I Don't Have A Title Yet

Four



1









“Moshii, moshii.” Rei glanced at the clock on the range. “Yuuichirou-san? It’s Rei. Hai, I would like to speak to my grandfather please?” She stirred the contents in the pot slowly as she waited for the novice to summon her grandfather. It was a quarter after seven and they were all still at Darien’s place. It had taken awhile, but Rei had helped Darien tend to Usagi. The petite blonde had coughed up blood a couple times before she could rest. Darien was worried. Even though Ami had told Usa she had no broken ribs, the fact that she had been spitting up blood was strong indication that something else might have happened.



Darien was now watching Usa’s temperature and monitoring her as best as he could. He said the second she spiked a fever he was taking her to the hospital, Luna and their secret identities be damned.



Rei was more than inclined to agree with him on the matter. She had never understood why their identities needed to remain a secret anyway. Luna had warned each of them repeatedly on keeping their families in the dark about this alternative life they led. It was for their and their families’ safety. Therefore, it was on days such as these, when one of them was severely injured in battle, that they could not go to hospital for the risk of someone learning the truth…



“Moshii, moshii,” the warm, caring, age roughened voice came on the other end.



“Ojisan.” Rei smiled sadly.



The old man sighed in relief. “Mago, where are you? There was an attack downtown—“



“I know, Ojisan,” She turned off the flame and moved the pot to a cooling rack. “I was there with Tsukino Usagi. We were on our way to meet Mizuno Ami at her tutorial sessions…”



“Kannon.” The priest cried, “Mago, were you injured?”



Rei nodded, but then she remembered he could not see her, “Ina, but…but, Usagi, she was…she was hurt.” She closed her eyes in shame. She hated anyone else lying and she could hardly stand it in herself.



“Ko…” he heard the tears in her voice, and Grandfather Hino wished he could have taken away her pain. “Rei, where are you now? I will have Yuuichirou…”



Just then the front door banged opened and Dave shouted, “Shields! Yo, you home?”



“Its okay, Ojisan.” Rei said into the receiver as Dave came stomping into the kitchen. “I will be home as soon as I can.” She switched off the cordless handset and turned to face a concerned Dave. “Darien is in his room, Rothschild-san.”



“Call me Dave.” He flashed a quick grin that quickly put her at ease. “No honorifics, please! Hino-san. I get enough of those in school and at work.”



Rei returned his smile. “If I am not to be formal with you, then I must insist that you do me the same courtesy.”



Dave stuck out his right hand, “I always want to be on first name basis with a beautiful and charming young lady.” He said as he carried her small hand to his lips.



“Rei?”



The young miko turned around to see Frankie standing in the entrance. He looked a bit dazed, like he had fallen and bumped his head or something.



“Oh, shit!” someone yelled from the living room. Where Rei had left a sleeping Ami.



She blushed slightly as she tried to remember placing blanket over her friend. Quickly, Rei excused herself and hurried, as fast as dignity allowed, into the living room to find Ami still asleep and Darien laying a blanket over her.



“We were caught in the fight down town,” he was telling Usagi’s brother and his other roommates. “Usa didn’t think she was badly off.”



Sam was staring at the young genius as if did not know him. Normally Darien would go into conniptions if Usagi had so much as a hang nail. It seemed completely out of character for him not want to take her the hospital when she could have been seriously injured.



Jiro noticed that something was not right as well. Darien was uncharacteristically somber and his manners were evasive. Jiro knew without a doubt that Darien was lying and he was scared out of his mind. Jiro was able to read Darien like a book, so could Dave, Frankie, and Josh. Sam rushed up the stairs, calling out to Andrew to pull his car around. Darien slowly followed him upstairs. He had to be with Usagi.



Rei sat down on the sofa next to Ami.



Jiro turned his attention to the priestess. “Hino-san, you were with Darien and Usagi when she was hurt?”



Rei stared at him questioningly. “I am sorry, but who are you again?”



Jiro blushed slightly. Frankie and Dave, who had just come out of the kitchen, burst out laughing.



“Now that is not something that occurs everyday, Ji.” Dave walked over to Rei and placed a bottle of apple juice in her hands. “Where are Sam and Drew?” He asked as he dropped down on the opposite couch and snatched up the remote.



“Sam went upstairs with the kid.” Jiro said worriedly. “They’re going to take Usagi to the hospital.”



Rei was on her feet immediately. “I have to go with them.”



Dave shook his head, “No. We’re going to take you and Ami home.”



“But…” She started to protest but Jiro cut her off.



“Dave’s right, you were caught in one of those fights a few days ago, and your other friend looks exhausted.”



“Besides, your grandfather is worried about you.” Dave had caught the last of her telephone conversation earlier. “Don’t worry, one of us will call you if Usa gets worse.” She still looked doubtful. “I promise.” He grinned at her, “Scout’s honor.”



