Him was Serena’s ex-boyfriend, Darien. Ever since he had broken up with her, she’d made it her solemn oath to find out what she’d done wrong, and fix it. Surely then he would love her again. A month ago, it had been easy to remain in control of her emotions through this devastating episode, but Serena could take it no longer. She had yet to hold him in her arms, and she was losing faith in their destined love. He told her he didn’t believe in destiny. Maybe she should stop believing too. Even Reeni, the little girl that had fallen out of the sky the day before Darien stopped loving her, had failed in raising her spirits.

It was now an hour before the bell was to ring, and for classes to begin at Crossroads Junior High. Serena, her depression controlling her every thought, didn’t notice the girl blocking her path. She ran right into the girl, mumbled " Excuse me," and kept right on walking. A soft hand fell on her shoulder.

" I said ‘Excuse me.’ What more do you want?!" Serena snapped.

" What’s your problem, Serena?" Raye asked her. Raye was a good friend of Serena’s and a fellow super hero as well. She was the elusive Sailor Mars, keeper of the magic of fire.

" Sorry, Raye. Everything’s my problem today. It’s nothing personal. I didn’t even see you."

" A little early to be walking to school isn’t it? Maybe your problem is that you didn’t get enough sleep."

" I didn’t get enough sleep! I couldn’t fall asleep. All I dreamt of was Darien. He must have shattered my heart into a billion pieces." Serena looked at Raye. It was then that Raye saw Serena’s tear-stained face and dreary frown.

" I’m sorry Serena. You know you’ll have to get over him, though, don’t you? You can’t win him over in a day."

" It hasn’t been a day, Raye! It’s been a month! I can’t stand this anymore! Don’t you think I’ve tried to get over him?"

" No, I don’t."

" Well, I have tried, Raye. All I ever have on my mind anymore are Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask, and that damn Rubeus."

" Serena, not so loud. If anyone ever found out,"

" I know, I know."

Meanwhile, Rubeus and Avery glanced down at Tokyo from their midway time capsule.

" Did you hear those girls, Rubeus?" Avery cackled.

" Yes! That blond girl must be Sailor Moon. And there is a strong resemblance. If we can get her at just the right time, we can destroy her and get the crystal."

After school, Serena stopped at the park. She was alone, of course. Mostly, she had come to the park with Darien. One time, they had been sitting beneath the very tree she sat under now. He had picked a cherry blossom for her and placed it in her hair. Then they’d kissed. Serena started to cry. She pulled a golden star-shaped locket from her backpack. It was the locket that Prince Darien had given her during their last few hours together. That was a thousand years ago during the Silver Millennium. Serena had been princess of the Moon Kingdom at that time. Darien had been Prince of Earth. They’d had a love affair, although Darien’s people were against the Moon Kingdom and everything it stood for. Serena sighed and opened the locket. It played the most enchanting song; a song that reminded her of happier times. A melancholy breeze swept her side. Serena placed the locket back in her backpack. She stood, but as she bent down to pick up her backpack, something grabbed her and pulled her into a cold darkness.

" Sailor Moon, I presume." Rubeus cackled.

" Rubeus! But how did you know?"

" It’s very simple to find out one’s identity if she blabs it aloud to her co-workers. But I’m not interested in Sailor Mars. She doesn’t possess the Silver Crystal as you do."

" What do you want with the Crystal?"

" Hand it over now, or witness my wrath."

" I’ll take the wrath."

" Really? Okay, I’m game. Meet me at the river dock tonight at midnight, unless that’s pass your bedtime."

" I’ll be there. The Sailor Scouts and I will send you to Davy Jones’ locker."

" No, I don’t think so. This is a showdown between you, Sailor Snitch, and me. You tell the scouts, and I’ll destroy each and every one of them, not to mention your precious ex."

" Fine, a deal then. Winner takes the Crystal."

" Really? Good, then I won’t have to try too hard."

Rubeus held out an open hand, and Serena shook it.

" The tie that binds, Sailor Moon, or should I say Serena."

That night, after she’d transformed in her room, Serena slipped down the trellis. It was about eleven o’clock. Luna, curiously watching from the bed, followed her. Serena was within a mile of the dock when Luna called her from behind.

" Sailor Moon, stop!" Luna cried.

" Luna, what are you doing here?" Serena, asked, turning.

" Following you. Where are you going? Did you get a call from the Scouts?"

" No, Luna."

" Then what are you doing out this late, dressed like that?"

" I can’t tell you."

" Why not?"

" It’s a secret."

" A secret? Are you turning into a traitor, Serena?"

" A traitor? Of course, not. I’m going to fight Rubeus."

" Are the others all ready there?"

" No, and they won’t be. Not tonight. You mustn’t call them, Luna. They’re in danger, and I’m going to save us all, even if I risk my own life in the process."

