Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Stars Sometimes Fall ❯ Spirit and Temerity ( Chapter 3 )

____________Chapter 3____________

Spirit and Temerity

“Let's rumble!”

 

 

The beast that Sailor Moon faced was obviously some creature come to life from the Haunted House next door. It was a blend of Frankenstein's bride and some phantom mummy. It even had the black and white striped hair and hanging gray rags. “Hey, you horror film reject! You're obviously crashing the wrong party. I am Sailor Moon and I stand for love and justice. And in the name of the moon, I'll triumph over evil and that means you!” Sailor Moon power-jumped around the monster, leading it back outside so she could attempt to maneuver.

 

Glancing around she saw that there was little damage, no innocents down- yet. But now people screamed and ran from the area as the warrior of love and justice appeared, quickly followed by the evil nega-monster. This droid knew where it was going; it had destroyed the haunted house and come in after Rini. “I'm just after the rabbit, Moon brat! Now hand her over!” The disembodied voice grated and Sailor Moon winced.

 

“Over my dead body, you poor excuse for a monster. How cliche can you-”

 

“Grrr! That can be arranged!” The wicked mummy glared it's red glowing eyes and whipped out it's arms. The fraying gray rags shot out to wrap around Sailor Moon but she amazingly dodged with an expert back handspring, only to instantly trip out of the way of a second shot.

 

“Yikes! Guys, where are you?!” She wailed then she remembered the two she'd left behind in the ruined ride. `Oh, please let Rini and Darien be okay!' Sailor Moon jumped to her feet, realizing quite suddenly that her ankle had twisted when she tripped. She didn't feel any pain from it- well, except when she stepped on it. “Okay, fine! I've had enough!” She glared at the evil droid looming above her and whipped out her scepter. “You are so dusted!” She cried and attacked. “Moon Scepter Elim-”

 

“Not so fast, Sailor Klutz!” The droid strung out it's rags again, and all Moon could do was drop to the ground before they could hit her. The droid grabbed her scepter instead.

 

“No! Give it back!” She shouted and hopped to her feet again, painfully racing to the droid to try and get her scepter back. She had no attack now, she couldn't fight-

 

`My tiara! But it hasn't worked since I got my scepter! And it hurts!' She whined in remembrance of her burned hands. Moon soon understood that she didn't have time to think of anything else. She took off her tiara and skidded to a stop. She poured her energy into the tiara, feeling the incredible power slowly sear her hand. “Moon Tiara Magic!” She screamed and let the magic discus fly. The frisbee of moonlight and energy cut the air, slicing through the fabric tendrils that held her scepter before returning to her. Her scepter fell lifelessly to the ground, the rags wrapped around it disintegrating to dust.

 

“Yes! It worked!” Sailor Moon dove for her weapon, rolling on the trampled grass to kneel on her good foot and aiming once again. “Now you're moon dust!” Moon suddenly sensed something behind her, warm breath brushed by her ear as she was unexpectedly caught in a chokehold by a thick masculine arm crushing her throat. Her hands instinctively flew to the arm around her neck even as she was pulled off the ground. Her scepter once again clattered to the ground below.

 

“Not this time, Moon twit. Tell me where the rabbit is and I let you live long enough to see me destroy her and the other Sailor Scouts.” Rubeus growled, his mouth close to her ear for her to hear the threat. She struggled in vain, her legs kicking air- she couldn't reach where it'd really count- and her gloved hands useless as they clawed at his arm. He was too strong!

 

“Never! Let me go, Nega-trash! Rini's safe and you'll never find her, I'll never tell you where she is- I don't even know!” They floated above the ground- way above the ground. Sailor Moon bit her lip. It'd hurt if he dropped her . . .

 

“I will destroy you, Moon brat, then I'll take your precious rabbit back to Wise Man to do with as he pleases. Then I'll kill your beloved cape boy and your pathetic little friends too!” Sailor Moon stopped, she could feel the blood and warmth drain from her body. Fear was a nervous tingling in her chest as she forgot she had to breathe. `He can't have them!' Her mind screamed but she couldn't force herself to fight anymore- `I'm sorry girls, Rini, Darien, I've got to stop him, I won't let him touch you! I swear it . . . In the name of the moon!' Sailor Moon hung motionless in the air, eyes falling closed from their wide, terrified stare into space. An icy numb hand fell to her brooch and in a flash of light, the Silver Crystal appeared. `I'm so sorry . . .'

 

“What's that?! The Silver Crystal? You have it?” Rubeus' screeched, reaching for the object his leader had sent him for. Sailor Moon didn't notice. Another flash of light and Princess Serenity hung limp where the warrior of the moon had seconds ago. “Neo-Queen Serenity?!”

 

“Cosmic Moon Power.” Though the princess's lips hardly moved, her whispered command was heard by all as a powerful shout.

 

“Sailor Mo- Princess?! Let her go, creep!” Sailor Jupiter called as she skidded into sight of the battle. She was shocked to see Princess Serenity in the Dark Moon's grasp, the Imperium Silver Crystal glimmering with the beginnings of an attack. The crystal's power burst forth in a cyclone of pure energy, whipping around the two floating adversaries.

