A Change of Heart.. Chapter 1: A turn for the worst. Serena slowly walked into her house and made her way up to her room. After dropping her school bag, she sat on her bed, " They hate me, Luna, they all do...." She whispered. The black cat looked up at the blond girl. " They don't hate you, Serena, they're just angry, and I understand why...." Answered Luna, licking her paw. Serena hung her head. " Yes they do, they hate me. It's not fair, why do I have to be like this?" she asked, looking in her mirror. " I don't know, someone had to be the lazy, donut snorting, scatter brained, doofusy couch potato, and you must have applied for the job. Did I mention that you don't do your homework..." Luna said, trying to fit every detail. " I get the point! But still, THEY ALL HATE ME!!!!" she cried, thinking back to earlier... Serena was skipping into Raye's temple for a meeting. As she came in the girls all just looked at her and went on with their talk. Serena plopped on Raye's bed and began reading a Sailor V comic. " So, how do we get Reeny home? I mean, we know she's from the future and all, but how did she get here? How do we get her back?" Amy asked. " Hey, remember that day when she made us all float and stuff in that market on the day of that big thunderstorm? She used that little key of hers to get us down. Maybe that has something to do with it..." Lita said, thinking. " Maybe, but we can't be sure. We can't be sure of anything now. This is all to confusing..." Luna inquired. " Yeah, but maybe if we can get her to tell us more about herself then we could figure it out." Mina said. " Naw, she won't let anything slip. She must have some discipline, I wonder who her parents are..." Raye said, " She probably won't tell anyone she doesn't like, and we're not the people she's chosen as friends - - Hey! Wait a second! She really seems to like Darien, maybe she told him something... We should ask him tomorrow." " Good idea!" everyone agreed, " What do you think, Serena?" Mina looked back at Serena. Suddenly, Serena burst out laughing, startling everyone. " Hey guys! Look at this! Sailor V just nailed this guy! He was so stupid!" she laughed. Everyone's faces turned red. " Serena! Get with the program, you always do this at meetings!!" shouted Lita, angrily. Serena looked startled. " Yeah, Serena, whenever we talk about important things you have to go and do something stupid like this! Well, we're not filling you in on anything!" Mina yelled. " I'll say, you snooze you loose, to bad you couldn't have learned that sooner, huh?" Amy said, crossing her arms. Serena was just still staring, she couldn't believe what they were saying. " Get it together, Serena! You can't go around with your stupid Sailor V comics and never listen to anything, Meat Ball Brain!" cried Raye. " Hey, Raye, Sailor V isn't THAT bad...." Mina inquired, her face red. Then, Raye stood up and glared at Serena. " Serena, this is the fifth Scout meeting you've been late for this week! You're always late, you never participate in our training, and you sit on the ground and wail during battles! You're not the Champion of Love and Justice, no, you're the champion of Stupidity and Lazyness!" her eyes were on fire, " AND I'M TIRED OF PUTTING UP WITH IT!! GET OUT!" She pointed at the door, seriously. Serena stared for a moment, looking at each of the others for help, yet getting none. She felt tears in her eyes. With a look of failure and sorrow on her face she picked up her bag and comic and left with Luna at her heels. Serena laid down on her bed and began to cry, quietly, " I wish I was more responsible. I wish I was really the best worrier!" she cried. Suddenly, a light flashed out of Serena. As it cleared, everything seemed normal again. Luna was staring, scared. " Serena?!" she asked. Serena was just laying under the covers, sleeping as if nothing had happened. Luna sighed and laid down too. Serena's alarm clock went off in the morning. Luna's head perked up, " Oh, the alarm, I over slept!" she said, jumping up. She suddenly noticed that Serena was gone and the bed was made, " Huh?" Luna asked, " Where is she?" Serena was at school. She was the first one in her classroom, reading a book. The book was on social economics. She was really wrapped up in her book when the bell rang. When students began to enter the room, they gasped at this sight. Serena? Here? Studying?! Their eyes never left her as they sat down, but she didn't notice. When Ms. Haruna entered she was smiling brightly, " Good morning class, we'll only spend five more minutes waiting for Sere..." suddenly her eyes caught Serena. She couldn't speak. Suddenly, Molly snuck into the room and slipped into her desk. " Least I'm not as late as...." He eyes caught Serena too. She leaned forward and read the cover of the book, " Social Economics?!" she said, not believing it. " Uh, er, Serena?" Serena looked up from her book at her teacher, " Um, we're starting class now, please, um, put the book away..." Ms. Haruna said, smiling, < I never though I'd have to say that to her..> she thought, " Now, please hand in your homework.... Class." Her eyes shot to Serena, who was already holding out her papers. She walked along, taking the papers from everyone. She stopped, took Serena's, and looked at them. She couldn't believe it, Serena could spell!! And these were some of the best answers she had ever gotten.... She gave Serena a very strange glance and walked back to the chalkboard. At lunch, Serena sat behind a bush, unlike where she normally sat, under the cherry blossom tree with her friends. Amy, Lita, and Molly were all under the tree, watching her. " I can't believe it... she hates sitting by herself..." Amy said, taking a drink of orange juice, "Maybe what we said yesterday was a little too mean.." " I think so too, but I made her some muffins to try and make up for it." Lita said, staring at the ten muffins. " You won't believe this, guys, Serena was the first one in class today, she was reading a social economics book AND had her homework finished!" Molly said, taking a big bight of a chocolate chip cookie. Lita and Amy looked at her with blank faces. " You have got to be kidding - - - - - - Serena? Reading anything but a comic book?" asked Lita, not believing this. " She was the first one in class? And she finished her homework? Wow...." Amy said, thinking, " I don't know what's wrong." " I guess I'll give her my muffins now." Lita stood up and walked over to Serena, " Here Serena, I made you these." She held out the box to Serena. " No thank you, Lita, I'm really full and I have to get back to class to study, bye." She just stood up and walked off. Lita was staring. Then, Amy and Molly came up, " She didn't want them.." Lita said. " What happened to her?" asked Amy, " I really hope she's not still sad about the other night, I feel terrible. She looked so sad..." Amy said. " I don't know..." Molly whispered. That evening, Serena was walking back home. She was coming up to her house when she saw Darien. Darien glanced at her. Serena only closed her eyes as if she didn't notice him, " I don't care about him." She whispered. She walked into her house and set down her things. She didn't have any homework, having finished it at school. " What are you ganna do, Serena? Go play video games?" asked Sammy, walking in. Serena looked at him with a disgusted face. " Video games? Are you crazy? Those things are just stupid and have cheap graphics." Serena said, walking up to her room. " Huh?" Sammy watched her, " What's up with her? She's never said that before..." he just shrugged and walked outside. Serena was now up stairs, reading. Suddenly, she sat up, dropping the book, " I've got a strange feeling..." she whispered, " It must be the Negaverse!" she took off her brooch, " Moon, Crystal, Power!" she cried. After transforming, she jumped out the window and began to run. She soon found the source. She saw a monster attacking Reeny, " Hey, you! Leave her alone!" the monster looked over at her, " I am Sailor Moon! The Champion of love and justice! In the name of the Moon, I will punish you!" she cried, standing in her pose. The monster shot at her with this electric rope. Sailor Moon jumped up and out of the way. Reeny ran away. The monster shot another at her. Sailor Moon dropped to the ground and rolled out of the way, " I'm not so easy to get rid of!" she yelled. " Oh yeah? Check this out!" the monster ran at her, with an electrical energy surrounding her. Luna walked up and saw Sailor Moon fighting. She ran off to call the others. Sailor Moon jumped out of the way. " Nice try, my turn!" she jumped into the air and landed a kick on