Ami shifted slightly and turned onto her side. Rei glanced at her friend, she reached out and brushed a strand of hair from Ami’s brow as she said, “Ami was staying with the Tsukinos while her mother is out of town. My grandfather offered to send one of the novices for me…”



“Rei,” Darien called as he came down the stairs. “Both Usa and I would feel better knowing that you and Ami had gotten home safely.”



“Wow, an endorsement.” Dave smirked.



Darien stuck his feet into his shoes, “No, but I trust you guys, and these girls are my friends so I know that they will be safe with you.”



“Darien, how is Usagi?” Rei asked.



“She’s awake.” He told her. “She still needs to be checked out. Her ribcage is a myriad of bruises.”



“She will be alright?”



He nodded and smiled reassuringly at the young miko. “She will be fine.” He turned towards the staircase when he heard the first hesitant step.



“Let me carry you, Serena, or least have Darien carry you.” Sam was saying. He loomed protectively behind his little sister, every few seconds he would reach out to steady her.



Usagi’s right hand had a death grip on the plain wooden banister and her left arm was holding her chest. “I’m agreeing to go to the hospital.” She rasped. “Don’t push it, Sam.”



“You can hardly walk!” He cried.



Usagi held her hand out to Darien. He rushed to her side and moved to scoop her up, but the look on her face warned him off. “Just help me down the stairs.” She told him. “I don’t need you to carry me.”



“I know you don’t,” He bent and easily took her into his arms and held her close. “But I need to. Indulge me, okay?”



Reluctantly, Usagi gave in. She rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. “Where are Ami and Rei?” She asked, worry laced her voice as she recalled her friends.



“Dave and Frankie are taking them home.” Darien told her. “Now lie still, we have to get you to the hospital.”



Jiro went with Darien and the others and Frankie and Dave dropped the girls off.



Ami woke up and asked to be taken to the Tsukinos. Her mother had dropped her bag off that morning. Lita was waiting for Ami when the guys arrived. She called Ami over to her Jeep and they left for the hospital.



Rei called her grandfather from Dave’s phone. Her grandfather promised to join her at the hospital.







2





“Now I know why I dislike doctors.” Usagi complained.



She had been confined to her bed a full five days and she had spent most of it staring at the pale pink and cream stripped wallpaper. Molly sat on the padded window seat with its mountain of rose, pink and white pillows and stuffed rabbits.



“Only you would complain about missing a week of school and being pampered.” The red headed girl snorted.



Usagi glared at her so called best friend, “I have no problems with the pampering, I’m just sick of being stuck inside.” She lowered her eyes to the magazine in her friend’s hands and asked, “What are you reading?”



“European Vogue.” She held up the book so Usa could see the cover then lowered it. “So are you still going to the Embassy Ball with Darien?”



“Of course.” She grunted as she pushed herself up. “I have been looking forward to this since I saw Darien’s invitation.”



“Why would Darien be invited?” Molly asked brainlessly.



Usa stared at her. “He’s the Chiba heir. One of the oldest and most powerful families in Japan. And one of the wealthiest, although you would never know it because he’s so cheap.” A recent fight had soured her disposition some. The reason for the fight, Luna and that Moon Princess. Damn that cat! She was not going to ruin her life. Nor was that freaking Princess…she’s not going to steal her man. Darien was Usa’s property. She loved him and cared for him. He was her best friend, companion, true love, and her soul mate and he was going to be her husband when she turned eighteen (Twenty-one her foot. She wasn’t going to wait that long to have that man.). She would be damned before she let some tarted up, little so-called, alien princess take her man from her. Usa would die fighting for him and would kill any girl who tried to take him. Thieving little, gold digging—



“Oh, Usa!” Molly cooed.



Her bedroom door was opened and hanging there in view was a gigantic bouquet of most perfect red roses either girl had ever seen.



“Am I welcomed in today?” Darien called from the other side.



Molly giggled while Usa shook her head at his antics, but there was no mistaking the love that warmed her features. “I haven’t brushed my hair.” She called back. “And I am wearing the most ridiculous pajamas in the world.”



“I can top that.” He laughed, “Surfer pants, leather tong sandals, and one of Sam’s hockey jersey. And…” He pushed the door open further and Usa started laughing.



“Oh, my.” Molly could only stare at the usually well-dressed and fashionable youth in horror.



Usa collapsed onto her side, both arms wrapped about her tender ribs. Darien removed the baseball cap and ran his fingers through his messy hair.



“I’ve been getting that all day.” He trooped inside and dropped down on the floor beside his girlfriend’s bed. She was still laughing. “Buns, it’s not that funny.”



“Yes it is.” She hooted.



“God, Darien-kun, what happened to you?” Molly asked respectfully.



“Bad week.” He laid the roses down on the floor. “Test, papers, helping out Frankie and Drew and Sam with some of their papers. I had TA duty for three of my professors and I haven’t had time to do laundry. And with Buns out of commission, she couldn’t do it for me.”



