasn't supposed to be here, and I know that if Daddy helps these people he'll find out that Mommy was special, but he won't want to know. He'll feel like she didn't tell him on purpose, to be mean, but she didn't, I promise!" His small voice took a note of desperation. "Mommy needs to go home, Moon Princess. She didn't belong here, none of us do. Everything feels wrong, and the only way Mommy can go home to the special people place is if Daddy helps those people. Will you tell him to help them, please? Mommy needs to go home and so does Daddy." Serena gasped as a low light filled her son's room and a small figure lit upon the edge of his bed. "Oh my Goddess, Adam look!" She and Adam both touched the wall, but felt nothing. Meanwhile, her son stared at the glowing orb with a mixture of fear and pride. "You're the Moon Princess." The dome shivered then a slender form appeared within the orb. "Yes, Small Lord, I was once a Moon Princess." The boy giggled. "My name's not Small Lord, it's Yaten. What is yours?" The slender figure smiled. "My name is Queen Serenity, of the Moon Kingdom." "Oh," Yaten looked properly impressed. "You heard my prayer." She laughed, a tinkling, silvery sound. "Yes, Yaten. I heard your prayer. But before I grant your wish, I must ask you something. How did you know that your Mommy was special?" The boy smiled a gap-toothed grin as if the she had asked him to recite the A, B, C's. "That's easy. She glowed when she sang me to sleep. Her eyes were closed, so I guess she never noticed, but she was all silvery like you. You and my Mommy are family, aren't you?" Queen Serenity nodded. "Yes, your mother was once my daughter and I loved her very much. I will help you Yaten, but I have one more question. If I help your father, your world will no longer exist. Everything will go back to what it was before, which means you and your sisters will never be born. Your mother will live, yes, but your father and she will never fall in love or get married. Do you want that? I know it's a very hard decision for a little boy to make, but your sisters wouldn't understand and your father would make the decision based off his own selfish desires." "I have to decide?" Yaten whispered. "But...that's not fair. My Mommy is special, but...my Daddy is too!" The Queen sighed, a low mournful sound and Yaten immediately clutched his bunny tighter. "Do I have to decide now, Queen Serenity? Can I have a day or two?" "No, Solan, I'm sorry. This decision must be made now and by you. There can be no other way." The Queen began to fade and Yaten started to cry. "I don't want to die," he moaned. "I'm just a kid, I don't want to die!" Serena placed both her hands flat on the wall. "No!" she moaned. "Don't you answer her Yaten! I'll get us out of this, don't you make the decision for me! Maybe I always wanted a peaceful life! Maybe I can return to you! Yaten, no! No, don't answer her! She can't be my mother, Queen Serenity would never do that to a baby, no!" The little boy stilled as if hearing her words. A heartbeat thumped and he opened his palms to the glowing orb. Queen Serenity floated in to his hands and watched her grandson with tired, upset eyes. "You've made your decision." It was a statement, not a question. Yaten nodded and in the cave Serena screamed. "NO!" She beat her fists on the walls until they began to bleed. "NO!" Adam grabbed her and pulled her away. The other wall showed the clearing and ambulance workers loading Molly on a stretcher. Serena screamed and as she did so, Yaten nodded. "I will give up my world so my Mommy can be happy," he whispered bravely. The shimmering globe lit up and Queen Serenity smiled through her tears. "That's my brave little man," she whispered. "I knew you'd do the right thing. I just knew it!" * * * * * * * * * * * Darien restlessly tossed and turned. Serena had come to him in dreams before, but none ever like this. In it she stood on the beach, her long golden tresses unbound and lifting with the sea breeze. "I love you Darien," she whispered. "Always." "Serena! Don't go, please don't leave me!" "But Darien," she looked confused, "I want a life without monsters, a life without pain. I'm happier here, in this new world. I have Seiya, I have children who aren't spoiled brats like Rini, I have friends, and most importantly, I am not Sailor Moon. I am normal Darien. Can't you taste it? I love you, but you aren't as important to me as this new, wonderful world. I'm sorry, Darien. Goodbye." She turned and walked towards the sea. He screamed at her, he knew if she got too far out the deadly rip tide would pull her under and his only true love would drown before his eyes. "NO SERENA! DON'T GO, YOU'LL DROWN!" His only answer had been her tinkling laugh. She then waded further out, and Darien began clawing at his own legs trying to free himself from the sand that sucked at his feet. As he ripped and clawed she had drifted further and begun to swim. Her long gown pulled her down; still she fought the water, moving further and further out. "NO SERENA!" A cool hand then touched his shoulder, ending the nightmarish part of the vision. Now released, he was free to chase her retreating form. Darien rushed to the water's edge. He turned searching frantically