the monster, " Haha! Now I finish you!" she took out her scepter just as the other Scouts began to arrive, " Moon, Scepter, Elimination!" the monster screamed as it disappeared, " Moon dusted!" " Sailor Moon.." she turned and saw the Sailor Scouts, " Why didn't you call us to come help you?" asked Sailor Mars. Sailor Moon put her hand on her hip. " No reason. It's just I didn't need your help. I'm totally capable of doing this job on my own, now run along." She shooed them away. " Where do you get off telling us this stuff? We're a team, remember?" asked Sailor Venus. Sailor Moon just closed her eyes. " Hey, I'm the leader. If I don't need you, I don't need you." She said, seriously, " So just go!" she pointed down the street. " Sailor Moon, we have to fight as one, or have you forgotten! You just want to take all the glory for yourself!" Mars said. " I am one. And I don't want to take any glory! Do you see any reporters or such things around her or such things? No! I'm only here to defend the innocent!" Sailor Moon. " Sailor Moon, you can't do this by yourself, and you know it!" Sailor Jupiter yelled, " We are the Sailor Scouts. Not just the Sailor Scout!" Sailor Moon got in a battle position. " You don't think I can do it by myself, huh? I'll prove it! I'll take you all on!" she cried, holding her scepter at them. Jupiter, Mercury, and Venus just stared. " Fine!" Sailor Mars got in position to do her fire. Suddenly, a rose slashed between them. Everyone looked up at Tuxedo Mask. " Sailor Scouts, don't forget that your greatest strength is your friendship! Don't loose it!" he shouted. Sailor Moon looked up at him, angrily. " Get out of here! What do you know about friendship!? You just left me on the spot, leaving me clueless! Just go away! I don't need you!" she shook her fist at Tuxedo Mask. Then, she looked at the Sailor Scouts, " And you, I was never good enough for you, was I? No. So you yelled at me and scolded me! Are you happy now?! I am the champion I am said to be! I can do this all by myself! I don't need you! Any of you!" she turned and ran. The Sailor Scouts and Tuxedo Mask just watched. And Reeny, unknown to everyone, watched from the bushes. Chapter 2: A New Recurring Dream. Darien was standing in the middle of a deep heavy mist. He looked around, noticing that he was in a tuxedo and mask. He looked around rapidly, he soon noticed a figure walking out of the fog. He knew her, and he knew her well. He remembered this place now, it was the dream he had always had before he knew who Serena and the others were. The figure turned out to be Princess Serenity. She had a sad yet concerned expression on her face, " Oh, Darien.." she whispered, a smile breaking through her trembling lips. Darien didn't move, " What's wrong? What happened to us?" the princess asked again, this time, tears filling her eyes, " You act as if you don't love me, as if I mean nothing to you…" she whispered, the tears falling. " That's not true…" Darien whispered, stepping forward. Then, though this was a dream, the flash of the crystal city and Princess Serenity went across his mind. He stopped. " How can I be sure? Even here you don't come near me. What do you want me to do?" she asked, hanging her head, " I'm not sure I know you any more, nor do I know myself…" tears began to fall again. Darien cold no long contain his urge to hold her. He walked up and let her cry in his arms. " I'm sorry…" he whispered, as she looked up at him, " You're right, it is as if we have grown apart." He touched the golden moon on her forehead, " But I still love you…" he whispered. Princess Serenity looked up at him with her dark blue eyes. " I love you too." She whispered, " Even though I hear your words, I can no longer feel them. You have closed you heart from me. What is wrong?" she asked, closing her eyes. Darien took a breath. For a moment, he just stared at her. " I'm not sure.." he said, the words barely able to escape his lips. Princess Serenity began to cry more now, he could hear her sobs. " I never though this could happen to us.." she whispered, sadly. Suddenly, she began to fade. Darien gasped at the sight. " Wha – What's happening to you?" he asked. The princess didn't answer. She continued to cry, trying to hold on to him as she disappeared. She faded until she couldn't be seen in the mist, Darien still hearing her cry. Then, as she was finally gone, he fell to his knees, " Serena…" Darien sat up in bed. He had tears in his eyes. He knew this was really happening, that it was no longer just a dream. He stood up and walked to the window. He opened it and felt the cool breeze brush across his face. He hung his head outside, his tears falling to the sidewalk below. He was remembering everything he and Serena had been through, wondering if her really even wanted to chance giving it up. Then, he though of the other dream… if it meant saving Serena… yes. Darien was riding his motor cycle, swerving in-between cars and zooming past a red light. He was still thinking about that dream, though it was hours ago when he had had it. He closed his eyes and tightened his grip in the handle. Suddenly, when he opened his eyes, he saw someone crossing on the sidewalk ahead, realizing he was heading straight for them. He let go of the handle, the bike's motor shutting off and leaving the wheels to keep rolling. Darien used his heal and stopped the bike about a foot away from the stunned person. Through his helmet he figured it was a girl. She began to yell very loudly at him. He tried to say sorry. He could barely hear her over the honking from the cars behind him. He got off his bike and walked closer to her, she was still yelling. He was still trying to say sorry when he took off his helmet. They both stopped, " Serena…" he whispered, dropping his helmet, " I'm sorry…." They stared for another moment, then Serena spoke. " Sorry? You almost ran over me! Apology not excepted! Good day!" she clutched her books and hurried off the crosswalk. Darien watched her go, then ran his fingers through his damp hair. It was then he noticed the yelling and honking from behind. With a lot of anger he turned around. " Okay! Okay! I'm going!" he shouted, as loud as her could. He shoved his helmet on his head, hopped on his bike and rode on. Serena was walking, still angry from the previous incident. She clenched her teeth together and imagined herself kicking Tuxedo Mask and punching him over and over, " I HATE HIM!" she yells, making a fist. Raye watched from a distance. Serena stormed down the street. Suddenly, she felt something. It wasn't anything she had ever felt. She saw an image of a crystal city. As she got closer to it, she saw Reeny standing with a man and woman, though their faces were not visible. She dropped her books and fell to her knees, " W – What was that?" she asked, " What's happening to me?" Darien was now walking. He was walking away from his apartment building, since he had just put away his motor cycle. He was walking, his head hung, still thinking about that incident with Serena, " I almost ran over her!" he yelled, angrily. That dream he had, about Princess Serenity disappearing, would that really happen? He was begging to think that no matter what he did it would hurt her. If he got close to her something terrible might happen, but if he kept on like this he knew it wouldn't help any! He started recalling the times he and Serena had had together; all of them. Even the bad ones, like, for instance, when he found she was Sailor Moon. What a mind blower that was! Still, even at the time it had made sense. He knew that he couldn't keep this up for much longer, it was killing him too. Raye was at the temple. She was praying in front of her fire, " Please, great fire, what is wrong with Serena?" she asked. Surprisingly, the fire showed a short image of each girl yelling at her, then, she walked out with tears in her eyes. She saw her laying in bed, then, the light burst from her, after that, the fire went blank, " I wonder…." She still looked upset about it. Raye began to pray again, " Please, tell me again, what is wrong with Serena." She closed her eyes, " Ha!" when she looked up it showed an image of the incident where Darien had almost run into Serena with his motor cycle, " Huh?" she saw Serena yelling at him, and then storm away, " She wouldn't do that…" the she heard Serena say something.. " I hate him…" Raye gasped at this and stood up. " Something's really wrong.." she whispered, walking out of the room, " I've got to tell the others, this could be big trouble.." she looked around, then took out her communicator, " Hello? This is Raye." " Yes?" said all the girls, besides