" In danger?"

" Yes, Luna. Rubeus knows our identities. I must fight to save them and the crystal. Please, Luna, go home. And don’t tell the Scouts. Tonight, someone will die. I don’t want it to be them."

" What about Darien? Can I call him?" Luna asked. Serena choked down a sob.

" No, Luna. Like the others, Darien is also in danger. It’s all my fault and I’m going to remedy the situation. Now, I must go. I made a deal with Rubeus, Luna. If he destroys me, he will obtain the Crystal. I must hurry. I have to beat him, or else."

Then Serena ran off into the night. Luna sighed.

" Please, Queen Serenity. If you have any power over the universe still, this is the time to use it."

As the town clock struck midnight, Avery appeared before Sailor Moon’s eyes.

" I hope your heart isn’t set on victory, Sailor Moon."

" It is actually. I am Sailor Moon, and I fight for Love and Justice. I will defeat you, and Rubeus."

" We shall see." Avery stood and sent a powerful blast of black fire towards Sailor Moon. Sailor Moon leaped out of the way, as the fire spit in her direction.

" Sorry, Sailor Moon, it’s not so easy to dodge me." Avery cried.

" You seem so sure of yourself, Avery. Just keep in mind that I’ve already defeated two of your sisters."

" They were weak, and you weren’t alone. Take this!" Avery sent another blast of her Mars-like fire at Sailor Moon. Sailor Moon took off her tiara.

" Moon Tiara Magic!" Serena sent the discus tiara at Avery. Avery cried out for Rubeus to save her, but was caught by the tiara. She elapsed into a pile of red and orange dust, as well as a red crystal. Avery’s fire also disintegrated before reaching it’s intended target.

Rubeus appeared next, surrounded by a black mist.

" Sailor Moon, so nice of you to grace me with your presence. I see you’ve taken care of Avery. She was a sniveling brat, so I congratulate you. But, you’ll have no more victories tonight."

" Moon Scepter Elimination!" Serena called, and waved her scepter at Rubeus. He grabbed it in his hand and jerked it from her.

" Now, how does that battle cry go again? Oh yeah, like this, Nega Moon Scepter Elimination." The scepter sent its now evil power back at Sailor Moon. She dodged it as best she could, but it caught her leg as she ran. She screamed. The power felt like a million knives digging into her flesh, right through her boot.

Again, Sailor Moon stood, ready to take another blow. Her leg throbbed. Rubeus threw a mass of black tar energy at her. It became entangled about her body, sucking her energy. In the midst of it all, she thought of the crystal on her transformation medallion.

" Moon Crystal medallion power!" The crystal began to glow and the tar became black chalk. It fell off her and collected about her boots.

" You’re moon dust, Rubeus! Moon Tiara Magic!" The tiara fell to the ground a foot in front of Rubeus.

" Force field, Sailor Sap, don’t look so surprised. You can’t defeat me alone. You’ve walked right into my trap. It’s only a matter of time. Give up now, and I’ll spare your life."

" Never!"

" Suit yourself."

" Don’t worry, Sailor Moon. You won’t have to fight alone any longer."

" Tuxedo Mask!" Rubeus turned.

" No!" Sailor Moon cried as Rubeus sent a blast of the evil scepter’s power in his direction. She flung herself in front of him, catching the power of the scepter in her legs again.

" Sailor Moon!" Tuxedo Mask cried as Sailor Moon fell to the wood planks, clutching her knees.

" Why worry about her, Tuxedo Mask! You can’t be together anyway. Why not persuade her to give up the crystal. Then, you won’t have to watch her suffer."

" I won’t…give up…the crystal." Sailor Moon choked out the words, squinting in pain. Then she pushed herself up.

" I’ll never give up the Imperium Crystal. Not as long as there’s life force left in my body."

" Looks like I won’t have to wait long." Rubeus laughed. It was then that Prisma, the oldest of the Nega sisters, appeared. Sailor Moon walked between them, her crystal medallion glowing.

" Serena, stop!" Tuxedo Mask cried.

" Moon Crystal…" the crystal grew brighter still.

" Not so fast, Sailor Moon." Prisma hissed. A bolt of thunder, more powerful than Jupiter’s enveloped her, as well as the black energy of the scepter and the dark power belonging to Rubeus. The crystal stopped glowing. Sailor Moon was screaming in agony. She could just barely hear Tuxedo Mask’s own cries as he tried to stop the forces stealing her energy. Then Sailor Moon heard a new set of sounds, the voices of the Sailor Scouts.

" Stop!" Sailor Mercury shouted.

" In the name of love and justice," Sailor Venus continued.

" We will punish you!" Sailor Mars finished.

" We are the Sailor Scouts!" Sailor Jupiter announced.