 

“Serina! No! Don't use the Silver Crystal!” But it was too late. As they watched, Rubeus's grip loosened on the moon princess and she started to fall.

 

“Sailor Moon! Oh no!” Sailor Venus stumbled behind Tuxedo Mask who stood frozen as if watching a nightmare, his face white and mouth agape with trembling horror.

 

“Someone get Rubeus! I'll take out the monster!” Sailor Mars raced forward, sending her fire at the horror house droid coupled with Jupiter's thunderclap. Sailor Venus struck Rubeus from behind with her love chain, catching him before he could escape. He still seemed a little dazed from Serenity's blast.

 

As Serenity fell, her white gown billowing around her slight figure like wings, her transformation melted away to reveal Sailor Moon. She hit the ground, her head striking the graveled earth, and landing on her back, knocking the wind out of her. Her twisted ankle slammed the ground, pain lancing like lightning up her leg and straight to her foggy mind. A crimson gash appeared on the back of her head and she struggled desperately to breathe.

 

Sailor Moon's vision dimmed and swam a moment but she forced her way from the darkness of unconsciousness and tried to concentrate on the fight going on. Had she not shifted into the royal princess, she surely wouldn't have been able to deliver even that weak attack so easily; she wouldn't have stayed awake long enough to feel the fall. Her princess form was more powerful and resistant to the drain of energy, and lately, she really hadn't had that much to spare. But right now, her friends needed her alert and able to fight Rubeus- But her poor head . . .

 

Luckily, Sailor Moon landed right beside her scepter. She shakily reached out for it, unable to lift herself up. Her cold, trembling fingers grasped it numbly and lifted it to where she could barely see Sailor Mercury and Sailor Mars still attacking the mummy, Sailor Jupiter hung nearby, captured by the mummy's wraps. “Moon . . . Scepter . . . Elimination . . .” She choked out, still gasping for air. The creature instantly disintegrated to moon dust and a gray gemstone.

 

Sailor Moon fell back against the dirt, her body seeming to collapse in on itself. Why hadn't she caught her breath yet? Where was Rubeus, she needed to stop him too, her friends needed her- Why didn't she have the energy to get up and fight? Her eyes fluttered closed as she tried to calm her racing heart and ragged lungs. Moon suddenly felt arms around her, but fear was fleeting in her mind as she felt the protective grasp of Tuxedo Mask, the breezy drift of his cape, and strength of his arms as he carried her away. Her eyes squinted open, taking in the dark blue eyes behind the elegant, mysterious white mask, Tux's silky black hair carelessly falling over it. “Oh, Tuxedo Mask . . . You came for- me . . .” She murmured hoarsely wondering if he'd been able to hear her soft voice.

 

“I don't think so, cape boy! The Silver Crystal and the queen are mine!” Rubeus appeared, preparing to hurl a handful of violet-black marbles of dark energy.

 

“NO! Tuxedo Ma-” Sailor Moon saw Rubeus behind him before Tuxedo Mask did. She did the first thing that came to mind, instinct and Scout training taking over where her hazy mind couldn't react. “Moon Scepter Elimination!” Her blast of colorful power caught Rubeus full in the chest, Mars' fire, Mercury's ice storm, Venus's crescent beam, and Jupiter's thunder clap slamming his back even as he telelported to safety.

 

“I'll be back for the crystal and the rabbit, Sailor Failures, and then I'll destroy you all! Enjoy your final hours, Serenity!” He shouted and disappeared.

 

Tuxedo Mask returned to the earth near the victorious Scouts. He still held Sailor Moon close to him, Rubeus's threat fresh in his mind. The memory of his princess falling to the ground coinciding with his recurring dream occupied his mind and it's similarity turned his soul to ice. It could have been then, it was almost her death, he hadn't been there to stop- He hadn't been there!

 

Sailor Moon moaned, stealing Tux's attention back to the angel in his arms. He held her a little more loosely so she could be more comfortable; he sensed she was not well enough to be set down and he refused to do so yet.

 

“Oh, I hurt . . .” Moon whined, her gasps had finally subsided to weak breaths, it was too painful to inhale deeply yet. “Thank you, Tuxedo Mask. Bu- but where's Rini?” She whispered urgently, her eyes searching Tux's. She began to struggle free of his arms even though her body- and heart- didn't like that idea at all. She could sense Rini was all right, unharmed and hiding. But if Rini were alone, Rubeus could still find her-

 

“She's fine, Sailor Moon.” Tuxedo Mask hushed her and motioned for the Scouts to follow him. He knew by the way she was trying to escape him that Sailor Moon wouldn't be assured until she saw the child herself. She was so protective of her. Moon soon gave up her fight against him- `She's so weak-' He thought as he leapt away, his love clutched gently in his arms, her head resting exhaustedly against his velvet tux. The Scouts jumped after him, and they raced away to the now abandoned children's rides. Pink rabbit buns peeked out from one of the miniature antique planes on one of the rides.

 

“Rini, you can come out now. Rubeus is gone. It's safe.”