Serena. " Good, Serena didn't.." then she noticed it, " Hey guys, why didn't Serena pick up?" she asked. She heard Amy clear her throat. " Um, she said that she was so sure she didn't need us that she, uh, threw away her communicator.." Amy answered. " Oh.." Raye said, " Well, anyway, guys, I need you to come over right away! I think something is really wrong, worse than we think." The girls all nodded. Raye and the girls were sitting on the temple steps, " She actually said she hated Darien?" Lita asked, " This is major critical." " Yeah, and from what I saw she was fine before that, well, she was upset because we yelled at her, but other than that she was fine…" Raye answered. The girls faces all became sad. " I feel really sorry for saying that, guys, we must have made her feel terrible.." Mina began, " But why would she say that about Darien?" " Remember when she told him off as Sailor Moon? That was the worst out of all of this. She would never say anything like that to ANYONE! And, it might just be our fault.." Raye began. Serena was staring out her window. She had just finished her math for a week, and had nothing to do. She thought of reading her history book again, but didn't feel like it, " I'm ganna go out to the park and relax for a bit. I deserve it after all the work I've been putting in." she stood up and walked down. " Serena." She looked over to see her Mother standing in the kitchen doorway with a worried expression, " Your father and I are really worried about you. Is something wrong?" " No, Mom, why would something be wrong?" Serena answered, solemnly. Her mom walked toward her. " You've been doing your homework and you have been going to school really early." She felt Serena's head. Suddenly, Serena pulled away from her mother. " Nothing is wrong! Why does everyone keep asking me that? Is it bad that I started doing what you always told me to do?! If so, excuse me!" she stormed out of her house and ran all the way to the park as fast as she could, " I hate this! I don't need anybody!" she plopped on a bench and crossed her arms, " So much for relaxing!" she was angry. She had no idea why, but she was. Suddenly, she saw an image of the crystal city and saw Reeny running away from it while crying. The image faded and she held her head, " What is this!? Am I going crazy!?" she closed her eyes, " I must be, I must be.." she told herself, closing her eyes tighter. She slowly looked at the lake, it was so calm, so easy. Why couldn't she be that way. Somehow, her mind trailed to the Sailor Scouts. She frowned, " I don't see why they are so worried about me. They never gave me support or anything before. I was never good enough." Little did she know, that the girls were watching from the bushes, " I'm really starting to believe that they don't care, that they don't want me on the team anymore." " Hey, I can't believe she'd say something like that!!" Raye whispered. Then everyone saw Serena turn around. " Hey! What are you doing here?!" she asked, angrily. None of the girls answered, " I can't believe you'd stoop so low as to spy on me!!" she yelled.. All the girls new this meant big trouble, even Raye, " Don't even try to apologize! I won't forgive you!" Serena turned and ran. " Hey! Serena! We're sorry!" Mina called after her, " Man, we really blew it this time. What's gotten into her?" she asked, hanging her head. " Hi guys!" everyone looked behind them to see Reeny standing there, " Are you still ganna take me out for an ice cream?" " Sorry, Reeny, we've got something else to do… We'll take you out tomorrow." Raye said. Reeny frowned. " Oh. Okay then, I'll go ask Darien then." She turned around, sadly. Mina felt sorry for her, but now Serena was more important. " Come on guys!" Lita was the first to start running back in the direction that Serena took off in. " I can't believe this. Why? Why would they do that?" Serena asked herself. She was walking in the streets now, breathing hard from her long run. " Hey Serena!" she turned around and saw Molly running up, " Come on! They're having a big sale in the mall!" she said, excitedly. " Oh, Molly… I'm sorry, I'm busy. I've got to go home and study. Later, Mol." Serena began to walk off. " Oh.. but.." Molly stood, sad and confused. Serena never paid attention to her. There was a time when they were almost inseparable, but now… She turned and sadly walked away. " What's wrong with me?" Serena asked, closing her eyes, " This is crazy! I hate this!" she held her head. < You're not crazy. You're getting smarter.> " Huh? What do you mean?" she asked. < You're getting smarter. You should never trust them. They'll betray you and you know it.> " But they never have before." Serena whispered, sadly, Never." She shook her head and ran off again. " Please great fire, tell us where Serena is." Raye whispered. The girls were at the temple. Raye opened her eyes and saw an image of Serena running into the Star Light Tower, " There. She's going there." Raye stood up, " Come on, let's go see what she's doing." " But Raye, what if she sees us again? Then she'll be really steamed at us." Amy said, " And then she'll totally ignore us." " Fine, if you guys don't want to come, don't. I'm going!" Raye raced out of the temple, < I'll find out what's wrong, Serena.> she told herself. " Well, I'm going to the mall." Lita said, " I'm not taking the chance of Serena getting more angry at me." " I'm going home. I'm hungry. I'll try and talk to Serena at school tomorrow if she'll listen." Mina stood up. " I'm going home to study for our quiz." Amy slowly stood also. All of them said their goodbyes and left. " Gee, this place sure brings back memories." Serena whispered as she got off the elevator. She looked around the empty room, it was silent and dark. Flashes of Zoisite and Tuxedo Mask went through her mind, causing her to close her eyes. < You don't need him.> " What?" < You don't need him. Any of them. You are the Champion of Love and Justice, Sailor Moon.> " But they – they're my friends…" Serena began. < No. They didn't believe in you. They only criticized you and pushed you further and further down. And Darien, he only left you in the dark for no reason, leaving you to die from the pain of betrayal. Was that friendship? Was that love?> " No. I guess you're right." Serena confessed, walking forward, " They did do those things. They did." Her voice quivered and her eyes watered, " But do I want to forget them?" < Yes. It is for the best, Serena.> Raye was still running towards the Star Light Tower. It was only about a block away, " Raye!!" she stopped and looked around, " Raye! Have you seen Serena?" Raye looked at her feet and saw Luna standing there. " Oh. She's up there." Raye pointed at the tower, " And I'm ganna find out what's up with her." Raye ran forward again, with Luna at her heels. They ran in the door. She was about to go in the elevator but stopped, " No, if I use the elevator she'll hear us." She turned and ran up the stairs. " Oh great! I hate running up a million flights of stairs!!" Luna complained, miserably. But Raye didn't say anything. < You should do the same thing they did to you. Reject them. Forget them. You can do this all by yourself.> " But.." < No buts. You know you can. You were just fine before they came into your life.> " But I was lonely before they came into my life. So lonely." Serena whispered. Raye and Luna were watching from the stairway. " Who is she talking to?" whispered Raye, confused. The went on watching her. Serena sank to her knees. " But this is too hard. I've never done this before. It's too hard. They've been such good friends…" < Did you forget what I told you already? Don't you remember? They never counted on you! They never gave you a chance to prove yourself. Don't you see? It was only the popular Sailor Moon before them. You are the only one who can finish off the monsters. You.