Sailor Moon fell to her knees. She could no longer scream, nor could she speak. She wished the Sailor Scouts would stop their babbling and rescue her. She no longer relied on Tuxedo Mask. She only hoped her wasn’t in trouble.

" Droids, destroy the Sailor Scouts!" Prisma said, and sent a crew of pea-green droids after the Sailor Scouts. Each one was a match for a certain Sailor Scout. Tuxedo Mask fought with them, while trying to think of a way to free his love.

Meanwhile, Sailor Moon dropped to her side, her hand on the medallion.

" No more energy, Rubeus." Prisma said.

" The crystal is mine," Rubeus sneered. He reached down and grabbed for the crystal. Prisma got it before he could.

" What are you doing Prisma?"

" I want the crystal, Rubeus." As they struggled with each other, Tuxedo Mask grabbed Sailor Moon’s lifeless body and carried it to a safer spot. He kissed her lips and then ran at the droids. With four razor-sharp roses, he killed them off and went after the crystal. At just that moment, the Sailor Scouts attacked. Prisma dropped the crystal. Sailor Mercury caught it and ran towards the oncoming Tuxedo Mask. Prisma grabbed Sailor Mercury, hurling them both into the river. Sailor Jupiter jumped in after them. Sailor Mars and Sailor Venus attacked a now unprotected Rubeus.

Sailor Mercury swam to the surface and threw the Crystal at Tuxedo Mask. He caught it and took it to Sailor Moon. He placed the crystal in her hand and prayed beside her.

" Queen Serenity, please give your daughter the power to defeat the Negaforce once again." Tuxedo Mask was surprised to get a reply inside his head. He had the hallucination of Queen Serenity.

" Prince Darien, retrieve the star locket. The music will give Sailor Moon the little strength she needs to activate the crystal. It will not revive her. I cannot save my daughter now, but the crystal can save the world. Hurry, Prince Darien, there isn’t much time. Keep in mind, only you can save Serena now."

Tuxedo Mask pulled off his mask and searched Sailor Moon for the locket, but he couldn’t find it. Just then, Luna appeared at his side, the locket in her mouth.

" Luna, thank goodness." Tuxedo Mask opened the locket. The enchanting music sent a visible stream of energy into Serena’s body. Her lips moved, as if mechanically.

" Moon Imperium Crystal Power, destroy Prisma and Rubeus." She said. Then she fell silent again. The crystal enveloped her and then sent all its energy towards the enemy.

Prisma and Rubeus disintegrated, leaving behind only dust and two black crystals. Tuxedo Mask, now unmasked, pulled off his hat and bent down to Sailor Moon’s level.

" Oh Serena, I’m so sorry. I’m so very sorry. Can you ever forgive me? I love you."

" She can’t hear you, Darien." Luna sobbed.

The Sailor Scouts approached, crying as well.

" I told her not to talk about her identity so loud. I knew Rubeus would hear her." Sailor Mars cried.

" Serena, you can’t leave us now. Now that we have restored peace again." Sailor Venus begged.

" Please wake up, Serena. Please. I don’t want to leave the Sailor Scouts now. I don’t want to go to Germany. I couldn’t leave you then, and I can’t leave you now." Sailor Mercury moaned.

" Serena, please," was all Jupiter could plead.

" Serena…Serena," Tuxedo Mask choked. His voice cracked as he held Sailor Moon’s body to his.

Then Darien lifted Sailor Moon’s lifeless body and carried it in the direction of her home, where he would have to reveal everything to her parents. While on their way, they mournful group passed through the park where Serena had been that very afternoon. At the gate, Darien dropped to his knees, cradling Serena’s body. He broke into a new set of agonizing tears. Raye ran to his side and put her hand on his shoulder.

" This was our park. We always came here together when I met her after class. She used to laugh at all my horrible jokes. She told me off when I made fun of her. She and I listened to the locket under that tree." Darien pointed to a large tree, blooming with cherry blossoms. He got up and carried her to the tree. Then he picked a cherry blossom and tucked it into her hair. He tried to smile gallantly, but only managed a half-hearted grin.

" Isn’t there any way to bring her back, Luna? Artemis?" Darien asked.

" Have you tried asking Queen Serenity?" Luna asked.

" Yes. She gave Serena the strength to destroy Rubeus and Prisma. She has no more energy to give. She told me, she told I could save her. But I don’t know how."

" Show her how you care, Prince Darien." Artemis said.

Darien put his hand over hers, his palm touching the crystal. Darien’s cape fluttered as the crystal illuminated.

" I love you, Serena." He put his lips to hers. The others shielded their eyes as the Prince and Princess lit up in a beacon of passion. Darien put one of his hands on the back of her head and other on her back. He lifted her to him, and kissed her again. Then he embraced her.