 

“Is Serina okay-” Rini slowly lifted her head to confront the Sailor Scouts and lithely hopped out of the plastic plane. Her eyes widened to see Tuxedo Mask carrying a limp Sailor Moon. “Rena!” She cried and raced forward. The girls stared shocked for a moment and even Tuxedo Mask hesitated to reveal his treasure to the desperate little girl.

 

`How did she find out?!' Was the collective thought. They silently inquired each other, their gaze finally resting on the pale figure in Tux's arms. Sailor Moon turned her head at the sound of Rini's voice, her tired eyes struggling open to see that her little princess was okay.

 

“It's okay, Rini, I'm fine. I told you Rubeus wouldn't get you, the Sailor Scouts and Tuxedo Mask would never let that happen.” Tuxedo Mask knelt and she reached her arms for Rini, giving her a light hug.

 

“Wait a minute, Sailor Moon! How does-”

 

“Rei, Rini saw us transform when Catsy and Birdie were over earlier this week, she knows who we are and will keep our secret. The only one she doesn't know-” Sailor Moon caressed Rini's cheek, smiling proudly, as she glanced back up at her caped savior. “Is Tuxedo Mask's identity. That is not my secret to tell.” She pointedly scowled at Tux, her eyes flashing with tired merriment at the surprise, winking at Rini. Around her the Scouts sighed and detransformed. Moon instantly released her worries about her court. “Lita, are you okay? I saw you get caught by that droid-”

 

“Yeah, just a little hurt pride. What about you?! You were the one fighting without us and then you were trying to wrestle Rubeus in mid-air!”

 

“Yeah, what the heck were you thinking trying to use the Silver Crystal on him, Meatball head?! We were coming, it wasn't that desperate yet-”

 

“It was that desperate and I didn't have any other weapon-”

 

“Serina, you can't risk using the Crystal alone, especially not close enough to the enemy for him to get a hold of it.” Ami scolded gently.

 

“He said he was going to kill you, and take Rini- I couldn't let him do it and I- I couldn't think of anything else- And I have used it before, when it was with the wand- At least I transformed first-” Sailor Moon pleaded, her eyes watering as she realized they were all set against her. Mina suddenly came forward and took her hands.

 

“Next time you won't have to fight alone, Sere, we promise. We won't let Rubeus get the crystal, or Rini or any of us.” Mina vowed, lightly hugging her friend's shoulders. “Hey, you're okay, right?”

 

Sailor Moon groaned, reaching a tentative hand to touch the cut she felt on the back of her head. Her fingers came back with blood on them. She giggled a little nervously, and wiped it away before the others saw it. “I think I'm okay-” Sailor Moon reassured, detransforming in Tuxedo Mask's arms. Her head would be tender for a bit but it no longer swam with dizziness and her ankle still ached terribly but the thing that really hurt now were the new bruises on her back from the explosion in the tunnel ride. She had been normal, unprotected Serina then, no Sailor suit to lessen the blows, and those hits would remain longer than her Scout injuries. “Ow . . .” Serina softly murmured and pouted as she slipped from Tux's grasp to the ground to envelope her youngest friend in a hug.

 

“Oh, Serina, thank you! You saved me again!” Serina hid a wince as her little hands grazed the scrapes on her back. Her shirt was probably ruined. Serina pursed her lips as she heard Tux gasp behind her. He could see how bad her back was- now she was sure she didn't want to know how bad it was.

 

“It wasn't just me, Small Lady, you should thank Tuxedo Mask and the other girls.” Rini's smile faltered a second as a flash of pain crossed her face but it was quickly gone as she turned to beam at the `Sailor Scouts'.

 

“Thank you, Rei, Ami, Lita, Mina. And thank you too, Tuxedo Mask!” She whirled back to Serina, still brightly smiling. Then she bent forward, whispering something in her ear. “But what happened to Darien? He left me here and went to find you- He didn't get hurt, did he?”

 

“No, sweetheart, I'm sure Darien's around somewhere, he always manages to keep out of trouble-” Serina declared loud enough for all to hear. She noticed Tuxedo Mask wince and blush even as he removed his top hat and mask. When Rini turned around again to face the assemblage, Darien Shields stood where Tuxedo Mask had just moments ago, holding a perfect red rose out for Rini.

 

“Wow! Darien, it's you!” She raced to his side, graciously accepting his peace offering. “Thank you, Darien, it's just like my daddy's roses.” Rini smelled the rose almost reverently then scampered back to Serina. She sniffed it once more then gave it to Serina. “A get-well present.” She said modestly. Serina's cheeks flushed with embarrassment and took the gift, giving Rini a kiss on the forehead as thanks.

 

“Well, if you're okay, Serina, I guess we can leave.” Mina and the others were standing in front and beside her, they couldn't see her injuries-

 

“Yeah, we had a great time!” Lita winked.

 

“So, see ya at the meeting tomorrow, Meatball head!” Rei took off with the others as they disappeared back to their respective homes. “And don't be late!”

 

Rini waved enthusiastically then began whispering to Serina again, the older girl's face upturned to the child's in rapt fascination at Rini's every eager word. “Wow! All the girls and Darien, and you- Then it's Darien who saves you all the time! But I thought he hate-” Serina cringed and her finger quickly fell over Rini's lips.