“Get a maid.” Usa told him.



“Why should I when I have a perfectly good girlfriend who could do it for me?” He countered.



“Jerk.” She pushed his head away.



Darien caught her hand and kissed it. “Your Mom’s doing it all for us anyway. But we’ve got to chip in.”



“So you all are over here?” Lazily, she laced their fingers together.



Darien nodded. “Well, Drew went home, so his mom’s doing his. I missed you, sweetheart.”



She smiled. “Me, too.” They remained so, just staring into each other’s eyes.



And that meant it was time for Molly to go. She called a soft good-bye, that was unheard, not that she minded. She knew what it was like to be in love.









3







Molly went down stairs and to the laundry room where she found Ilene and Sam.



“You boys should really think of getting your own machines.” Ilene was telling her son. “I don’t mind helping you and your roommates out, Sammy. But you all of you are grown, responsible young men.”



“I know Mom.” Sam said as he folded his sheets. “And you are right…”



“Hi, Sam.” Molly peeked into the opened door way. “Good night, Ms. Tsukino.”



Ilene glanced over her shoulder and smiled warmly at the girl. “Oh, good-bye honey. Did you have a nice visit with Usa?”



Molly nodded. “I did. But I have to get home now. Mom said she needed some help with the new inventory.”



“Oh, well. Have a good night and please tell Karen that I am looking forward to our lunch date on Friday.”



“Will do.” Molly waved. “Bye, Sam.”



“’Night, Red.”



When she was gone, Ilene said to her son. “She is such a nice girl.”



“She’s a bit flaky, though.” Sam put his folded sheet aside and reached for another one.



“She just a young girl, they are all a bit scatterbrained at that age.”



“That’s not true for Usa’s two new friends.” He had finished with his bedding and was now putting it away.



Ilene looked up at her son questioningly. “What do you mean? Ami and Rei are two very nice girls.”



“They are, but there is something very off about them.” He rested his hip against the dryer, his arms folded over his chest as he shared his thoughts with his mother.



“Yes, they are not like the rest of your sister’s usual circle of friends, however that does not make them strange, Sam.” Ilene picked up the next load. This was Jiro’s. “They have had very different lives. Sweet little Ami is prodigy as well as the daughter of brilliant, renowned neurology specialist and her father an internationally acclaimed artist. And dear little Rei, the poor child is the daughter of one Hong Kong’s cinema queens and her father is a powerful Member of Parliament. The dear girl has been trapped in the traditional role of being the only daughter of that powerful statesman and the Hino heiress. She has never had a true childhood.”



“You see, that’s my point.” Sam said quickly. “What does two girls like that have in common with Usa? Usagi is the epitome of normal. She bright, funny, open…”



“And this is why Ami and Rei are now her friends.” She turned to her son and regarded him carefully. “Besides, I think Usagi needs them.”



That statement puzzled him. “Why would she need them?”



“I don’t know exactly.” She looked away from him. “It’s just how I feel when I see Usa with them. She gives more of herself to Rei and Ami than she would to her other friends. She happier, more confident…It is almost how she when she is with Darien or Lita.” Ilene laughed sheepishly. “Here I am reading more into my daughter’s relationships. Oh, Sam. Just be happy for your sister. She adores you and she cares for her friends. Don’t make her sad because of your mistrust.”



“But Mommy…”



“Shh.” She laid two fingers over his lips. “No more, Sam. Ami and Rei are good children. You should try to become friends with them. You might learn to like them.”



He sighed and surrendered to his mother’s logic. “Yes, Mom.”



“Good. Since Lita is out with her friends tonight, I have to make supper.” She said over her shoulder. “Sam, be a dear and ask everyone what they want. We’re doing take out.”



He laughed after her, “Nothing like a home cooked meal, eh, Mom.”



“I’m doing your laundry.” She told him, “I refuse to slave over a hot stove for you.”



Sam rushed about the house taking the orders. The last room on his stop was his sisters. He peeked inside of the room and smiled at the warm sight. Usagi lay facing the door with her hands tucked under her chin. Her long hair was unbound and fell over her shoulder, almost to the floor. Holding her was a sleeping Darien.



Sam eased out of the room, a slight smile on his face. He would let them sleep, but when he got Darien home, Sam was going to bust that kid’s chops about sleeping in the same bed as his sister.









4







The day of the ball was upon them and Tokyo was swept up in the frenzy. International and national press agencies had descended upon Abuzu and spread to the little suburbs of Juuban and the Mugen Delta.



Last minute preparations were underway at the Tomoe home, where the four girls were getting ready. Hotaru was gracious enough to share her hairstylist and make-up artist with Usagi and her friends much to the girls’ delight.



Usa and Hotaru were dressed and waiting for Ami and Rei. Darien had called Usa to let her know he would be picking her up in ten minutes. Frankie was already there, in the Tomoe kitchen. His father had sent a car for him, along with a set of instructions.