> Serena found truth in that. But she and the Sailor Scouts had been through so much together. " But I'll miss them." Serena whimpered. Raye didn't know what was going on. Why was she yelling at them if she didn't want to? " What's going on?" she whispered, still confused. She took a step forward, " Something weird is going on.." " Darien!" Reeny called, knocking on Darien's door, " Huh? Darien? Are you home?" she knocked again, " Man! No one has time for me here. I wanna go home." She looked at the key that hung around her neck, " No. I still gatta find that crystal. Then I can go home and make everything like it was again." She turned around and walked into an elevator, " Maybe I should just go back to the house and ask Serena's mom to take me." She sighed as the elevator door closed. Serena gasped. The scene of Reeny running away from the crystal city played in her mind again. This time, Reeny held the key up and screamed something out. Still crying she floated into the air. Before Serena could tell exactly what happened, something exploded, blocking her 'view' of Reeny and the image faded, " Huh?! What's going on?" she asked. Raye gasped, " I AM going crazy!!" Serena screamed. Raye was almost in full view now. Suddenly, Serena turned around, spotting her, " Huh?" she gasped. For a second, Raye thought she looked like her old self. The shy, cute girl she once knew. But that didn't last, " WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" she yelped, angrily. Raye's face turned red and she took a step back. " I was just wondering what you were doing." Raye said, quietly, " You haven't been acting yourself lately." " If you have a problem with that then I suggest you get an attitude adjustment, Raye! I want you guys to quit following me around and just leave me alone!" Serena cried, walking right past her to the elevator, " Good bye!" before Raye could move the doors shut and she was left there with Luna barely breathing at her feet. " What was that? What's wrong with her?" Luna asked, eyes widened. Raye didn't respond. She stared at the elevator numbers counting down until they came to #1 and went dark. She closed her eyes. " Oh Serena, what's wrong?" she asked, teary eyed. That night, Darien had the dream again. And again Princess Serenity faded. He couldn't stop it. She was just drifting away by the second. He screamed out her name and sat up in a pool of sweat, " Serena.." the name slipped through his lips. He felt something. Serena was gone. He couldn't feel her presence anymore like he used to. Her heart was closed, " What's wrong with you?" Darien asked, hanging his head. He had a strange feeling that this time it wasn't all his fault, though. Chapter 3. Friends are Friends.. but THIS!? " REENY!" Serena called, walking into the little girl's bedroom, " Are you in here?" she saw the pink haird girl sitting by the window, clutching her little key necklace, " There you are. Supper's ready, Munchkin." She said, happily. Reeny turned around. " Leave me alone, Serena!" she said, angrily, " I'm not hungry!" Serena stopped in her tracks. She saw tears in the little girl's eyes. " Oh, Reeny, what's wrong? Did you get hurt, sweetie?" she asked, worriedly. She began to walk forward again, with a warm smile. Reeny looked surprised. " Huh?" she asked, < Mummy..> the thought beamed in her mind. She gave a sad smile and reached out for her 'Mummy's' hand. When she took the hand, she soon noticed it was Serena's, " Hey! Leggo'!" she cried. Serena looked hurt. " I'm sorry, Munchkin. I'm sorry. Did I squeeze too hard?" she asked, her hurt turning into an unsure smile, " Here. I'll walk you down stairs if you want." Reeny looked surprised. Was this the right Serena? Surely not the Meatball Brain she knew…. But somehow she reached up and took Serena's hand, willingly. Serena smiled brightly and helped Reeny off her bed. " Now, cm'on. Let's go get something to eat." She said, nicely. Reeny couldn't help smiling as they walked down the hall. She felt almost at home when things like this happened. Soon, they came into the kitchen. Everyone's eyes trailed to the two girls walking in. They looked more than surprised. Serena wondered why, " What?" she asked, puzzled. Reeny's face turned red and she let go of Serena's hand, " Huh?" Serena looked down at Reeny. Reeny wasn't exactly sure what her look meant. She looked rejected, almost like when she was going to cry. But she didn't. Reeny only looked away and walked on to the table. Serena remained standing, staring sadly at Reeny. " What is your problem Serena?" asked Sammy, annoyed. Serena looked a little angry. Everyone assumed she was going to yell. " Sammy. I would really appreciate it if you would stop saying things like that to me. I'm your big sister." She walked over and sat in her place. Everyone stared at her again, " What?" she asked, more annoyed now. " Oh. Nothing, Serena, Dear." Answered Mrs. Tuskino, smiling, " Nothing at all." She picked up a plate pile off the table. She then handed one to her husband, Sammy, Serena, Reeny, and set one in her place. Then, she went over to the counter and I got a big pot full of spaghetti. Smiling, she set it on the table and sat down herself. Everyone but Serena stared at the plate. Then, Sammy noticed she was looking out the window, instead. " Huh?" he began to stare at her now, " Meatball Head, aren't you hungry?" he asked, shocked. Serena snapped out of whatever she was thinking about and looked at him. " No. Not really. I don't feel like eating, thank you." She stood up. Then, before leaving, she smiled at Reeny, " Reeny, if you want, after dinner I'll take you out for ice cream, how does that sound?" she asked. Reeny was surprised. She was about to say yes, but then she caught on to Serena's plan. " NO! You probably only want to take me because Darien's probably there! You always use me to get near him!" she crossed her arms. Serena looked shocked. " Huh? What do you mean?!! If he's going to be there, we'd leave right away!! I don't want you around that jerk!" she cried, angrily. Everyone looked surprised. She never said anything like that about Darien. " You must be kidding…" Reeny squeaked, refusing to believe this, " We would really leave?" she managed to say. Serena nodded, < What's up with her? Did Darien do something?> Reeny questioned, mentally. Serena's stern face turned back into her cheery smile again. " But if you still want to go after dinner I will take you, okay, Reeny?" she said. Reeny slowly nodded, " I'm going down to the park. Come get me if you want to come." She walked out of the front door and onto the street, " How could she think I would only want to see THAT stupid guy?! He shouldn't be around her! And I'll try and make sure of that!" she said, as she walked down the street. " Droid Liquidax, come forth!" Rubious shouted, standing in front of the lake in the park. After a moment, the water began to swirl in a whirl pool like fashion and rose up to form a person. " You summoned me, Rubious?" she asked, smiling evilly. Rubious smiled also, and laughed in his usual tone. " Yes, Liquidax, I did. The Rabbit should be here some time. Until then, I want you to gather energy and turn this park into a strong hold for the Negamoon!" he said, snickering. Liquidax laughed. " It would be my pleasure." The water around her began to form waves, small at first, then growing larger, " Leave this to me, these people'll be begging for mercy when I'm through!" " Good. Just make sure you succeed, Liquidax?" his last words before disappearing made Liquidax angry, but, knowing he was probably watching, kept her mouth shut. " Alright, people, Lighidax is here!" she rose higher out of the water and held her arms out. Some of the people who were sitting nearby noticed this, and before they could really get up streams of water shot at them. At the time of impact, they turned into little replicas of Liquidax, " Hmm, hm, perfect." Liquidax mumbled. Serena walked into the entrance to the park, humming her tune to herself. She had her eyes closed, barely paying attention to anything. Sunddenly, she heard a scream, " Huh?!" he eyes shot open. Just ahead, she saw Liquidax attacking some people. She held her brooch up, " Moon.." just then, Liquidax saw her and she stopped the process. " Well, well, what do we have here?" she asked, smiling, " A soon to be Nega – slave, I expect." She pointed a finger at Serena. Suddenly, a stream of water shot at Serena. " Yaaaa!" Serena ran out of the way, " Enough with this!" she went on running until she was behind a slight wall of trees. " Huh? Where is she, that little…." Began a frustrated Liquidax, " Never mind her. I'll get everyone else." Then she spotted someone running ahead and shot her water at him. " Moon, Crystal, Power!!" Serena cried, as she began to transform. The words were drowned in the sounds of her transformation, and soon she stood as Sailor Moon, " Aha! I caught you in the act!" she yelled, jumping out from the trees, " I am Sailor Moon! I stand for love and justice! In the name of the moon, I will punish you!" she shouted, not bothering to do her pose, " How dare you attack these people! I won't allow it!" " Oh yeah? Well they won't allow you to stop me!" she pointed at Sailor Moon, " Attack, Nega Slaves!" she yelled. All the people morphed into liquidaxs' began to move toward Sailor Moon. " Oh god! What did you do to them?" Sailor Moon yelled, horrified. She