 

“I know, it- it doesn't matter, sweetheart.” She sighed sadly. “Hey, Darien, thanks for protecting Rini for me. And for not telling the girls about-“ Serina glanced over her shoulder, at her aching back, “that. I- appreciate it.” Serina smiled at her ex-boyfriend from her seat on the ground then looked at Rini. “Come on, help me up, little one.” Serina lifted her finger away and placed her hand on Rini's shoulder, using her to lever herself to her feet. She bit her lip as she hopped her weight onto her left foot, the right still sore, and winced a little from stretching the sore bruises on her back. Serina blinked as the world began to tip again. “Whoa . . . Darien . . ?” He caught her before she could fall back down. His inquiring blue eyes searched hers.

 

“I knew you weren't feeling well.” He admonished lightly, concern overwhelming his normal nonchalance. “Beyond what happened to your back, that is.”

 

She grinned weakly. “I'm fine, just dizzy. Kinda hit my head when I fell. No different than my usual klutz attacks-” He shook his head at her, she could be so dense sometimes. This could be serious. If she didn't start recognizing her injuries she might get herself kill- Darien mentally punched himself. `Quit thinking like that, Tux. If you'd been with her she wouldn't have fallen or gotten hurt or had to fight alone. Now she's blaming herself and seems to think she can hide her pain from me. I don't think that dream knows what it's talking about-'

 

“Serina, we need to get you to the hospital, you probably have a concussion- wait, what's . . . wrong with you're foot?” Darien sensed more than just Serina's head was hurt, he remembered how she limped when she stood, and noticed Serina's head duck away with acute discomfort.

 

“How did- um, nothing, I uh, just, Ithinkispraindit.” She mumbled quickly. `Ohh! Why do I have to be such a klutz! No wonder he hates me! How could he care for someone as pathetic as me? He's gonna laugh, I can't believe I twisted my ankle and then hit it when Rubeus dropped me- Ohh, but I guess this means he's gonna have to walk us home, I can't exactly defend Rini like this.'

 

“What was that, Serina?” Darien chided gently, lifting her easily- and gently- in his arms. Her face scrunched in chagrin and she blushed furiously.

 

“Serina, you're not okay, are you?” Rini accused. She sidled up close to hug Darien's leg, still holding Serina's hand. Her worried cinnamon eyes pouted at being deceived.

 

“I think I sprained it. I'll be fine, I just need to ice it. Don't worry about me, Rini. Sailor Moon won't ever be kept down long!” She declared, trying to reassure both her little friend and her ex-boyfriend. But then her voice dropped. “But, uh, could you walk us home, Darien? If- if it's not too much trouble, I mean, I know how you feel and all-”

 

`No, princess, you have no idea-' “No, it's not a problem. I'm supposed to protect you. I'm sorry I couldn't help sooner.” Darien held Serina lightly and Rini clutched the edge of his jacket as they left the deserted area for Serina's home.

 

__________________________

“Please do not go, I need you.”

 

“Rena, are you okay?”

 

“Yeah, Rini, go back to sleep.” Serina sniffed and turned her head away, hiding her reddened face from Rini's sharp eyes. She wiped away the tears on her cheeks but they were quickly replaced by a dozen more. She sniffled and tried to twist her body away from Rini but that was made difficult by the ice balanced on her sprained ankle. `Klutz.' She repeated again. That's what Sammy had said, that's what her family believed, it was even Luna's first reaction before Rini and Serina could explain. Darien had selflessly taken the blame himself when he'd dropped the girls off at home, explaining to her family that there had been an accident at the fair and she had been inadvertently pushed off some platform waiting in line. He said it was his fault that when he tried to help her, she slipped, and fell.

 

They probably didn't believe him but it was a noble gesture. `Yes, he was so sweet today- he must still love me, I saw it in his eyes, but- but why did he leave me?!' Tears flowed faster down Serina's cheeks, caught by her pillow and moistening her hair and skin. `And will he come back?'

 

He'd left her again, without a good-bye kiss or even a hand shake, not a word to her but a good night to little Rini who was falling asleep even as she walked upstairs. `Stupid ditz, you probably pretended he still loved you just because you wanted it to be true so badly. But he left you, and doesn't care anymore other than keeping his moon princess safe and Sailor Moon fighting for justice . . . not love . . . not anymore.'

 

“Rena, you're crying. Does your foot hurt again?” Serina sniffed again, smiling weakly. She couldn't fool Rini, especially not when the kid was in her bed. `Oh, Rini, if it weren't for you, I don't think I could live through Darien leaving me!' Serina whirled in her bed, crystalline pearls of tears rolling off her cheeks as she reached out to hold the little girl close. Rini was so important to her, her friend, her only reason left for living.

 

She sobbed into the surprised child's hair, her cheek resting against her little head. Rini wrapped her arms carefully around Serina, cooing and rubbing her back, as best she could in her little voice, just as the older girl had done for her last night. “Rini, I love you, thank you- I don't know what I'd do without you-”

 

“I won't ever leave you, Rena, if you don't want me to.” Rini whispered, a little frightened. Serina cried every night since Darien left her but tonight was particularly different, worse. “Is it Darien? I'm sorry I made him come with us, Rena.” Serina pulled back, shaking her head and wiping her eyes quickly.