Ami was going to ride alone with Hotaru to pick up Sam then she was being dropped off at her home. Her father was to meet her at her home and they would go to ball from there.



Frankie returned from the kitchen with a sour look on his face. Hotaru flashed him a malicious grin. “What? You couldn’t find anything to satisfy your picky palate?”



He shot her an unfriendly glare. “Are you always this friendly or is it just me?”



“You are the one referred to as the Menace.” She replied sweetly.



Before Frankie could reply, Usa asked, “What’s wrong, Frankie?”



Frankie threw himself into a chair with a dramatic sigh. “It is my father’s wish that I suffer for all eternity.”



The two girls exchanged looks. “Uh huh.” The petite blonde gestured for him to continue.



Frankie turned tragic blue eyes on Usa. “You don’t understand, babe. My father wants nothing more in the world than seeing Dia and I together.”



“And—“ Hotaru said.



“Y casado.” He said bitterly.



A blank look crossed Usa’s face, “Huh?”



“Married,” Hotaru translated. She snickered, “You unlucky bastard.”



“Sam is truly unfortunate; for he has willing tied himself to you, Hota-chan,” the blond Spaniard drawled. “But don’t worry, he’ll come out of his stupor and leave you.” He winked at Usa. “When will the Cover-boy show up?”



“Soon,” she told him. “He had to meet with his guardians and lawyers about something.”



“The life of a poor little rich boy.” Hotaru stood up and walked over to one of the large bay windows that over looked her well-manicured front lawn. “If Shields wasn’t such a snide little child, I would sympathize with him.”



“Darien is not as bad as you make him out to be.” Usa rushed to defend her love’s honor.



“No, it is his sister who is truly the worst.” Hard black eyes stared unseeing at the world beyond her gates at her father’s legacy and her life’s burden.

Frankie had a confused look on his face. “Darien has a sister?”



“Not a biological one. He’s an only child.” Usa told him. Her attention was drawn to her friend. She stared worriedly after her. “Hotaru’s talking about the daughter of the family Darien lived with before he moved in with you all. Her name is Wilhelmina Aino.”



It took him a moment to connect the name with a face when he did, Frankie’s eyes lit up. “Mina?” Frankie cried. “The model?” Damn, the cover boy knew a supermodel. Of course Frankie knew his fair share of models and actresses, but none was as beautiful as Mina. Frankie wanted to die. His only reason for coming to Japan was to meet the elusive beauty. However, after two years, he had still not gotten an invitation.



“Usa,” Frankie dropped to his knees before the petite blonde who drew back from the crazed look in his eyes. Frankie grabbed the hem of her gown and stared up at her with puppy dog eyes. “You have to help me. You must get Darien to…”



There was a slight noise on the staircase. Hotaru half turned and she was forced to do a double take.



“Oh, my God.” Usa raised a hand to wipe at tear as she gazed upon her two friends. “Girls!” She stood up quickly and knocked over the dazed Frankie. She rushed to her purse, pulled out her camera, and snapped two quick pictures. “My mom would have never forgiven me if I didn’t take a couple.” She grinned sheepishly. She directed her gaze to Frankie and scowled. “Won’t you behave?”



Frankie continued to lie there; his eyes were riveted on the girl in the lavender gown.



Rei pulled her shawl over her shoulders and fidgeted with the tiny straps that encircled her neck. “I feel naked.” She complained.



“You look wonderful.” Usa told her, “Both of you look great.” She tossed her camera to Hotaru and rushed over to the two brunettes. “We need a couple of us together, for our scrapbooks.” She grinned broadly as she laced her arms through theirs and said, “Everyone smile.” Hotaru captured the moment for them.



As she lowered the camera, Hotaru had a sense of déjà vu.



Other voices filtered through her mind and the room changed. The place where she stood was all white. White walls, marble floors with large Dutch style windows and French windows with gossamer drapes flashed through her vision.



Soft whispers of laughter tickled her ears. Hotaru wanted to turn to the voices. She wanted to see them…

See who? Her mind wondered.



Them, was the reply.



A flash of white drew her attention towards the French windows. Ghostly hands pushed aside the crepe thin drapes and threw open the windows to reveal a balcony and rose covered trellis.



“…seph…”



Who? She tried to ask.



Spirit hands held the drapes aside. Hotaru had a sense of being pushed forward; was something beyond the lace that the spirit wanted her to see?



“…sepho…” She felt hands on her face making her look up into the dark velvet sky.



What is…? The questions died in her mind and on her tongue as she beheld the most horrific sight.



“…sephone…”



With her eyes wide, her mouth agape in fear, Hotaru tried to pull away. She did not want to see this. This was not real, it could not be…



“…seph…”



No! She screamed. All sound was denied her. Hotaru closed her eyes tight, trying desperately to forget the sight.



“…sepho…”



“Hotaru?” Usagi’s gentle voice pierced her thoughts. “Do you have a bat anywhere?”