"Sailor Scouts, join hands around them." Artemis ordered. They did so, watching the couple, waiting for Serena’s eyes to open. They too began to look like the various princesses of the Moon’s royal court. Serena’s eyes fluttered as Darien kissed her. She didn't move her body, but instead kissed Darien back. Darien opened his eyes and looked at her.

" Serena!" he exclaimed joyfully.

" Darien," she smiled. She still looked weak, as if she were a newborn kitten.

" Serena, you’re alright!" The Sailor Scouts took turns hugging her gently, and the cats purred at her side.

" Don’t ever leave me again, Serena." Darien sobbed passionately.

" I’ll try not to, Prince Darien." She grinned.

That night, instead of going home, Serena decided she wanted to stay with Darien. Raye and Amy walked home together, as did Artemis, Luna, Lita, and Mina. At Darien’s apartment, Serena now had her arms around Darien’s neck, though she wasn’t very good at holding on. Darien unlocked his door and took her inside. He positioned her on the bed so that she was sitting up, then he sat down beside her.

" Serena, if you ever do that to me again," he started.

" You’ve done it to me, Darien, twice." Serena retorted.

" I’m sorry I ever hurt you Serena. I didn’t mean for anything this serious to happen. I love you more than life itself. I couldn’t stand to live without you." Just then, there was a knock at the door. Darien ignored it.

" Darien, answer the door." Serena mentioned.

" Oh right. Don’t go anywhere." He got up.

" I couldn’t if I tried." Serena replied.

Darien answered the door and Reeni burst through at top speed. There were misty tears in her eyes.

" Where’s Serena?" she asked.

" Back in the bedroom." Darien replied.

" Is she dead?"

" No, not anymore."

" Her parents think she’s dead. I wanna see her. Serena?" Reeni informed Darien.

" I’m back here." Serena called. Reeni ran back into the bedroom. Darien ran after her.

When Darien got there, Reeni was at her future mother’s bedside, crying. Serena tried to pet Reeni’s head, but she was not succeeding. Darien sat back down on the bed and helped Serena scoot over. Reeni climbed onto the bed and lay by Serena’s side, clutching Serena’s hand. Serena was crying again. Darien found this odd, for he knew how badly Serena and Reeni got along.

" Why are you crying, Serena?" Darien asked.

" I don’t know." Serena answered. " I’ll be all right, Reeni. I promise I will. Please don’t cry. Everything will be okay. In fact, I have something you need for your mother. Darien, could you fish my medallion out of my pocket."

Darien pulled out the Silver Crystal medallion. He handed it to Serena. Serena pulled the crystal out of the medallion, struggling at first. Then she handed the crystal to Reeni. I believe you’ll be needing this to get back to the future."

" The Silver Crystal?"

" Yes, now hurry. I love you, Reeni."

" Thank you Serena. Get better soon, good bye Darien."

After Reeni left, Serena turned to Darien, still holding the medallion.

" Look, Serena! The medallion!" Darien’s eyes opened wide. Serena looked at the medallion, smiled, and nodded.

" Reeni must know me in the future, it’s as if the crystal were never gone."

" Cool."

" Darien?"

" Yeah Serena?" He smiled at her.

" Tell me why."

" Huh?"

" Tell me why you broke my heart."

" Oh, that. Well, the real reason was because of a vision I had about you. I don’t really remember all of the dream, but you and Reeni were in grave danger. It was all my fault. I ended up saving Reeni, but I couldn’t save you. I figured if I got away from you, then you would be safe in the future. That’s where the dream was; in the future."

" Oh Darien, why didn’t you tell me?"

" Because I knew you wouldn’t care about the warning."

" You’re right, I wouldn’t care. I’ve given my life for you, for us, before. Why would this be any different?"

" It just would."

" We should go to the future." Serena thought aloud.

" What?!"

" To see if those visions of yours come true."

" How?"

" I don’t know. Call Luna, and the Scouts. We’re going to have a meeting, now."

Fifteen minutes later, the Scouts and Artemis and Luna crowded into Darien’s living room. Serena and Raye sat on the couch, with Darien on the arm, Luna sat in Serena’s lap. Lita sat on a kitchen stool, Mina sat on the floor with Artemis, and Amy leaned against the wall casually.

" So, what is this meeting all about?" Raye turned to Serena, who was still considerably weak and limp.

" I want to go to the future."

" Why?" Amy asked.

" I want to see Reeni, and find out why she needed the silver crystal."

" Why do you need to go to the future to talk to Reeni? She lives in your house." Mina responded.

" Not anymore. She came over about forty-five minutes ago." Serena paused and clutched Darien’s hand.

" What’s wrong Serena?" Darien asked her, his face expressing terrified concern.