 

“No, little one, it's not your fault. I told you, I'm just frustrated that I can't figure out what I did wrong to Darien. I miss him so much, I can't stand it. But you're with me and that's close enough. Thank you for staying with me. The other girls have gotten fed up with this stuff.” She tried to laugh but it came out more like a choked sob as she attempted to calm herself down and wipe away the wetness on her face with her sleeve.

 

“I'll always be here for you, Rena, just like you're there for me too.” Rini buried herself in her covers and into Serina's embrace. Serina curled up around the child and continued to weep silently. After a few minutes Rini looked up. “Rena?”

“Yes, sweetheart?”

 

“Um, why do sometimes call me Small Lady?” Rini whispered hesitantly. She didn't think Serina knew her name from the future. Everyone at the palace called the princess Small Lady.

 

“Oh, I think I heard it somewhere, or maybe I just came up with it. It's pretty, I thought, you're my little princess, my small lady. You're noble and kind-hearted like royalty but- tiny. Why? If you don't like it-”

 

“No! No, no, I love it! My mommy and daddy call me Small Lady. It- It just reminds me of them when you say it.” Rini snuggled in closer and Serina smiled. She watched the moonlight play like fairy dust on the child's features; her hair silvered pink, her skin glowing with petal softness, and tear marks glittering faintly on her forehea-

 

`Wait- what was that?!' Serina's eyes caught the reflective glint of a something golden on her skin but with her drying tears and fading moonlight, the silver glimmer disappeared.

 

__________________________

“How princess-like!”

 

 

Serina set down her cup of hot chocolate with a sigh and leaned back on her pillows. Her foot was still trapped under a bag of ice and propped up on a frilly pillow. Luna was out with the girls after retrieving Serina's wrist communicator, and gathering information before they brought the Scout meeting to her house. Mrs. Tsukino had refused to let Serina out of her room with her foot so badly sprained. But hey, the up side to that was breakfast in bed! Serina's face lit up as she remembered sharing a stack of pancakes with Rini in her bed a few hours ago.

 

As if on cue, the little bunny came bounding into Serina's room and happily hopped up on her bed. Rini smiled a bright, cheery smile as she sprawled out on top of the blue blanket, ever careful of Serina's ankle and other injuries.

 

Serina sat up and smiled at the kid. She could be very considerate sometimes. 'But about last night . . . I need to know for sure- There's something about her that I know I saw. Something that I've always seen . . .'

 

"Rini, I need to ask you something." Serina started gently. She had to broach the topic carefully, fool Rini into opening up with her secrets- otherwise she'd get all defensive like she always did when the girls asked her about where she came from and why she was here.

 

The little girl lifted her head and wrinkled her brow, frowning a bit, but nodded to Serina. "What is it?" Rini asked quietly. The kid was quick; she all ready suspected it was something she really didn't want to talk about- or something she'd done wrong.

 

Serina took a deep breath before she continued. Rini had done nothing wrong but the subject Serina was trying to bring up was more likely than not something the little girl wasn't allowed to talk about or would refuse to. So she wasn't in trouble- yet.

 

But Serina had to be sure- life could end in an instant if what she believed was not true. So she tried to ease Rini's doubts and test her knowledge at the same time. This could be important. Key to finding out what you wanted to know when someone didn't want to tell you: Distraction. "Rini, do you . . . happen to know what the true mission of the Sailor Scouts is?" Serina hesitantly asked. She thought it was a silly question; Rini probably wouldn't know. Few people knew their real purpose.

 

But Rini surprised her by nodding enthusiastically. "Yes! Of course I know!" Rini answered as though it were an absurd question. Serina looked at her with clear blue eyes, asking her to continue. "That's easy! The Sailor Scouts are on earth to protect my family." She stated matter-of-factly.

 

Serina blinked once. Twice. Then frowned and shook her head. "Your family in the future?” The child nodded without hesitation, smiling slightly. “In this time, they protect my family. Well, seeing as I'm the only one left of my family, the Scouts are on earth to protect me." Rini frowned- probably because she knew Serina wasn't that last of her family, not with Sammy sleeping right downstairs. But this was starting to get interesting.

 

The future itself was unraveling before Serina's eyes. Her Scouts protected Rini's family? Another royal family- there were only two ways that could be possible- If it was still the Moon Princess's family- or there were no more Moon royalty left to protect and they followed her last wishes to protect another's family . . . Endymion's . . . "Why do they protect your family?"

 

Rini looked at the older girl in confusion. "Because it's their job!" She told her in an exasperated tone, as if there could ever be any other possible answer. "They protect my Mommy and Daddy and me. The royal family of the Earth and the Moon, but we don't . . . " Rini suddenly stopped with a small choked gasp as she realized she'd said too much. "Never mind." She hurriedly mumbled under her breath. She turned away from the older girl, hiding her eyes so Serina couldn't see the truth that was reflected inside them.