Hotaru blinked. Her vision cleared, she was once again in the front room of her house with Usa and the others.



Frankie had shoved the others aside playfully and pulled Rei into his arms for a photograph. Ami was laughing at his antics and the confused/embarrassed expression on Rei’s face.



“Frankie, what did I tell you?” Usa’s back was up and she was hissing. She was back in protector/lioness mode.



With a grand flourish, Frankie dipped Rei low. He leered down at the startled girl, and then he looked up at Usa and winked. “This is just for my father’s benefit. Hota-chan, take the picture, I can’t stay like this forever, this girl is heavy.”



“What did you say?” demanded the bristling miko.



“I am holding you with one hand.” He said in a pained voice.



Rei smacked his other arm. “I am not fat.”



“Oww.” He cried out childishly, “Dang woman, I never said you were. I just said you were heavy…” He cried out again as the flash hit him in the eyes. “What the hell?”



A malicious grin graced Hotaru’s face as she returned Usa’s camera. “I am going to need a copy of that.” She told her.



“That was cruel, Hota-chan.” Frankie sulked. “I was supposed to be a dashing Don Juan, tossing my hair while gazing lasciviously down upon this fresh beauty in my arms. I was to be inspiring, bold, and romantic.” He sighed dramatically and pouted for all his worth. “You have wounded me, Señorita Tomoe.” He lowered his head in shame to Rei’s breast.



The girl went from milk white to fiery red in under two seconds. Usa raised her camera just in time to snap Rei smacking Frankie upside the head.



“I want a copy.” Both Hotaru and Ami told her.



The doorbell rang just as Rei started to rip into Frankie.



Hotaru’s butler appeared in the doorway, “Tomoe-sama, a Mr. Shields is here.”



“Show him in, Kazuhiro.” She waved him away. She reached up to rub away the tension in her neck. Her mind returned to that that image; Hotaru suppressed a shudder at the memory. It could not have been a figment of her imagination. It had been too real. Then what had it been?



Kazuhiro appeared again. His iron gray hair and mustache against his thin, old face sent a sudden chill down his employer’s spine.



“Mr. Shields…”



Behind her, Usa called out happily. “Darien!”



Time seemed to slow down. Hotaru felt as if she were watching a movie being played in slow motion. She watched Usa run past her, long shimmering locks of pale blonde hair fanned out behind her. Her arms opened as she raced into the arms of her beloved. Darien caught her into him embrace and pulled her close. Their arms locked about each other in desperate holds, almost as if they were afraid of being ripped apart…Again.



Rei gasped softly. A wave of emotions rushed through her as her eyes were drawn to her two friends. Pain and sadness seemed to trail after them, strongly cloaking the two and their love. Sudden tears stung the back of her eyes as she continued watching them and the shadows that hovered over them.



They were not meant to last long in this world. Their love was too intense, all consuming. It was so beautiful in it is destructiveness. Rei’s heart ached for them and the unfairness of it all. They were so young, so happy. They had finally found each other—Again.



What did that mean? Rei turned her wet eyes back to her friends. Two ponderous tears flew from her lashes. In her mind’s eye she was watching two of her dearest friends dying and her world falling in on itself.



“Rei-chan.” Ami said quietly. She moved closer to her friend.



Rei looked into Ami’s eyes and with a start, she realized that Ami had felt it as well.



The petite brunette took the miko’s hand and squeezed it. We will protect them. Her touched conveyed to her sister Senshi.



No matter what it takes. Rei nodded. She was our first friend and then our leader.



Darien pulled back slightly to look down at his girlfriend. “So this is my dress?” He held her arms out so he could get the full effect of her gown.



“You’ve taken to wearing dresses now, Shields.” Hotaru said bitingly.



Darien tore his eyes from the more interesting parts of Usa’s pale peach gown to glare at the older girl. “Why are you concerned? Do you think I will look better in one than you?” He kissed both of Usa’s hands. “Ami, Rei, you both are simply gorgeous.”



“Thank you, Darien.” Rei said, “You are looking dapper in your finery.”



“Oh, this old thing.” He batted his lashes outrageously.



“Then you ladies should be thanking Dave and me.” Frankie joined in. “Cover-boy wanted to go with the traditional look with tails and a waistcoat. This jacket suits you much better and the full silk tie is much better than a bowtie.”



“Yeah, yeah.” Darien stooped to kiss Usa again. “We need to go.”



“Why the rush?” She breathed huskily as she followed him for another kiss.



“I have a surprise for you.” He said dreamily.



“I can do without another present.” She said as she drew him back in.



He was helpless to resist, even if he wanted to. They had not seen each other for a complete day…a full day without physical contact.



“Oh, stop!” Hotaru turned away in disgust. “Christ, you’re going to eat the lipstick from her mouth, Shields.”



“This is indecent.” Frankie slipped his hands over Rei’s and Ami’s eyes. “Cover boy, break it up. Or will Hotaru have to break out the hose?”