" My parents. Reeni came looking for me. She said my parents thought I was dead. They must be so scared. I have to see them, and tell them I ‘m okay."

" But Serena, you called us all here," Lita protested.

Already, Darien had handed Serena a sweatshirt, which she pulled over her upper body like a frail old woman.

" We’ll be back, soon." Darien said, as he helped Serena to her feet. " Raye, could you get the door." Darien put Serena’s arm around his neck and held onto her. Raye opened the door and they walked out, Serena struggling.

" Help yourselves to some food." Darien mentioned on his way out.

Raye sat back down on the couch after grabbing a cold bagel from the fridge.

" I wonder what that was all about." She commented.

" Luna, is there anyway we can get to the future?" Amy asked. Then she looked around.

" Luna?" Amy asked.

" Artemis, where’s Luna?" Mina asked the white cat on the couch.

" She slipped out the door, behind Darien and Serena. I don’t know where she’s going though." He replied. Mina nodded.

" I wonder how Serena’s holding up. She looks awful, and is probably in a lot of pain." Lita said, and then bit into an apple, which had been lying on the counter.

" I think Serena will be fine, if she tries to get better. Knowing Serena, she’ll dwell on this attention from Darien for as long as she can." Raye stated.

" How could you say that about Serena? She risked her life for all of us!" Amy retorted.

" Yeah, yeah. She didn’t have a hell of a lot to do with it. She was using Queen Serenity’s energy. Besides, Darien’s only with her now because she’s hurt. If she wasn’t, he’d ignore her like he’s been doing for the past month."

" You’re some friend," Mina sneered.

" Now seriously, why would he break up with her if he still loved her? It doesn’t make any sense at all. He’s Tuxedo Mask and it’s his job to rescue Sailor Moon, but Serena told me that Darien told her he didn't believe in destiny. Frankly, neither do I."

" Enough, Raye. If Serena came in right now, she’d be heartbroken." Lita snapped.

On the street, Darien and Serena walked down the sidewalk. Serena was having a hard time making her legs work. They slipped around like spaghetti attached to her thighs. She stopped Darien, and he turned to her.

" Serena, why’d you stop?"

" I’m tired. I want to get to see my parents, but I’m so tired. I could fall asleep right here." Serena’s hand slipped off his neck and she dropped towards the ground. Darien caught her as she slipped towards the sidewalk. He hoisted her over his shoulder and she grabbed his tee shirt with one hand and his neck with the other. He smiled, and then walked quickly the rest of the way to her house. The porch lights were on and Darien knew that they were waiting for her, or for the Police to come say they’d found Serena’s lifeless body somewhere. Darien knew how they were feeling. He knocked hard on the door. Sammy, Serena’s younger brother, answered the door and invited Darien in when he saw Serena over his shoulder.

" Mom, Dad, Serena’s here!" Sammy called, as Darien placed Serena on the couch, and sat down beside her. He stroked her hair.

" Serena!" Serena’s mother cried.

" Mom!" Serena smiled joyfully.

" Serena!" Her father wailed.

" Dad!"

Serena’s father picked her up off the couch and hugged her tightly. Her mother and Sammy hugged Serena as well. Serena, involuntarily, put all her weight on her father. When he let go of her, she started to collapse. Darien quickly stood and caught her. Then helped her to sit.

" What’s wrong with her?" Serena’s father asked.

" We had a little run in with some bad people. They attacked her. Luckily, she’s getting better."

" Well, when was this?" her mother asked.

" Uh, after I snuck out to see Darien." Serena responded.

" You’re grounded young lady." Her father said.

" No, she’s not." Darien said, standing. He picked up Serena like he had her before.

" Mom, Dad, you won’t understand this now or ever, but Darien, and Raye, and Amy, and Mina, and Lita, and I have important business to attend to."

" Serena, if you walk out that door," her father started.

" Don’t say it…" her mother begged.

" You can never understand. It’s as simple as that. I love you both." Serena said.

" If you walk out that door, don’t ever come back." Her father finished. Darien stepped out the door and down the street. Serena’s mother ran after them, tears streaming down her face.

" Serena, wait!" she called. Darien stopped and put Serena down. He held her hands outstretched. Serena’s mother came up to them.

" Darien, let go," Serena ordered. Darien let go and before Serena had the chance to fall, she fell forward and moved her feet. It could have looked like walking, but it was more like a baby’s first steps. She grasped her mother, tears drizzling down her face.

Amy shook Raye to wake her up, and then just shouted at her.

" Sailor Mars, we’re under attack!" Raye opened her eyes instantly.

" Just kidding!" Lita laughed.

" What time is it?"

" About 5:30 in the morning. I think you’re the one of the only scouts who’s gotten any sleep tonight." Darien chuckled.