couldn't dust them, she knew that they were people, " Oooh, why don't you fight?!" she asked, looking up at Liquidax, " Are you afraid that I'd win?" " No! Attack!" this time, the people lunged at her. Three tumbled over, taking her with them. She screamed and began to punch and kick to get them away but she went right through them!! " Man!! I've got to dust that monster first!" she look at Liquidax, who only smiled down on her, " You coward!" she yelled. " What? Coward? How dare you!!?" Liquidax screamed, in rage. She pointed both hands in the direction of Sailor Moon, " ATTACK!!" she cried. A million streams of water went flying at her. She ran this way and that trying to dodge them, not wanting to end up like the poor people. Suddenly, she saw a real person run in front of her and stopped not to hit the frightened person. But, that only gave Liquidax time to hit her. She shot more and more at one time from all directions. Sailor Moon was left trying to figure something out. Then, they hit. Liquidax smiled and waited until the mist cleared. To her dismay nothing but a puddle of water was there, " What?!" she asked, frantically. Then, she looked up. There, in a tree, was Tuxedo Mars, holding a struggling Sailor Moon. " PUT ME DOWN THIS INSTANT YOU JERK!!!" she kept yelling, angrily. Before he had a chance to say anything, she pushed him backwards. Loosing his balance, he stumbled off the back of the tree, letting her go. Sailor Moon grabbed onto a branch, saving herself from falling. However, Tuxedo Mask did a flip and landed on his feet on ground. Then, he looked up at Sailor Moon in disbelief, " Thank you." Was all she said. Then, her attention turned to Liqidax, who looked almost as surprised as Tuxedo Mask. " Wow, Rubious said she liked him.." she whispered. Then, she returned to reality, " Okay now, Moon Brat! Let's go!" " Alright! Let's!" Sailor Moon jumped out of the tree, doing a flip before landing, " Hey.." then she remembered something, < I can't hit her, she's water..> her face became angry. " Serena! Are you here?" a childish voice rose out of the commotion. Sailor Moon was the first to recognize it. " Reeny.." she whispered. Just after the words escaped, the pink haired girl walked onto the scene. Sailor Moon turned to her, " Reeny! Run, now!" she yelled. Reeny, just now seeing what was up, stood shocked. Sailor Moon ran over and picked up the frightened little girl, < I'll protect you..> she said to herself. Then, the droid smiled. " It's the rabbit." She took a step forward, " What a coincidence." She held her hand out, " Give me that crystal, Princess!" she cried, angrily. Reeny flinched and wrapped her arms around Sailor Moon's neck. Sailor Moon held her closer. " She's not handing you anything!" she shouted, " Nobody takes her without facing me first! And I mean it!" she glared at Liquidax. " Pretty words. But is that all they are?" Liquidax smiled, " I'm taking that kid no matter what!" she jumped forward and shot out two streams of water. Sailor Moon, surprised, quickly jumped away. < That was close, to close..> the voice said. Sailor Moon was surprised to hear it. But, she turned her attention back to the droid, " I'll protect her with my life!!" Reeny was surprised to hear this. Tuxedo Mask watched in amazement at this girl. Was this the girl he knew? Was this because of him? " Attack!!!" once again, the liquid people stampeded toward Sailor Moon. Sailor Moon was afraid to do anything fancy with Reeny, so just stood there, pondering what to do. Right before they hit her, Sailor Moon jumped straight up. All the people collided and became one big puddle. Sailor Moon came down, making a splash in the liquid before retreating. She couldn't take any chances with Reeny. Destroy the droid or not she had to protect her. When she was a safe distance away, she put Reeny down. " Okay, Reeny, go home!! And stay there until it's all over!" she said, sternly. Reeny, backed away and nodded. " Thank you." She said, before she started to run. When she was almost out of sight she turned and said, " Please make sure my friend, Serena, is okay!!" Sailor Moon smiled and nodded, then Reeny ran off again. When she is sure Reeny is safely gone, she runs back to the park. When she gets there, to her surprise, she hears this. " Mars Celestial Fire Surround!!" the Sailor Scouts were there, fighting the monster and holding off the incoming liquid people. Liquidax was in the middle of the lake, laughing at her ' puny opponents.' Sailor Moon got an evil smile to her face and she took out her Scepter, aiming at Liquidax, " Moon, Scepter, Elimination!" everyone, including Liquidax finally turned and saw her. But it was too late for Liquidax, she screamed and fell back into the water, " Yes!!" Sailor Moon cried. All the people became normal and fainted on the ground. Just when Sailor Moon was about to leave, someone called her. " Sailor Moon," she turned back around and saw all the Scouts and Tuxedo Mask standing before her. Mars was speaking, " What's wrong?" " Nothing. I'm late. I've got to go." Sailor Moon answered, simple. She turned around and began to walk once again. " No, nothing's not it. Something is wrong, and I know it. I have since the start, Serena." Mars said, worriedly, " You're not yourself. You're not being Serena." " But I am Serena! How could I not be her?! Leave me alone!" Sailor Moon yelled, turning around again, < Good, let out your anger. Very good.> the voice was telling her, " I don't need you to go around worrying about me now! I could have used it a while ago, but it's too late!" she yelled, in anger, " I HATE YOU!!" the rods, escaped without her really meaning for them too. She looked as shocked as everyone else, almost, < Good.> " Serena! What's gotten into you? You sound crazy! Why would you hate us?" asked Jupiter, " We're your friends!" " Friends don't abandon each other!" she was looking at Tuxedo Mask for that, " Friends don't yell and tell others to leave just for not paying attention! Friends listen, friends care!! That's more than what I can say for you!" she felt tears in her eyes, but refused to cry, not now, not in front of them, " You were never there!" he voice became more quiet now, and shaky. " We were always there." Sailor Venus spoke up, " And you were there. We care about you, like a sister. Even more than a sister!" " You never showed it!" Sailor Moon whirled around and began to walk as fastas she could, < See? Now doesn't it feel better to let that all out?> " I guess so. But I never wanted to hurt them.." her whispered was interrupted. " SERENA!!" she stopped and noticed the Sailor Scouts had gotten ahead of her somehow, " Stop acting this way!" it was Sailor Mars again. " Go away, will you? I don't need you anymore! If you ever were my friends, the feeling's gone now! So go!" Sailor Moon yelled, closing her eyes. " Fine then. If you want us to go then I guess we can't argue. Where is Reeny?" Sailor Mercury said, quietly. " Why do you want to know? I don't want you around her." Her voice was also quiet, " I can protect her better than any of you." " But, do you really think you can do it alone?" finally, Tuxedo Mask spoke. His voice was firm, and strong, like it always was. Sailor Moon looked up at him. For a moment, everyone saw their friend in her eyes. The girl who had offered them friendship and love, Serena. < Don't listen to him, Serena. He left, it's his fault if he wants you back. It would never be the same.> the voice said, calmly. Unwillingly, Serena listened, " Go away! Don't even talk to me!" she yelled. " But.." Tuxedo Mask started. It seemed as though Sailor Moon's eyes turned black just then – no, they did turn black! She reached her hand up and let it loose across his face. She slapped him. Tuxedo Mask closed his eyes. All the Scouts were staring. Sailor Moon, wondering what she had done, looked down at her hand. Tuxedo Mask didn't look at her again. He turned and walked away. " Sailor Moon!" yelled Sailor Mars, " HOW could you do that to HIM?!" she asked, her mouth hanging open. Now Sailor Moon felt tears filling her eyes. < Don't you dare cry.