 

"The moon?" Serina whispered. It wasn't possible. It just couldn't be true! She was a princess of the moon, a princess just like her. She was a part of her family, of the moon kingdom and the kingdom of earth- she was a piece of them both! "Rini, I overheard you speaking to someone who called you princess- was she right? You're a princess of earth . . ? Princess Serina?" Serina asked her, her voice a little hoarse, betraying her fear of the answer. She had known for a long time that the girl was a princess; she just didn't know for sure of where. If she was truly of the earth, she would be related to Darien, maybe even his daughter- but then Darien was an orphan with no memory of his past. He might have other relatives like a sister or brother he knew nothing of but were still Terran royalty! And Rini's real name was `Serina' which could easily be honorary if sh- if she wasn't- around- in this future world, just as Rubeus had threatened. But if Rini was of the moon . . .

 

For some reason, Rini was being very open with her and Serina intended to snatch that opportunity like an umbrella in a rainstorm. But her heart fell when Rini shook her head. "I can't, Rena." She whispered. "I'm not allowed to tell." She looked up to her guardian with large, pleading cinnamon-brown eyes. "Please, Serina. I can't." The child's shoulders slumped, her carnation hair enveloping them as she shifted away from the one girl she could finally trust. Rini's whisper easily sliced Serina's heart; she could deny this child nothing and she didn't have to tell her now, she all ready knew. What she'd glimpsed last night . . .

 

Serina touched the girl's shoulder. Rini turned around at the touch and looked up to her with wide eyes, both completely trusting and fearful. "You can tell me anything, Small Lady, you know that. It's just that, I promised that I'd protect you and to do that, there are some things I need to know. How can I find your parents if you won't tell me who they are, darling?" She hoped Rini understood what she was trying to say. She didn't want to force the answer from her, she just needed to hear confirmation from her own mouth.

 

"I'm sorry." Rini bent her head down and looked away from the older girl, sniffing pitifully. It hurt her to not be able to tell Serina everything she wanted to know, everything she said she NEEDED to know to help her. The only thing Rini could think of that hurt as bad as not telling Serina, was the memory of her mother- "Mommy . . ."

 

Serina barely heard Rini's murmur through the stifled weeping. Her heart lurched to hear the little girl call for her missing mother. "Oh, Rini . . ." Serina whispered as she enveloped the small child in her arms. "It's okay to cry. Everyone needs to cry." That was all it took. Rini buried her face in the crook of Serina's neck, squeezing her shoulders as tightly as the five-year-old could, and let herself cry for the first time in the arms of someone who actually cared for her. All of her pain and sadness and helplessness was let free in one instant with Serina stroking her back and whispering words of comfort to her. 'This poor child, my poor baby.' Serina thought. 'What has she done to deserve this?'

 

Serina felt tears come to her eyes. No one should have to go through what this tiny princess was, it wasn't fair! Thrown into a world centuries different from her own where she lived a safe sheltered life with her guardians and parents. Desperately, she tried to blink the painful stinging back, but to no avail.

 

Warm pearls of tears began to fall from her eyes, tracing cold paths along her skin. Tear after tear ran down her cheeks and drifted across her chin. Rini snuggled closer trying to bury herself deeper in her guardian's embrace, her tiny fists clenching Serina's shirt. Her forehead touched the tip of Serina's chin and a single bead of liquid crystal fell on Rini's brow, causing a golden light to gently flame up from Rini's pale skin.

 

Serina gasped and pulled away from the comfortable position. Her eyes got even wider when she saw the symbol burning on the center of the child's forehead. The same as last night . . . "Rini . . ?" She whispered as another flash of light emitted from her own brow.

 

"Small Lady-" She began again in shock, her voice trembling. "Please, please tell me what your parents' names are." She asked in a voice barely above a murmur, almost impossible to hear. Somehow she felt it was urgent, more urgent now because Rini seemed to be fading into darkness- no, SHE was losing consciousness!

 

"Rena?" Rini whispered as Serina slowly began to fade into radiant light. Her dress disappeared like melting frost to be replaced by coalescing snowflakes and silver stardust swirling around her as she slowly rose into the air. She wasn't transforming to anything she had ever been before. Not even something she had really ever wanted to be. She ignored the girl's surprised look as she insisted once again before she lost all track of thought. "Little princess, your mother and father . . ." Her voice was strained and weak as the shift took place, answering the question with action before Rini could ease her mind-

 

Rini swallowed hard and felt her throat go dry. Why was she suddenly so persistent now, why did she need to know all of a sudden? What was happening to her? Why did she sound- like that? So desperate and yet so calm? "Serenity. Serenity and Endymion." Serina smiled softly as she felt the transformation advance against her will. Rini stared on, catching a glimpse of the slight smile on Rena's face before it disappeared into a grimace of pain.

 

"Oh Rini . . ." She managed to sigh before she fainted. Rini gasped then instantly burst into frightened tears, the room erupting with a beam of powerful moonlight.

 

__________________________

"It can't be! It just can't be!"

 

“I've seen the future and you're not in it!”

 

“Mommy?”

 

“I've gotta save my mom!”

 

“Neo-Queen Serenity?!”

 

“My mother . . .” Rini was the princess of the kingdoms of the earth and moon. Simple as that. Serina finally had proof of what she'd always suspected, what she'd always feared and hoped was true. Rini was Darien's daughter. And Rini was her daughter. Meaning, Darien still loved her, would some day marry her, and they would have a family. A beautiful, perfect little flamingo-haired princess.