" You’re probably right." Raye said. "So, on with the meeting?"

" Yeah, but without the aid of Serena." Mina sighed, looking over at the bedroom with its door wide open. Serena was asleep, a blue sheet pulled over her.

" Yeah, Serena’s pretty beat. She spent the whole night saving the universe, then she died, then she came back to life, and then she cried with her mother." Lita explained.

" And she’s still got two more tasks." Raye said.

" What are those?" Darien asked.

" One is to get to the future, and the other is to win back…"

" Don’t even say it Raye!" Amy interrupted.

" I’m going to say it, no matter what you say, so you can just not listen if you want. She still needs to win back her…" Lita jumped up and covered Raye’s mouth.

" Raye, give it a rest. We all know how jealous you are of Serena and Darien, but you don’t have to voice it to their faces."

" What are you girls talking about?"

" She needs to win back her sweetheart!" Raye announced as she pried Lita’s hand off her face.

" She already has me back. I love Serena. I won’t ever give her up again."

" See Raye, love and destiny conquer all." Mina snickered.

" Weird." Raye groaned.

There was then a scratching at the door. Amy answered it and Luna hurried in.

" All right, there are two ways we can go about this whole time travel business. Where’s Serena?" Luna began as soon as she was in the door.

" She’s asleep. I put her to bed when we got back. She looked so awful." Darien said.

" Oh. All right then, we’ll have this meeting without her. Now, like I said, there are two ways to handle the situation. One way is to get the time key from outer space."

"And number two?" Artemis asked.

" Number two is to use the crystal to transport you to the future from a portal on the bottom of the river. The crystal will take you there, but it can’t transport you back. Luckily, we know that the people of the future can send you to the past with their own devices as they did with Reeni."

" Number two sounds like a good plan." Raye stated.

" The only problem is that we must go tonight, since the crystal can only activate this portal tonight. The next available portal opens tomorrow on the west coast of the United States."

" Tonight? But what about Serena?" Darien asked.

" She’ll have to come off course. You may have to share a tank with her Darien, since she couldn’t possibly carry one."

" A tank?" Mina asked.

" Yes, an oxygen tank to breathe with. You’ll have to dive down to the portal, since it’s at least fifty feet down. Be careful that Serena doesn’t pass out. Or the rest of you either. I already ordered tanks for us on my way back. They’ll be delivered to the dock in one hour. So, we must hurry and get our things."

" I’ll wake up Serena." Lita said.

" Wait, Lita. Let me explain the plan first. Raye, you’ll go to the temple and pick up as much Japanese currency as you can. Girls, you have to bring money with you. I’ll stop in Serena’s room and get her stash. Amy, you go to your place and get as many technical devices as you can find. Mina, you go to everyone’s house and get clothes for the trip."

" Don’t go to Serena’s place." Darien inserted.

" Why not?" Luna asked.

" Because her dad is pissed and kicked her out. I’ll explain why at a later date, but you can’t go to her place."

" Fine, Mina, you and Serena are the same size so you can bring more of your clothes instead." Mina nodded. " Lita, you go and collect weapons for the journey. We may need to defend ourselves as the Sailor Scouts, plus one. Darien, that leaves you. You take Serena down to the dock and have her transform. Also, watch her. Make sure no villains get her. Her crystal is the key to the portal. Artemis and I have a few errands to run as well. We’ll meet at the dock in three hours."

" What time is it now?" Lita asked.

" Six-thirty. We’ll meet at the dock at nine-thirty. Good luck, Sailor Scouts." Luna and Artemis hurried out the door behind Raye, Mina, Lita, and Amy.

Darien hurried into the bedroom, and woke Serena.

" Serena, wake up." He shook her lightly.

" I’m up, I’m up. What’s all the commotion?" Serena opened her eyes to slits and looked at Darien.

" It’s time to go, Serena. We’re going to the future through a portal at the docks."

" Oh, the docks. But I’ve already been there tonight."

" Doesn’t matter. Transform into Sailor Moon, Serena." Serena transformed and Darien, now Tuxedo Mask, handed Sailor Moon his cape. He put it around her shoulders and kissed her forehead. Then he picked her up and took her down to the docks.

Mina burst through her door dressed as Sailor Venus. She started throwing clothes into various bags and things. Across town, Raye rummaged through her Grandpa’s things, trying to find money. Luckily, he was at a seminar and Chad was out of town, supposedly visiting his folks.

Tuxedo Mask put Sailor Moon down on the dock. Before he could sit with her, she spoke.

" Darien, go get Molly."

" What for?"

" I’m worried to leave her here alone. Even Melvin is away. Go get her for me, will you please?"

" But I…"

" Darien, please."

" Okay, Meatball Head, I’ll get Molly for you."