Reluctantly, the lovers parted. With a wicked grin, Darien pulled Usa out of the room.



“Usa, you forgot your wrap.” Hotaru grabbed said items. Usa hurried back inside for her things. She flashed her friends a cheeky grin.



“Buns!” Darien hollered, “Come on, baby, let’s go.”



“Hold your horses, Nerd-boy.” She hurried back to his waiting arms.



Frankie lowered his arms to drape over the two girls. “I hate to see the day those two are—how do you say casado.”



“Married.” Ami tried to his arm from across her shoulders.



“Yeah, that.” He pulled her into a headlock. “The guys and I bet that the kid will be born three months after the wedding. Well, I say one, but the others are more generous…”



“Does Sam know about this bet?” Hotaru asked coldly.



He grinned as Ami continued to fight against him. “You think we’re stupid?”



“How much is in the pot?” She asked him.



“A hundred grand, American at Josh and Dave’s insistence.”



She nodded, “I want in and I will match the highest bid and say three days.”



“Three days,” the two younger girls cried in unison.



“Usa isn’t called ‘bunny’ for nothing.” She laughed. “But come on, people. I have to pick up Sam and, Ami you are going to meet your father.”







Darien opened the back of the limousine to allow Usa to precede him.



“What is my surprise?” She asked, and then let out a surprised scream.



Darien slipped in behind her and closed the door. “Well, aren’t you going to…?”



She tore out of the arms of her friend to kiss him quickly. “You are so cruel to me.” She poked him in the side playfully. “But I love this.” She reached for her friend’s hand. “This is truly one of the best surprises I’ve had in a long while.”







5







Rei looked out at the line of cars before them, then back at the even longer line behind them, and sighed tiredly.



“Si, Senor,” Frankie had been on the telephone with his father for the last ten minutes. He felt very rude, speaking in his native tongue while his guest sat by in silence. He had become more and more agitated and tense as the call progressed, until he sat beside her white knuckled and tight-lipped. “Have I ever embarrassed you, Padre? No, I am not being disrespectful, Sen--Forgive me, Padre. Si.” He raised his hand to his brow to massage the bridge of his nose. “I will speak with her Highness, however, I will not—“ He closed his eyes as his father told him what he would do. “I have a date, Papa.” He voice was weary.



Rei turned away from the sights of the embassy. Worry clouded her eyes as she watched Darien’s friend.



“Francisco?” She reached up and took his hand away from his face. He opened his eyes and looked into hers. “You need to breathe.” She told him.



Maybe it was the gentle timber in her voice, or the concerned look in her dark violet eyes, but something changed deep within him at that moment. Hino Rei was suddenly more than some fresh-faced little girl he had met a few days before. No, Frankie felt as if he knew her; that he knew everything about her, to the smallest nuances of her personality…her very person. It seemed impossible, yet at the same time, it was true. It was as if he had found another part of him, a part that he did not know was missing until that moment. A goddess with red hair that was so dark that it seemed to be black. A goddess of fire and battle—Oh, what was her name?



“Francisco?” Rei said nervously as she fidgeted under his intense stare.



“Francisco!” His father barked into his ear. “Are you still there?”



Frankie took his eyes away from the worried girl. “I have to go, Padre.” He said quickly in Spanish. “We have come to the entrance. Please, give my love to Madre. Adios.” He pressed the little red button to end the call.



Rei was gathering her things. From her purse, she withdrew a compact and gave her face a once over.



Frankie found her innocent vanity charming. In his opinion, Rei was far more attractive without all the face paint. He started to tell her so when something in her bag caught his eye.



It was a long, bright red pen with the symbol of Mars on its cap. Rei stuffed her compact back inside and snapped her handbag closed. Frankie opened his mouth to inquire about the pen only to have the door open at his side. He resolved to ask her about it later. He stepped out to meet a barrage of flash bulbs. He turned back to the darkened limo to allow his eyes to clear, and offered his right hand to Rei.



“Come along, Miss Hino.” He murmured against her ear as they strolled down the red carpet, “The princess awaits.”







Inside, Ami was already working. Luna had snuck in, and Ami had attached a modified camera to her collar and sent the cat off to find the crystal.



At the entrance, the major domo announced, “Don Francisco Alvarez de la Santa Maria del Toro of Madrid with Miss Rei Yow-Hino.”



Ami spared the serene couple a passing glance before heading out to the gardens.



Rei had seen Ami leave and knew the game was already afoot. She glanced about quickly but did not see Usa or Darien, but she caught a glance of Hotaru already on the dance floor with a very handsome, tuxedo clad Sam Tsukino. She smiled wistfully, those two made one handsome couple.



“Darien Chiba-Shields of Tokyo,” the major domo boomed, “With Miss Serena Tsukino and Miss Wilhelmina Aino.”