 

That's why Rubeus said Sailor Moon wasn't in the future . . . If I were queen, Rini's- mother, then I wouldn't need to be Sailor Moon, would I? I can't believe no one else noticed the resemblance; the hair, her little nose, the thunderstorms- Rei and Luna would never believe me if I told them . . . that's why I never said anything. They'd tease me for thinking something so crazy, and then there was my worst fear: What if Darien wasn't her father? But he is and I don't have to worry about it ever again . . . Rini and Darien are mine, forever . . .

 

Vaguely, in the back of her semi-conscious mind, Serina could hear a voice. The voice of a frightened little girl- calling to her- ". . . Mommy . . . Mommy . . . please don't leave me alone again, Mommy . . ."

 

Serina managed to crack open her tired eyes and saw her Small Lady sitting next to her, wearing a dress that looked outrageously similar to that of her old Moon Princess dress. "Never . . . my child . . ." Serina whispered gratefully. Her heart had stopped at Rini's announcement, her mind overwhelmed by the hurricane of celebration, joy, hope, relief, agony, fear, and regret that flooded her thoughts. Even now she unconsciously grinned at the wonderful, fantastic, incredible information- then she gasped in pain.

 

Her pounding head finally gave in to the annoying insistence of the minor concussion and overwhelming revelations and she fainted again.

 

Rini stared in shock at the girl- no woman who lay in Serina's bed. Her breathing stopped and her heart sped up. It just wasn't possible. Trembling, the small child powered down so that she was in her civilian clothing. Glancing once more at her ashen face, Rini desperately grabbed hold of Serina's communicator with shaky hands and fumbled with the controls.

 

__________________________

“Ever hear of that river in Egypt? De-Nile?”

 

 

“Darien! Open up! We have some things to- discuss!” Lita pounded on the apartment door. She heard some scuffling from inside and signaled to the other three girls standing beside her. The door creaked open, and a terribly haggard looking Darien Shields peered out.

 

“Oh, Darien, you look awful! Haven't you been sleeping?” Mina asked as Lita and Rei pushed their way past the young man and through the door.

 

“Um, not much- What are you girls here for? Don't you usually have your Scout meetings at Rei's?” Darien ran a hand through his hair. He'd been up since the dream woke him around one in the morning. He'd spent the night studying, the books and coffee mugs on the table attested to that. Now what were the girls doing here? What'd he do wrong this time? Darien quickly ran over what he'd said and done last night, wondering if he'd let something exceptionally stupid slip to Serina.

 

Ami, Luna on her shoulder, side stepped Mina, apologetic for the more forceful and impetuous Scouts' behavior. Darien was obviously under a lot of stress if he couldn't sleep and was studying more than she did. “We're here to try to understand why you believe you're marriage to Serina will put her in danger and how we can help to stop the threat.” Even as she said the word marriage, Darien paled. When she mentioned Serina, he flushed with anger. This, of course, was his business, and Ami felt ashamed that they had to confront him about it, but it was hurting their princess and that could not be allowed when there might be another way. If only he had come forward earlier. When Ami's voice dropped off after `threat,' Darien completely collapsed to the couch he'd led them too.

 

“Hey, you okay?” Lita dropped a hand to Darien's shoulder. Rei slid up beside him to feel his forehead for a temperature. He did not look well.

 

“Darien?” The prince looked up at Mina and Ami as if waking from a dream. His eyes were glazed with horror and his skin had lost all color again.

 

“How did you know?” He murmured tonelessly.

 

“The Great Fire reveals many secrets, but they only make sense to those they concern.” Rei answered softly. The agony in Darien's eyes was wrenching. `What on earth happened to you?'

 

“I- Serina- why isn't she here with you? Isn't she interested in learning the truth as well?” Darien's voice varied between harsh and hurt. He wished Serina were there to help him through this, to ease his soul with a smile and forgive him as easily as she would had he simply been late to pick her up after school. But he didn't want her to hear this. It would frighten her to hear of his dreams, his premonitions of her death: He couldn't put her through all that he'd been through these past weeks! The terror, the paranoia, the heart-ache . . .

 

“Her mom wouldn't let her out of the house with that twisted ankle. Even though she's gone now, but Rini's staying with her. Now, quit avoiding the subject and tell us what's wrong so we can fix it.”

 

“Give him a moment. This is likely very traumatic for him.” Ami reprimanded her friends and turned to Darien slouched before her. The smart, confident young man had disappeared somewhere in the depths of these troubled eyes now a faded gray. She leaned forward so her eyes were level with his. “Now, Darien, we need to know why you are hurting Serina, as her guards and her best friends. If you know of a threat, we need to be informed as well. She is ours to protect.” She insisted gently.

 

Darien sighed in resignation. He couldn't keep this up anymore. There was no logical explanation for his fears, no reason other than a dream to hurt his love so much. A dream had given him the love of his life and another had just as quickly taken her away. Last night had shown him how he could never hope to love another, and neither would Serina. It had also proven to him that he could never leave her alone and expect her to stay unharmed; she needed him near her for always, to protect her heart and body. “There's no excuse for my behavior. You wouldn't understand-”

 

“Try us. We've all done stupid things, ask Luna or Artemis. If you know Serina's in danger, we need to know what it is!” Rei challenged.