for and sight of his love but not a whisper of her presence remained. "SERENA!" "Cut out the caterwauling, Darien," ordered a cool voice from behind him. "Serena is a big girl, she can handle a midnight swim." Darien dropped to the ground and two pairs of shoes met his line of sight; one green, one yellow. "Hello Uranus, Neptune," he whispered through bloody lips. "How have you two been?" He could mentally picture Corrine's shrug. "Not too badly," replied the Senshi of Air. "Though breaking up evil dreams isn't my forte, I kinda miss being a Sailor. Oh well, the racing circuit was tough enough for awhile, but now is action time. Of course now that we are all going to be needed, you might want to go home and pull out the old rose." He shook his head in confusion. "I don't understand. What evil dreams? Where's Serena? Did she drown?" One delicate hand cupped his chin and raised his bloodshot eyes to her own. Nerissa sighed and shook her head. "Don't be dense, Darien. Your evil dream. Do you honestly thing Serena would want to be away from you if she could help it? Do you really believe she'd rather be with Seiya over her precious Darien? And no, of course Serena couldn't drown if she's dead already. She's fine, I promise you, but Rini won't be unless you protect her. The other one is going to go after her next and so will the dark one...she's the only like he has to Serenity left." "This isn't...right," he gasped. There was a snort of derision from above. "Why are we bothering, Nerissa? He's too stupid to get this right now...the alcohol has dulled his senses." "Because," snapped the voice, "if Darien doesn't WAKE UP he's going to be in big trouble. WAKE UP, DARIEN! WAKE UP!" That was when Darien shot awake and raced up the stairs to check on Rini. She slept soundly curled around her new bunny, her lovely pink hair spread out on the pillows. He sighed with relief and trudged back down the stairs to his room. "It was just a dream," he murmured half an hour later as he restlessly tossed and turned, "There is no way Nerissa was in my dream." But still, sleep eluded him. * * * * * * * * * * * "Mina," began Malachite uncomfortably. "I am here if you ever need to talk." She didn't turn to look at him, only continued staring at the full moon above her head. Had it only been three hours earlier that she had stood in that diner, only six hours earlier that she had finished her last bite of lasagna at Lita's gathering? It seemed like months or years, not hours. "Go." "What?" Malachite was confused. Normally Mina wasn't so withdrawn. "I don't understand." She still didn't turn. "Go. Get out. Pack up your things and leave. I don't want you here anymore. Take Artemis to Ami's, Luna is staying with her this week. Just go." "But..." "GO." She turned and threw her small compact at him, the one she had used when she had been Sailor V, the lone Sailor Scout. "I said GO!" Malachite ducked and ran from the room, slamming the door behind him. He moved quickly to his room and packed his few belongings in a small suitcase Prisma had picked out for him the first day he had visited with the other Generals at the Sister's place. When she heard where he was staying and how little he had, she and her sisters had immediately set out to rectify the situation. Soon, all four of the Generals had small suitcases and enough clothing for a small army. It had made them embarrassed to accept charity, but they knew they had no choice. Soon they had each paid the sisters back in chores and various favors. Malachite sighed and zipped up his bag. Mina needed to be alone that evening, that much was obvious. He woke Artemis and dropped him off at Ami and Greg's before returning to his small clunker of a car and heading off to the sister's place. "I hope they have room on the couch," he muttered, and in the night, his only answer was a stray dog's howl. * * * * * * * * * * Mina stared at her face in the bathroom mirror until her features melded and became mere shapes reflected back at her. There was no long golden hair; large sapphire eyes, smooth ivory complexion, or pert nose over full wide lips. There were only lines and angles and curves. Her slender neck and delicate shoulders were flawless; her body was perfect from the tips of her red polished toes to the top of her thick golden tresses. But there was nothing there in her mind but shadows and colors, no substance, no meaning. "I am nothing more than the sum of my parts," she whispered to the Mina in the mirror. She felt like the reflection, surely the thing staring back at her was the real her. Mina herself was too tow-dimensional to be real. "I'll stay here," she offered herself, "and you can be me for a change. How does that sound?" "Perfect," her reflection answered. Mina screamed as a hand reached out and grabbed her by the neck, forcing her against the far wall. "NO! Help, HELP!" She struggled and her transformation wand and communicator hit the ground as she kicked forward. The weight of the pen triggered the general call button and unknowingly opened the lines of communication. Meanwhile Mina shook and forced screams out the best she could. "Help...help...help me," she croaked. On the floor Ken's face appeared on the communicator. "Mina? MINA HOLD ON!"