> the voice yelled. Sailor Moon closed her eyes, tightly. The tears shank away until they were only on the tips of her lashes. She stared, angrily at her once friends, her eyes black again, " Go away! Please!" everyone was surprised to hear the plea. But it sounded so desperate. There was a reason for that Sailor Moon didn't want to hurt them like she had Darien. She didn't want to. But that voice inside was so strong and demanding, she didn't know whether to listen or…. " NOW!!" her voice was angry, suddenly. Filled with energy. Her eyes turned pitch black and she clinched her teeth. Chapter 4: To the Root of the Problem Sailor Moon!! Next to the Sailor Moon on the ground was...another Sailor Moon? "Uh...Sailor Moon?" asked Sailor Venus, confused. The girl standing was wearing a Sailor uniform, only instead of blue it had black. She only laughed. "You are idiots!" she laughed, walking forward. Before she got too far, she turned and looked at Sailor Moon. "And you. You let me get the better of you at last! I can only thank you... but then again, I'm not going to." She smiled. Sailor Moon slowly looked up at her. "Who - - What a - are you?" she asked, weakly, "Where did you come from...?" She could barely make the words out herself. "Well, if you want to know who was always talking to you, you're standing right in front of her. I'm your smart side!" she answered, smiling evilly, "For many years, you would never listen to me. When you wished to be more like me, I had to come out." "Huh? What do you mean?" asked Sailor Mars. She began to think about the fire reading and what she had seen. Could that light have been this person making its way out? "You finally started listening. I'm the evil side of you!" the girl yelled. She smiled and kicked Sailor Moon backwards. "Hey!" Sailor Jupiter yelled, "Serena can't have a bad side! She's got a pure heart!" She was ready to let loose her anger at any moment. "Cool it..." Sailor Mars whispered. "Sure. Everyone's got a dark side. I remember one time Serena thought of trying her scepter out on you, Mars. Everyone thinks terrible things, no matter how they deny it!" the evil Sailor Moon yelled. The Sailor Scouts got in battle position. "Yeah? Well, we won't let you hurt her anymore!" Sailor Mars yelled, defensively, "It's your fault she's been acting this way! And you're gonna pay for it!" "Am I?" the evil Sailor Moon began to walk forward. Suddenly, Sailor Moon kicked her from behind, and sent her flying forward. "No one deceives me like that! Not even myself!" she yelled, angrily. She was still breathing heavily, and her body ached all over. Then, she looked at the Sailor Scouts, asking for forgiveness. She knew they would forgive her anyway, but didn't want to take any chances. "Glad you're back, Sailor Moon," Sailor Mercury said, with a smile. Suddenly, a voice rang up from above them. "Black, Scepter, Elimination!" Sailor Moon was there. The Scouts quickly jumped out of the way, just in time to miss the blast, "Drat!" "That's enough!" Sailor Moon took out her own scepter, "Moon, Scepter..." "Knock it off, Moon Brat!" Evil Sailor Moon held her hand out and blasted Sailor Moon back. She skidded to a stop, barely still hanging on to her scepter. Darien got off the elevator to his apartment and made his way down the hall, thinking about the fight that day. He took out his key and was about to push it into the lock. "Why is she..." Just then, a strange feeling came over him, "Huh?" he dropped his key. He felt Serena. "She's in trouble? But I just left and..." he stopped. He couldn't argue with this feeling. He turned and ran. "Uhg..." Sailor Moon slowly stood, "What are you? No one's ever stopped me in the middle of a power before..." "Jupiter, Thunderclap, Zap!!" This came as a surprise to everyone. Nonetheless, Evil Sailor Moon simply stepstepped the attack with ease. "We're helpless!!" she shouted. "That's right. I'm superior to all of you combined! It's hopeless for you, weaklings!" Evil Sailor Moon laughed, "Now, to make sure not to take any chances, I'll have to get rid of you..." she turned and looked at Sailor Moon. "Huh? You may be my evil side, but I would NEVER kill an innocent person!!" she yelled, stepping backwards, tears filled her eyes, "And it's all my fault, too." Mars whispered to herself, She closed her eyes and began to 'powerup'. "Mars, Celestial, Fire, Surround!" She shot the attack from behind. Evil Sailor Moon noticed her too late and was hit. "Eeeeeeyaaaaaa!" she cried, flying forward. She closed her eyes and smiled, "Fine. Let's play dirty." The fire around her disappeared and she stood as if nothing had happened. "Hey, Sailor Mercury, think fast!" A white ball of light appeared in her hand. She threw it at an unsuspecting Mercury. "Ahahah!!" It blew up when it came in contact with her. She was blown into the sky and fell about ten feet away. "Sailor Mercury!!" cried Sailor Moon, "You're gonna pay!!" She stepped forward, "I fight for love and justice, remember? I'm am the Pretty Sailor suited Soldier, Sailor Moon!" She sounded quite confident now, for some reason. But the other Sailor Moon only laughed. "Try me! I'm your fighting side! Remember? AND, your smart side. You can not beat me!" she smiled an evil grin. "I don't need either of those to beat you! I don't even need this!" She closed her eyes and her Sailor uniform disappeared. When she looked back at Sailor Moon, she looked as angry as ever. "SAILOR MOON!! What are you doing!?!?" Sailor Mars cried, not believing her eyes, "Don't be stupid!" She ran forward but was stopped by Jupiter. "Don't worry, let's see what she has planned..." she whispered. Meanwhile, Serena began to walk, slowly, over to Sailor Moon. "Get away from me, you imbecile!" she cried. She took out her scepter, "Black, Scepter, Elimination!" This attack surprised Serena. She crossed her arms in front of her as if to block it, but was blown back, anyway. "Serena! Don't!!" Sailor Mars cried, she was near tears now. Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury were all having trouble staying put, too. "I, am Sailor Moon..." Serena slowly stood up. Her school uniform was not tattered from the attack just thrown. "The champion of love..." she stumbled as she walked, "and justice..." "I said GO!!" Sailor Moon yelled. She held her hand out and blasted Serena with a strong gust of wind. But Serena just planted her feet on the ground and took the blow. "In... the name... of the M-Moon," she was having a little trouble breathing, "I will punish you..." her voice broke. Sailor Moon's face turned red with anger and she held her scepter out. "Blast!" Though she didn't say the entire power, the Scepter began to glow a black light and shot at Serena. Serena gasped, and closed her eyes. "Serena!!!!" all the Scouts cried. They ran forward. But, they were too late. The beam rushed by them. They hadn't heard the slightest noise from Serena. They stood, with tears in their eyes. "NO!! You can't have killed her!" Sailor Venus yelled, turning to face Sailor Moon, "You can't!!!" "She didn't." This surprised everyone. They turned around and saw Tuxedo Mask with Serena standing next to him. "Serena!!" Sailor Mars cried, happily, "You ARE all right!!" tears sparkled in her eyes. Serena was shaking, shaking of fear, everyone could tell. But, as if she didn't care, she turned and faced the enemy again. "Why?" she asked, in a quiet voice. Sailor Moon was stunned. Out of everything that had been done, all she could ask was why? She looked down at the schoolgirl, shaking, wearing tattered clothes. "That's just the point. I don't have a reason. Now that I can, I'm here to spread hate all around. Tis just that easy." She wasn't smiling anymore. Serena closed her eyes. "You have no right to do this. NO RIGHT!!" She looked back at Sailor Moon, angrily, "And I won't allow it!" "Oh really? Well that's too bad!" Sailor Moon held her scepter out again, "Black, Scepter, Elimination!" Serena closed her eyes again. "Why?" she whispered. Sailor Moon was surprised to hear her voice. But, just then it hit her, but she didn't scream or anything. "Serena!" cried Tuxedo Mask. "NO!! Serena!" The Sailor Scouts all ran towards the motionless girl. She was lying on the ground, barely breathing or moving. Sailor Mars was the first to reach her, "Serena... NOOOOOO!!" she wailed, beginning to cry. Serena's eyes opened, slightly, and she smiled. "W-We're still friends - - right?" she asked. But then, her eyes closed and she didn't move. "SERENA!!" Tuxedo Mask and the others reached her, too. Meanwhile, Sailor Moon watched. She stared at them, all gathered around her now. They were all crying, even Tuxedo Mask... She closed her eyes. "No, you're getting weak. Destroy them and no one will stand in your way," she whispered. She looked back up at them. She could hardly lift her arm to aim her scepter. "What's wrong with me?" "Serena? Come on! Wake up!" Sailor Jupiter cried. "You're okay, aren't you? Oh, please, Serena!" Sailor Venus closed her eyes, "You have to be! You can't die! You just CAN'T!" Tuxedo Mask didn't say anything. He just couldn't believe she could be gone. "Now you will DIE!" Sailor Moon cried. She held her arms forward and a