 

“The danger is ME!” Darien shouted, standing and clenching his fists. The girls fell back from him, surprised by the unexpected explosion. The outburst quickly died as the man collapsed on the couch again, his head in his hands, and surrendered his knowledge. “I'm sorry.” He sighed with the resignation of a man who was prepared to die.

 

“For the past few weeks I've been having a dream, the same nightmare every single night, every time I close my eyes. I tried to ignore it but it was so powerful; the glass in the picture frame of Serina and I broke when I looked at it! Every time I saw Serina in real life, the voice would warn me away and images would flash through my head. In my dream, Serina and I would be getting married then the world would explode from underneath us, tearing us apart and killing Serina. The voice haunts me when I sleep and when I'm awake. It warns me to stay away or Serina will die and the world will be destroyed. I- I don't want her hurt- not because of me-” Darien shuddered as he remembered the dream, Serina's sweet voice screaming his name, her sad eyes searing his as she disappeared in the intense light.

 

“The future and the past . . . Darien, you know that the scene of Serina in the explosion is from the Moon Kingdom, right? It's all ready happened. That can't be changed and it won't happen again.” Rei tried to assure him. As a priestess and with her own natural gift, she knew the importance of dreams such as Darien's. She had the same often enough.

 

“But it could be for visual effect.” Ami inserted. “Darien, do you sense negative energy from these dreams? Could they be a spell from the Dark Moon to divide Serina from her guardians and make her more vulnerable to attack?”

 

“No. I've all ready thought of that. There is nothing evil or sinister about it. They're premonitions just like the ones about the Silver Crystal and moon princess- if they're being sent to me then it's as a warning-”

 

“Or a test.” Rei whispered from beside him. Everyone whirled on her. The priestess's eyes were slitted as she studied Darien with the same magic sight that helped her read the Great Fire. “Yep, it's a good power, kind of shoddy, a bit of a desperate feel to it. The aura of the sending is nearly the same color as Darien's earth power, a bit older maybe, more violet in it.”

 

“Can you get rid of it? Darien obviously could do without it and get some sleep!” Mina called from the kitchen. She had taken the liberty of heating up a pot of tea for Darien and the girls. She came out with the mugs and they each took one, but didn't bother to take a drink. They were too excited! They finally figured out the mystery! They were so close to being able to help their princess and prince!

 

“I think I can, I can shield him from it.”

 

“Good, go for it. What did you mean by it being a test though, how do you know?”

 

“Because the source wants Darien to get back with Serina. The dreams were sent to prepare and test Darien- and maybe Serina too. To see if he loved her enough to leave and yet still remain faithful. You were faithful, right, Darien? I'll kill you if you cheated on our princess!”

 

“Yes, yes! Of course! I could never love anyone else! That's why this has been hell for me! And seeing her suffer-”

 

“So, he's passed this stupid test right? The two love birds can get back together?”

 

“That might be more complicated. They can get back together whenever they want, it was Darien keeping them apart- for good reason-” Rei answered as Darien shot her a pained glare. “The dreams weren't real so there is no real danger as far as I can tell. I can work on it tonight, through the Great Fire, and see who the test giver is and if he or she is satisfied with these results. If there is a danger, then we'll face it together!”

 

“Right!” The girls shouted together. Darien's eyes were blank as the revelation sank through the scars the nightmare had left in his mind. `I can go back to Serina, I can love Serina . . . Thank you, God! Serina, we can finally be together!'

 

“Come on, let's go tell Serina!” Mina cried, Lita quickly followed suit. Rei and Lita grabbed the dumbfounded prince's arms and yanked him to his feet. A slow, ecstatic smile was spreading across his face, replacing the eternal frown that had been there.

 

Suddenly, the grin fell, and Darien stumbled, reaching for his head. “Wait- Serina- something's wrong-” The girls skidded to a halt, whipping around to face the one person soul-bonded to their leader.

 

“What?!” Darien shook his head as the feeling abruptly disappeared. “Darien, what is it?” Lita demanded.

 

“Serina, she was scared, in pain then relieved- I . . . I don't know what it was- but it's gone-” Just then, all the Scouts jumped as their communicators began to beep, the shrill pitch of the panic button.

 

“Oh, no! She is in trouble! It must be the Dark Moon-” Ami ignored the alarmed voices around her as she hit the receive button and Rini's tiny face appeared.

 

“Rini?! What are you doing-”

 

“Help! I don't know who else to call- Serina keeps fainting- she woke up a minute ago and then passed out again. We're all alone and I'm so scared! What if she's really sick or Rubeus tries to take her- Please! Someone come help her!”

 

“We'll be right there, Rini.” And with that promise, everyone transformed and raced the rooftops to their princess's aid.

 

A burst of pure white energy from Serina's house caught the Scouts by surprise a few blocks from their destination. “That's the Silver Crystal!” The light faded and they heard Rini's startled scream from inside.

 

“Oh God, no! Serina!” Darien wasted no time diving in through Serina's bedroom window to defend his love.