Rei almost tripped over her front hem when she heard that. She turned around quickly and could not believe it. Falling in step behind her two friends was the most beautiful person Rei had ever beheld. She heard Frankie make a small sound beside her and she could not blame him.



The woman was simply gorgeous. She tall, almost as tall as Usa’s cousin, with long, dark golden blonde hair that stopped at her hips, pale blue-gray eyes, which seemed not to miss anything. She wore a dark blue, form-fitting gown that hugged every curve of her body. A simple gold chain rested on her tanned skin and earrings just as beautiful in their simplicity graced her ears.



Rei would not have been surprised had Frankie abandoned her at that moment to chase after the glamorous, supermodel. Moreover, she wished he would since she had work to do.



“Rei,” Usa called delightedly after she and Darien were announced. She turned around and caught Mina’s hand and half dragged the girl over to Rei and Frankie. “I have someone I’m dying for you to meet.” She waved to Sam and Hotaru on the dance floor. Hotaru had caught sight of her blonde rival and was trying to get away. “Rei-chan. This is Darien’s sister, Mina Aino. Mina, this is one of my new best friends I’ve been telling you about in my e-mails.”



“Yes, both Usagi and Darien have mentioned you a great deal in their e-mails. You and another young lady, Amy, I believe.”



“Ami, sis.” Darien corrected as he joined them. “Usa, I’ve been spotted by some eager looking mama with her daughter. Shall we escape this dreary soirée?” He reached for her hand.



“I would love to save you, nerd-boy.”



Darien carried her delicate hand to his lips. “You make me swoon, Buns.” He pulled her into his arms and they hurried off.



Mina turned back to the staring couple and started to say something only to be interrupted by a four elegantly attired girls, calling out. “Don Francisco.” The girls called at once.



Rei looked around and spotted Ami at the veranda entrance. Usa and Darien were already upstairs. That only left her to get into position. And she needed to hurry; the enemy had just arrived. She yelped when Frankie glommed onto her right arm.



The girls glared daggers at her yet continued their advance. Frankie was almost cowering hiding behind her skirts. Mina looked at them questioningly. Rei smiled weakly as she wondered if her night could get any worst.







6





Ami smiled at passing group of revealers and from the folds of her gown, she withdrew her mini computer.



“TK, Bunny, do you read me?” She said into her hidden microphone.



Darien pulled Usa into a shadowed corner and lowered his face to hers. “We read you, Merc.” Usa whispered into her mic.



“Priestess?” Ami said.



It had taken some effort, but Rei had managed to lose Frankie and transform. Now Sailor Mars leapt onto a third story balcony, she ducked down as the security cameras swept the area. “I’m here.” She whispered back. “All’s clear up here.”



“Any sign of the party crashers?” Darien asked her.



Mars closed her eyes and concentrated on the feelings she was receiving. “Not yet, but I know they are here, TK, and they are close.”



Usa wrapped her arms around Darien’s neck, “Alright. We will check the second floor and family quarters; Luna should have finished with her sweep of the attic and should be back on the first floor. Merc, hold your position.”



“Roger.” Both girls signed off.



Darien checked the hallway, it was finally clear. He grabbed Usa’s hand and they took off.



“Dare,” Usa said after a few minutes of snooping and spying.



“Yeah, babe?” He pulled open another armoire and came up empty.



“If this turns out to be this Silver Imperial Crystal, what do you think will happen next?”



“We’ll find the Moon Princess, I guess.” He turned back to her and tried to smile. “That’s what this entire thing is about, right?”



She glanced down at her feet, hoping he would not see the sadness on her face.



That was one of Darien’s many failings; he always noticed things, especially when it concerned his bunny. He went to her and laced his arms about her waist. “I know this is upsetting to you and believe me, I know how you feel…”



“But I have this feeling, Darien.” She cried softly.



He laid a finger across her lips. “Shh.” He raised his hand to tip up her chin, so she could see the truth of his words. “I love you, Serena Rensselaer-Tsukino. I love you and no one else. No one will ever mean as much to me as you do. I will not let them, I am selfish that way, but I don’t care. I do not need or want anyone else in my life except for you. I love you…”



“How touching. Humans with their overly sentimental drivel.”



The two looked up sharply. Darien grabbed Usa and shoved her behind him as he glared at the demon before them.



It was the creature from the business district; the one that had attacked Sailor Moon. Darien stared contemptuously at the humanoid monster that leered down at them. This one seemed to have a brain of sorts. Instead of the gray uniform, the thing wore a tuxedo, Tuxedo Kaman’s suit to be exact.



Darien’s mouth thinned as his dark eyes narrowed dangerously. “What the hell are you and what the fuck do you want?”



Usa smacked him lightly on the back for his foul language.



The creature tipped its head to one side; the insidious leer became a bold smirk. “What I am, boy, is far more superior to you lowly humans. As for what I want? Well, that is easy. I want the Imperial Crystal and your deaths, Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen.” With that, the creature threw out his left hand and blasted the two out the window.