black light glowed all around. None of the Scouts moved. They were huddled around Serena, not letting anything more happen to her, "Fools! Why don't you fight?!" yelled Sailor Moon. Still, nothing moved, "Fine! Yaa!!" She threw the energy. The Scouts all braced themselves. When the energy hit, they screamed in pain and slumped over. But, they hadn't moved from their position. Sailor Moon looked angry, yet also confused. "I WILL kill you!" She gathered more dark energy. She threw it with all her might. The Scouts closed their eyes again. But just as the beam was about to hit, a soft voice called, "No, please let me see them again. I must save them..." Then, a pink light glowed around Serena. It spread across all the Scouts, blocking the energy that had been thrown at them. "Huh? What's going on?" asked Sailor Moon. Then, to everyone's surprise, Serena stood up, her eyes still closed. "I will not let you do this," she said, "I won't let you hurt my friends!" her brooch began to glow. The light engulfed her. It was so bright that Sailor Moon had to shield her eyes, "In the name of the Moon..." As the light faded, they could make out Princess Serenity floating in the light. "I will punish you!" her voice was calm and gentle, but her expression was determined. "Moon, Crystal..." she began. "Serena, don't!! You're too weak!" Sailor Mars pleaded, "It will kill you!" Princess Serena looked down at her. "I won't die, I promise you," she whispered. Then, she looked back at Evil Sailor Moon. "Moon, Crystal, Power!" The light didn't head for Sailor Moon, it only gathered around Serena. Her eyes were closed again. Suddenly, Sailor Moon began to fade. "Huh? What are you doing to me?!" she cried. Tuxedo Mask was staring at Princess Serenity. Then he looked at Sailor Moon. "The Moon Princess truly has a pure heart. In her, you do not exist," he said, solemnly. Sailor Moon gasped. "I won't let you do this!" she cried, "Black, Scepter, Elimination!" the dark energy shot forward to the Princess. It swallowed up the light of the Silver Crystal, and began to drain away her energy. "N-No!" Princess Serenity cried, "You - - can't do this!" she sobbed. Her dress faded and turned into loose pink ribbons surrounding her body. She grabbed them and desperately tried to hang on to them. "No! Please!" she cried. Sailor Moon was fully back and began to laugh, "I can't do this... I CAN'T DO THIS!" the Princess cried. "That's right. You can't. Not without me. You can't do anything without me." Serena looked up at her, "Look at them. Those pitiful Scouts. They're not helping you, are they?" The Princess didn't answer. "They are afraid. Letting you get hurt instead of them. They've left you alone." "That's not true!" Sailor Venus cried. Princess Serenity was still looking at Sailor Moon, tears in her eyes. "They've left me alone..." she repeated, in a whisper, "Alone..." Memories of her friends filled her mind. Everything they had done together, all the fun and good times. "No..." she whispered under her breath. "Come on! We've got to help her!" Sailor Mars cried. She took Sailor Venus' hand, "We CAN win!" they all joined hands, "Mars, Star, Power!" "Mercury, Star, Power!" "Jupiter, Star, Power!" "Venus, Star, Power!" Their tiaras began to glow. Then, a light with the colors of orange, red, blue, and green surrounded Serena. She closed her eyes and felt the warmth. "No! They haven't left me alone!" she yelled. Sailor Moon looked annoyed, "And they never will!" "Yes, they will! Everyone will! Everyone will turn on each other in the end!" Sailor Moon cried. A dark aura surrounded her. "No! No one ever has to be alone! True friendship can't be taken away by anyone or anything!" She held the Crystal out. "Please, Silver Crystal..." With those words, the ribbons swirled around her and formed her princess dress once more. The golden crescent moon on her head shown brightly. "Not even you should be left alone..." Tuxedo Mask whispered to himself. But now, there was nothing at all he could do to help her. The Sailor Scouts were still holding hands in their circle, giving their princess all of their energy. Reeny was sitting on the front step of her house, waiting for Serena to come home/ "Where is she?" she asked, standing up, "Did she get hurt by that monster?" she asked, feeling teary eyed, "If she did... Oh, be okay, Serena!" she cried. She looked off into the distance, toward the park. It was so still out, so quiet. Something didn't seem right. "Did you defeat it yet, Sailor Moon?" "I won't let you do this anymore! I don't know why I ever listened to you!" Princess Serena cried, stretching her arms out farther. "My friends would never leave me! Never!" "Don't say that! You know they will!" Sailor Moon shouted, holding out her black scepter, "Do not trust them!" She was shooting a dark beam at the Princess, but the power of the Crystal held it off. Serena closed her eyes. "I don't need you! I never did!" she yelled. Sailor Moon's arm began to fade. "I can win! MOON CRYSTAL POWER!" The Crystal let out a white-hot light, engulfing everything around them. The Scouts closed their eyes but still held hands. "I don't care what anyone says! I love them!!" Sailor Moon screamed. Her black light was lessening. Soon, the white light broke through it, and Sailor Moon's body began to fade until they couldn't see her in the light. "I-I shall return! You wait...!" Her voice was broken and she was truly gone. The Silver Crystal sent out one more powerful blast. This surprised Serena, and caused her to go flying backwards. Chapter 5: A New Beginning The Sailor Scouts all sat up. It took them a moment to focus, but they soon remembered what had happened, "Huh? Serena?!" Sailor Mars looked around. In a moment, she spotted Sailor Moon lying over by a tree. She jumped to her feet and ran over. "Sailor Moon?" "Serena? Are you okay?" The other Scouts arrived in a moment. But Sailor Moon didn't move, "Serena?!" now Sailor Venus shook her, "Come on! Wake up!" She couldn't help thinking something had happened. "No... Serena! You promised me you wouldn't die! You liar! You promised!" Sailor Mars cried. She couldn't help it. She turned and began to cry on Sailor Mercury's shoulder. "Come on! We know you're all right!" Sailor Jupiter said, shaking her by the shoulders, "Wake up!" They still got no response. Sailor Moon was strong. She couldn't have died... Princess Serena was floating in space, stars glittering all around her. In a moment, her eyes slowly opened. Now she remembered. She remembered fighting herself, and falling backwards with that last use of the Crystal. But she couldn't remember anything after that. "Did I die?" she asked, looking around. "Did I save everyone?" her voice was barely above a whisper. She felt tears in her eyes. "But now I am alone. Now my friends are gone." The tears fell down her cheeks. She rubbed her eyes and hung her head. "I'm lonely now..." Suddenly, she saw a figure walking toward her. She squinted, trying to see whom it was through her tears. As the figure came closer, she could make the woman out. "Queen Serenity?" she asked, eyes widening, "Is that you?" The Queen smiled. "Yes, it is, Serena, dear," she answered, walking until she was directly in front of her daughter. Serena blinked. "W - What happened? Did I die?" she asked. Queen Serenity didn't answer, "Well... Can you help me? Can I get back?" Serena asked. Queen Serenity continued to stare at her. "Serena - - the Silver Crystal can only bring you back a certain amount of times - - This is the second time," she whispered. Serena hung her head. "No, then?" tears filled her eyes, "I can't go back?" She imagined each of her friends standing in front of her, and then Reeny. She closed her eyes tighter. "Yes," Serena looked startled, "It will work. But it will take a great amount of your energy," the Queen answered, "The Crystal's power grows with your desire to go back, dear Princess, but it is not yet at full power. You must be careful." She gently wiped the tears from her daughter's face. Serena smiled. "Thank you..." She leaned forward and they embraced each other. "I will be careful." She stepped back from the Queen and took out the Silver Crystal. "Please," she held it above her, "Take me back!" She closed her eyes and feels the power surge into her. Then, the Crystal lit up, brilliantly, and Serena disappeared. The Sailor Scouts were all still gathered around the body of Sailor Moon, crying. Sailor Mars has her arms crossed and is looking out into the lake. she thought, She closed her eyes and sobbed. Sailor Venus was on her knees, Sailor Moon's head rested on them. She stared at the girl's face. The other