" Make sure you’re none other than Darien when you pick her up or she might totally freak."

" And we wouldn’t want that now, would we?"

" Nope. Oh, and Darien,"

" Yeah?"

" Thanks for calling me Meatball Head."

" Anytime."

Darien left then and Sailor Moon sat alone, clutching his cape around her. Twenty minutes later, a figure appeared over her. It was a woman with bright green hair and a nasty smile.

" Nice cape. You must be Sailor Moon. I’ve been looking for you."

" Who are you?" Sailor Moon asked cautiously.

" Me? It’s not important who I am, since you won’t be around long enough to care."

" Look, I don’t have time for this ridiculous display. I just fought Rubeus, and I don’t feel like fighting you too, so get lost."

" Oh stop your whining. It won’t take long to destroy you, get the crystal and take your tiara to hang on my wall."

Sailor Moon stood with a surprising strength, which even surprised her. But, she stood, and grabbed one of the seventy-pound tanks behind her. She lifted it above her head and whacked the woman with it.

" I don’t have time for these silly games. I’m in pain, and right now I wish I were home in my own bed with my cat in my lap. I wish I were talking to Molly on the phone about the latest gossip. But no, I’m here, fighting you and all your stupid friends." Sailor Moon put down the tank and whipped out her tiara. "Moon Tiara Magic!" The tiara slammed the woman in the head, knocking her backward. But she didn’t fall into the water, but rather tossed her through the air where she remained afloat.

" You sniveling brat! How dare you! I’ll be back, Sailor Moon. You’ll regret you messed with me."

" I already do regret it!" The woman disappeared, but Sailor Moon continued to shout her complaints into the night. " I regret being killed on the Moon! I regret going through with this Sailor Moon save the Earth thing! I regret giving Reeni the crystal and getting mixed up in this futuristic mumbo-jumbo! I regret loosing the crystal to Prisma, even if it wasn’t gone long! I regret getting my energy drained! I regret leaving my mother and father and Sammy for this crappy crusade. I regret dying for the one I love!" By this time, Darien was back with Molly. They watched her silently. Darien felt the urge to run to her, but he knew she wanted to be alone. " I regret being reborn here on this planet! I regret leaving my real mother, Queen Serenity! If I could go back in time, I’d fix everything on the Moon, so that this would never ever happen! I swear I would! Then Darien and I could be together! I wouldn’t constantly be fighting for my life and his, or vise versa. Do you hear me mother?! Do you hear me? How could you do this to me and the Scouts and Darien! How could you put your daughter in danger like this? Help me!" Serena screamed. Her voice trembled and she shook with rage and fear and sadness. She fell to her knees voluntarily. With her fists to the full moon, she cried, "Help me." Then she put her head in her hands.

Darien ran to her and put his arms around her. He took her hand and she stood and fell into his open arms.

" You heard that didn’t you?" she asked.

" Most of it. What happened while I was gone?"

" Some witch from the Negaverse dropped in, looking for the crystal. I smacked her with the tiara and one of those tanks, and she said she’d be back. She said I’d regret messing with her."

" I see. Did you really mean what you said?"

" Yes, every word of it. I wish that right now you and I were ruling a peaceful Moon in all its original splendor. I hate all this fighting and worrying and protecting. I hate it!" Darien put his cheek against Serena’s flushed one. " I hate it, Darien." She whispered.

" Sometimes, so do I." He whispered back and kissed the side of her cheek, by her ear.

Meanwhile, Molly stood and watched Sailor Moon and Darien. She was thinking about Nephlite, though. Nephlite had been Molly’s first love. He had actually been one of Queen Beryl’s generals in the search for the Silver crystal way back when. During that time, Nephlite had disguised himself as a rich man named Maxfield Stanton. Much to his own surprise, he gained a human soul towards the end of his life. He died, from wounds, in Molly’s arms one night. Molly never forgot him though. She often thought of him when she saw Serena and Darien together. She wondered now why Darien was comforting a forlorn-looking Sailor Moon. Could it be that Serena and Sailor Moon were one and the same? Molly thought. Molly shook the thought away. It was impossible that they could be the same. They were two totally different personalities.

Sailor Mars showed up not long after Sailor Moon’s grieving episode. Sailor Moon was pacing, her tiara in her hand and the crescent moon on her forehead glowing. Darien was sitting down, talking to someone. It was someone Sailor Mars couldn’t see from her angle, so she walked over. When Sailor Moon heard Sailor Mars’ footsteps on the dock’s wooden planks, she stood in a fighting position.

" Relax Sailor Moon, its just me. How’d you get up and walking?"

" Serena got really mad at this Nega girl and just started walking." Molly filled Sailor Mars in.

" How’d you know her name?" Raye looked closely at Molly and then closer at Sailor Moon.