Ami had heard it all. She came racing from the gardens fully transformed as she leapt over a ten-foot high hedge. People were screaming and running as glass and part of the wall came raining down from the third floor. She leapt out of the way of the falling debris and raised her eyes to the gigantic hole in the wall. To her horror, Mercury saw Darien hanging from the loosening brick by one hand. His other arm was wrapped protectively about Usagi’s waist.



“Darien!” She heard her friend’s terrified scream.



Mercury was desperate. She had to do something, but what?



“Usa!” Sam had rushed out side when he heard the blast. Nothing prepared him for this horrific sight. His kid sister’s life was uncertain and some psychotic, floating madman was about to kill her.



Nephlyte floated out of the hole in the wall, a dark energy ball hovered between his hands, slowly gaining strength. “Good-bye, Sailor Brat.” He raised his hands high as he prepared to end their lives.



“No!” Usa shouted.



Darien grunted painfully. He was not going to let Usa die. He would not let her die. Dear God! His soul cried out. He had to save her.



Cackling madly, Nephlyte extended his arms over his head. Darien tightened his hold on Usa. The demon hurled the ball of dark power at the two…



“No!” Sam raced forward, screaming, “Usa!”



Mercury was leaping through the air. She had to make it!



At the last second, Darien let go of the wall. The black ball missed his head by inches. Nephlyte roared in denial as his targets escaped him. Darien slipped his free arm beneath Usa’s legs as he prepared to take the brunt of the landing. Nephlyte dove after them just as Darien landed in a deep crouch.



Usa looked up and screamed, “Darien!”



He knew the bastard would attack; Darien had been counting on it. He set Usa down before him; she shrank back as the blade of his sword came up before her.



She realized what he was going to do, but she would not allow it.



Nephlyte was bearing down on them, a fanatical gleam in his blue eyes as he envisioned the death of the two warriors.



Darien was tense, ready to spring forward. Usa clasped her transformation broach tight to her breast. She would not let him do this alone.



Black energy formed around Nephlyte’s hands, he drew back and—and was tackled from the air.



“Who…?” Mars landed before the two on the ground.



“Mars,” Usa whispered urgently. “Where’s Merc? We need some cover over here.”



Mars called to the other warrior. Mercury was still perched on her hedge, watching some unknown warrior in black armor beat the life out of their latest enemy. The two rolled about on the garden floor, crushing foliage, and knocking over anything that had the misfortune of being in their way.



Nephlyte managed to toss the stranger off and went for his attack.



“Mercury,” Usa shouted. “Smoke screen! Now.”



The warrior of ice and water shook off her surprised stupor and called out, “Shabon Spray!” A dense, heavy fog settled over the ruined garden, hiding the contenders from all prying eyes. Mercury jumped down and ran to aid the stranger. She grabbed up a fallen tree limb to use as a weapon. She prayed she was not making a mistake and was being led into a trap. With her visor in place, she located the scuffling pair easily. Mercury held her makeshift club aloft as she leapt in the air.



The armored warrior looked up quickly and then without warning, he grabbed his foe by the arms and yanked him forward, directly under the Senshi’s limb. The thick piece of wood bounced off the red headed creature’s head with a wet, mushy sound, akin to an overripe melon being thrown against a wall.



Nephlyte staggered forward, tipping back before toppling to the ground in an unmoving heap. Mercury dropped to the ground in a crouch, prepared to strike with her broken club if that creature made the slightest attempt to move.



The person in the armor was also waiting; his right hand hovered over the sword at his side.



Behind him the hedges moved, he stood up, ready for another one of the dark minions.



Sailor Moon, Tuxedo Kamen, and Sailor Mars leapt over the hedge to stand before their friend.



The two Senshi looked down at Mercury and the half broken tree limb in her hands.



“You okay, Merc?” Kamen asked over his shoulder, his eyes were riveted on the stranger standing on the other side of Nephlyte.



“Hai, Kamen, I’m fine.”



“Who’s your friend?” Mars clenched her fists tightly; flames came to life around her gloved hands.



A black warp hole opened beneath the downed Nephlyte. The armored warrior leapt forward, crying out harshly, his sword came flashing out of his scabbard only to cut off one of Nephlyte’s hands before the creature was swallowed in the shadows.



“Damn it!”



Kaman pounced on the distracted warrior. The two rolled about for a couple of minutes before the tuxedo clad warrior pinned the stranger down.



“Who the hell are you?” the caped crusader had his sword back and was holding it over his prisoner throat.



“Iso!” The stranger cried out. “I’m on your side, hombre.”



He pressed the blade closer, his eyes darkened dangerously. “Who are you?” Kamen ground out through clenched teeth.



The man on the ground swallowed hard. “Francisco de la Santa Maria del Toro. My friends call me Frankie…”



Sailor Moon almost fell over. “Frankie!” She cried in disbelief.