girls were looking at her, too. Tuxedo Mask was watching from a short distance. He doesn't believe it, or at least doesn't want to. "Serena..." he closed his eyes, "You can't be gone. I know it..." he whispered. A tear fell down his cheek. Then, he heard Sailor Venus, and opened his eyes. "Sailor Moon! You're all right!" she cried happily, "You're okay!" Sailor Moon sat up and looked at all the girls. "Sailor Moon!!!" Suddenly, Mars was hugging her. She smiled and hugged back, "You're here! You're here!" Mars cried. Sailor Moon smiled. "I don't break promises," she whispered. Sailor Mercury and Jupiter came up to her also. "Thank you, for helping me," she whispered. "You're welcome," Jupiter said, "I knew you could win... Even without our help." A smile moved across her face. Sailor Moon smiled, too. No one knew quite what to say. Then, Sailor Moon put her hands up to her face and begins to cry, surprising everyone. "Sailor Moon? What's wrong?" "I'm just so happy to see you!! I didn't think I'd ever get to again!" She threw herself at Jupiter, hugging her waist. "Any of you! I was so afraid to be alone!" Sailor Mars sighed. Then, Sailor Moon noticing, looked at her. "What?" she asked. "What a stupid thing to cry about!" Mars said, crossing her arms. Sailor Moon's face turned red and she let go of Jupiter. "What?! I'm not supposed to cry after just practically dying?! You were crying more than I was!" Sailor Moon yelled. "So? I thought you were dead! That was a better reason!" she said, snobbishly. "No, it isn't! I'm not dead, am I?" Sailor Moon fought. As they continued their fight, the other Scouts sighed. "It's as though nothing happened at all," Mercury said, "I guess that's good, right?" No one answered that. "Thought so." "Serena!! You're okay!!" Reeny jumped off the porch step and ran to her. "I thought you were hurt!" She jumped at Serena and hugged her. Serena frowned. "Huh?" she asked, wondering why Reeny was hugging her. Then, she remembered that part. she thought. Of course, something stupid came to mind. "Ummm, why would I be hurt?" she asked. Reeny let go of her. "You were in the park when that monster attacked, weren't you?" she asked. Serena shook her head. "Oh." Reeny looked at the ground. "Are you still taking me out for ice cream?" "Ice cream?!" Serena yelled, "Why would I take you..." Serena stopped in mid-sentence. Reeny looked angry. "YOU are the one who asked ME!" she yelled, "And besides, I wouldn't want to go with you, anyway!" She turned and began to walk away. Serena felt like saying something, but Reeny did that first, "I'm going to see Darien..." At the mention of his name, Serena forgot all about being nice and looked at Reeny. "Darien?! Hey! Wait for me!" she called. "Hey! He doesn't want to see you! He told me so!" Reeny argued, beginning to run. Serena groaned and ran after her. "I bet he'd like to see me more than you, ya little spore!!!" Serena yelled. Reeny stuck her tongue out at Serena. "No way, he doesn't... OW!! Don't pull my hair!!" she screeched. They raced all the way to his apartment, Reeny getting there first. "Darien!" she called, pounding on his door, "Are you here?" Just then, Serena bounded out of the elevator. "Huh? Yeah?" Darien opened his door and smiled. "Hi, Reeny," he said, smiling. Then, he noticed Serena coming down the hall. "Oh..." "Hi, Darien!" Reeny said, cheerfully, "Can I come in?" Darien was still looking toward Serena, "Darien?" "Oh - - yeah, sure." He opened the door wider so Reeny could get in. Reeny skipped inside and smiled. "Hey! Darien!!" Serena cried, as he began to close the door. She caught a glimpse of Reeny making a face at her before the door was closed, "Oooh, man..." Serena pouted. Tears came to her eyes, "Was he even there for the rest of the fight? He wasn't there when I woke up." She turned and walked toward the elevator. "What if he doesn't like me?" Serena stopped, "Darien? Not care for me? Ha! He's only angry at me - - even though I don't know why... we'll get back together again!!" She shoved the voice to the back of her mind and walked onto the elevator. "SAMMY!!!!! Were you in MY room?!!" Serena cried, stomping down the stairs. Sammy was sitting in front of the TV playing a Sailor Moon game, "Well?" "No. I wasn't in your room, Meatball Head," Sammy answered, "NOOO!!" he cried, as the screen went blank. He looked over and saw Serena holding the plug. "I was farther than I've ever gotten!!" he complained. "Who was in my room, then?" Serena asked. She was going to go on but the she heard the door open. "I'm hooooo - ooome!" the voice called. Serena's face turned angry and she stomped over to the door. So what if Reeny had been nice to her? She didn't care right now. "YOU were in my room!!" she pointed her finger at Reeny, "You messed up my bed, and my comics! And my clothes! And my boom box is lying on the floor!!!!" Reeny sighed. "If you would GIVE me the Silver Crystal, I wouldn't have to do these things!!!" Reeny yelled. Serena's face turned blue. "Uhhh, er, w - what Silver Crystal? I don't have any crystal..." she lied, laughing, "What made you think that?!" She nervously put her hand behind her head. NOW she was considering being nice to save her own behind. "Don't lie!! I KNOW you have it!!" Reeny grabbed Serena's skirt and pulled. Serena tumbled forward and fell on her face. "Oooooweeee!" Serena cried. "What in the world was that for?!" she cried. Reeny turned and walked back out the door. "For lying to me!" Serena stood and began to walk after her, but before she got out the door was slammed in her face. "REEEENY!!" "Where is Serena?!" Raye was standing in front of the temple, with the other girls sitting next to her. "She's back to being late! I'd rather have the evil one now, at least she's responsible!" "Hey, Raye, calm down. You were the one most determined to get Serena back, so stop complaining. She'll be here soon," Amy said, putting down her math book. "Yeah. And then we'll start the meeting," Luna said. Just then, Serena ran up the steps, panting. "I'm sorry I'm late, I was..." "Reading your stupid comic books?" Raye interrupted, in an annoyed fashion. Serena looked over at her. "NO!" she yelled, "I was all the way at home when I noticed what time it was. So I had to run all the way here." "No problem, Serena," Mina said, though she was just as upset as everyone else, "Let's just get started. Now, Serena, have you had a chance yet to talk to Reeny?" She turned to look at her. She gasped when she saw Serena's face was hidden by a Sailor V comic book. "SERENA!" Raye screeched, "This is how you got yourself into that mess the first time! I don't want to get mixed up in it again!!" She tore the comic from a stunned Serena's hands. "I'm..." They were surprised when they saw she was holding something else. She put it behind her back and began to blush. Raye didn't say anything. "What's that, Serena?" asked Artemis, curiously. Serena's cheeks just grew redder. Lita was behind her, trying to secretly snatch the paper away. She succeeded. "Hey!!" Serena swung around and saw Lita staring at the paper. "Serena... Why do you have a picture of `Darien?!'" she asked, beginning to giggle. Serena's cheeks turned red again. Lita held the picture out so the others could see; they all began to giggle. "Well - it's only because - - because he's still ignoring me..." She put her arm behind her head, nervously, "And besides, I bet Lita has million pictures of all her boyfriends!!" She began to giggle. Lita's face turned red with half embarrassment and half anger. "I DO NOT!!" she yelled, "I do have one of Freddie, though." She got a dreamy look to her eyes just thinking about it. Everyone sighed. "Anyway," Amy turned to Serena, "Have you had a chance to talk to Reeny, yet? About Crystal Tokyo, or anything?" Serena shook her head. "No - -" Suddenly, something came back to her. That city she had seen, with Reeny running away from it, could that have been Crystal Tokyo. she told herself. "No. But she's still after my crystal, which is even more annoying!" she said, crossing her arms. Serena was walking home that evening, humming a nice tune. She wasn't really thinking of anything at first, when suddenly, she heard someone, She stopped walking, surprised. Serena thought about it for a moment. "We were just having fun. It all worked out. Besides, do you think I'd really listen to you again?" She began to walk again, shoving the voice to the back of her mind. "What a stupid thing to say. We're all best friends." She began humming again. Soon, she came to her house and walked up to the door. "Good night." She walked in and shut the door behind her. Edited by "Tuxedo" Will