" Serena, you idiot! You told Molly? You’re not supposed to tell anyone! Hello! Did Prisma suck out your brains and your energy? God, Serena! You’ve really done it this time! Luna’s gonna kill you!"

" Give it a rest, Raye. For your information, Molly has a brain. She saw me and Darien kissing. She put two and two together and figured I was Serena. Either that, or Darien was cheating on "Serena" with "Sailor Moon." We both know that isn’t so. So, Darien explained to her that I was both of them." Serena explained.

" Yeah, Raye. Don’t have a cow." Darien added, laughing at her distress. He stood up and grabbed Serena’s hand. Then he ran off down the street with her.

" Where are you two going?" Raye turned.

" We’ll be back by nine-thirty!" Darien called. Darien led Serena to their park and under their tree. He picked a cherry blossom and placed it in her hair. Then he held out his hand to her. He was now in his Tuxedo Mask garb. Tuxedo Mask took off his hat and his cape and laid them on the ground.

" May I have this dance, Moon Princess ?" He asked her. Sailor Moon pulled the locket out of her pocket and placed it on a low branch. It played the heart-wrenching music and she smiled at him.

" Yes, you may, my masked man." She took his hand and they waltzed a bit. Serena giggled the whole time, a big smile on her face. Then she tripped on an overgrown root. An action of this kind was not unlike her. Tuxedo Mask caught her. Had you stared through the park right then, you’d think he was dipping her as part of the Tango. He kissed her with a passion unlike even the kiss he’d used to revive her from the most evil of sleeps. She put her arms around his neck and kissed him back with all her might.

" Hey Darien?" she asked him.

" Yeah?"

" Can you fly? In my dreams, this sounds silly. In my dreams, Tuxedo Mask could fly."

" Nope, I can’t fly. Can you?"

" I’ve never tried. Probably not though. Sorry, that was really dumb."

" No, it wasn’t. You and I have had our share of nutty dreams though. When I saw you as the princess in my dreams, you always wore that dress with the roses on it. You know, the one you wore to Princess Diamond’s ball."

" Oh yeah, and I fell off the balcony and you grabbed me."

" Yeah."

" We sure have had some great times, Darien."

" For over a thousand years."

" That’s a hell of an anniversary. Maybe we should celebrate it."

" Maybe. You know what I was thinking, Serena?"

" What’s that?"

" Maybe we should leave the future to the future to the future for now."

" Sounds like a plan to me."

" You mean it? I thought you wanted to see if my visions would come true."

" I did, but not anymore. I have this feeling that we should stay, at least for tonight."

" You think you’re parents will take you back?"

" Sure, but I won’t take them back if they don’t accept us."

" C’mon. We’ll ditch the Scouts, and call them on the communicator later. They’ll freak, and you know how I love to annoy Raye."

" Yeah, I know."

" Let’s go. We’ll walk really slow."

Sailor Mars paced wickedly and Sailor Venus dangled her bare feet in the water. Sailor Jupiter performed somersaults and flips and cartwheels on the dock. Sailor Mercury played games on one of her computers. Luna constantly tried to get in touch with Serena. It was eleven-thirty and the portal was getting ready to close. Just then, Raye’s communicator beeped. Raye pulled it out and turned it on.

" Hi Raye. You look pissed. You must have been up all night." It was Serena and she was struggling to keep down her giggles. She turned her head. " Stop tickling me, Darien! Ha-ha! Stop! Sorry Raye, but Darien and I decided to ditch the crusade idea. We’re over at my place, hanging in my room. See you at school on Monday. I’m outie!"

Serena turned to Darien and laughed. Sammy was in her room too, and the boys were attacking her. Serena’s mother stood by laughing and pointing.

" You guys! Sammy! Darien! Stop! Stop! Ha-ha! He-he! Ack!" Serena kicked her legs in the air and grabbed Sammy. She messed up his hair and pushed him off her. Then she grabbed Darien’s hands and tickled him with her bare toes.

" So, what do you kids want to do today?" Serena’s mother asked. Serena looked up, a big smile on her face.

" How about the five of us go to the mall!" Serena shouted with glee. " I need a new dress, and a new pair of boots,"

" Sounds good to me," Darien said.

Serena ran down the street at top speed. She was late for school again, and on Monday morning. Miss. H was gonna kill her for sure, or at least assign her an hour-long detention. A red Corvette passed her by, then backed up and the window rolled down.

" Need a ride, stranger?" Darien asked her, throwing his books into the back. There was an "ouch!"

" Sure!" Serena climbed in and waved to Amy and Raye in the back.

" It’s just like old times again, huh, Serena?" Amy asked.

" Nope, it’s different." Serena smiled.

" How?" Raye asked.

" My dad accepts Darien and my relationship!" Serena laughed.