Darien is back!!!!!!! Yay!!!!!! I am so happy with me!!!!!!!

Now to get daddy to like him. Anyone have a miracle in his or her pocket? I’ve about run out with saving the Generals, pulling Darien back, and turning Serena around. Well, let’s see if I can find one somewhere in my book bag.

I made up Serena’s mom’s name and shortened her dad’s name (like I’ve seen in many fics). You have been warned.

Sailor Moon is copyright (c) 1992 Naoko Takeuchi/Kodansha, TOEI Animation. English Language Adaptation (c) 1995 DiC Entertainment

Luna and Artemis finally got the group out of the idea of attacking Beryl, pointing out that they still barely beat down the new Generals and had only gotten Prince Darien back - that he would need time to recover. Slowly Serena agreed that she would like time to celebrate having her friends and her love all back. That was enough for the others to calm down. But they were there for each battle, coming out hard and strong against all of the wimp Generals Beryl had left.

Christmas came fast, and with so few Negaverse attacks that the group actually got to celebrate! The group gathered at the mansion. The morning was the New York parade, breakfast, and gifts. Nonetheless, all of the Generals enjoyed this holiday to the fullest.

Serena came with Darien. Her father had to work, her brother was spending the day with friends, and her mom had a shopping date with some of her friends. And then her parents were going to a year-end party that night, while Sammy was overnighting with the next-door neighbor’s kid. But, it was all right since she had her Muffin and the group would be together to celebrate.

Darien gave Serena a silver heart locket with a picture of them on the inside. On the outside of the heart was a gold and red enamel rose along with a moon and mask engraved next to it. “So you know exactly who holds my heart forever. I love you, my Princess.”

She gave Darien a teddy bear holding a heart and a red rose. On the heart was ‘Serena and Darien 4-ever and Always - December 25, 1992’

“This way you’ll never forget who holds my heart too. I love you, Muffin.”

That afternoon, before anyone else could make a move, Zoicite called her right to a clear shot at Jedite - as was promised. She got him right on the same side of the head he had gotten her. Everyone broke down into cheers and laughter as the snowball fight went into high gear. The women put the men in their places fast, SURRENDER.

After that they all had some Christmas cake. They all opened a few nengajos (Japanese New Year’s greeting cards). The group started plans for the New Year’s celebrations.

Raye pulled Chad off to themselves and finally admitted that she liked him more than she ever really showed. It took all of his control, but Chad held his happiness under control. He told Raye that he only stayed at the temple because he had fallen for her from first sight, and he agreed to keep it under wraps for now - until the business with Beryl could be straightened out. As an extra gift, Raye gave him a deep and passionate kiss.

The next day the Generals, Molly, and all of the youmas got the mansion cleaned from top to bottom. A tradition in Japan to sweep away the old year in preparation for the New Year, but also because all of their friends and their families would be there after going to Raye’s temple at sunrise.

They also cleaned at Stanton International. Molly liked that she got to be with her friends at the office, but the work was harder than normally. Still she had Neflyte with her, and he made sure the strain wasn’t too bad on her muscles.

December 31st, the group all got together for lunch at a noodle shop. After that they all went to the temple to help get it ready for dawn. Raye’s grandpa loved the extra help, and was hinting annoyingly at the couples about ending the year wedded.

Molly and Neflyte only giggled about it, and informed the old man that once Molly was of age they would come and allow him to perform their marriage.

Serena and Darien explained how her family still didn’t know about their relationship. But, promised too to allow him to perform their wedding.

Then came Zoicite and Malachite. Everyone was waiting to hear their excuse. They agreed to also have their wedding at the temple, but once everything settled in their lives. It barely passed.

And then the old man started to go for Raye. “Oh no you don’t! We have enough to do the next week!”

That night everyone gathered with their various families to watch the Red and White Song Festival. Lita joined in with Mina’s family, and Darien found himself invited to Serena’s - by Mrs. Tsukino!

Ken looked over this young man who (in his eyes) was too old for Serena. But the young couple acted proper and tried hard to enjoy the evening, despite Ken’s hostile attitude.

Sammy liked Darien from the start. They played some video games until dinner (when Sammy could keep Darien away from Serena). But the kid couldn’t understand why this cool guy would like his flaky sister.

Irene loved the fact that her little girl had found someone to love. And Darien was such a polite young man. She didn’t mind the age difference. Serena had not glowed with happiness in so long. Darien seemed to pull her little girl out of the depression Serena had never been able to explain, and that was wonderful in Irene’s eyes.

At midnight, Raye, her grandfather, and Chad each rang the bell 36 times - for a total of 108 peals to welcome in the New Year. By the time Raye finished the last pull, she turned around to find a surprise. All of her friends and their families were standing before her!

“Happy New Year!”

Raye never felt so loved! Everyone had her draw out their fortunes. The two trees on either side of the entrance of the shrine were quickly covered by fortunes.

Chad helped by selling good luck charms. Jedite winced at this, remembering how that had been one of his plans to drain energy for the Negaverse. Raye went over to him and smiled. “Go on, Jedite. Grandpa doesn’t remember, and I forgave you a long time ago. Happy New Year, my friend.”

For Jedite, that made his forgiveness complete.

The group headed to their homes. Ken agreed to allow Darien to date Serena, making both young people happier than ever in their lives as well as pleasing his wife.

By the time the Generals and Molly made it to the mansion, it was nearly half after 2 in the morning. Perfect time in the eyes of the Generals and the youma as well. “Happy Birthday Molly!”

“Oh … thank you all! This is my best birthday ever!”

Neflyte took her into his arms. “Only one left to go, my only.”

“And then we’ll be together by modern law, my husband.” Molly sighed as he kissed her lips.

To even the surprise of the Generals, the youma had bought Molly gifts and baked her a birthday cake! She always treated them as equals and friends, and that gave her all of their respect and honor.

None of them got any sleep. One more year … it felt like forever to Molly. Neflyte had waited a thousand such markers just to hold her in his arms - he could wait, though he too was anxious. Before the sun rose that morning the entire group met once again at the steps of the Cherry Hill Temple. Raye had a time moving down the stairs to meet the others for all of the people who had come. There were so many people, maybe triple what the group originally guessed for the most visitors! It was the time that all went to temples and shrines for Hatsu-mode - to pray for blessing to come with the New Year. Still, the group was amazed by it all.

“Hey everyone. We are already packed and trying to find space for the overflow! But, I’ve saved space for all of you. Oh, and this is for you, Molly, I hope you like it. Happy Birthday.” Raye handed Molly a small box, while the birthday girl in turn gave her friend a small wrapped box. “Thank you, and this is for you Raye. Happy New Year.”

“Oh, thank you. Come on everyone, time to get to the services.”

In Japan it was tradition that the birthday person not only got presents that they would open later in private, but also they gave them to the gift givers as well. Still, Raye and Molly opened theirs in front of only their group in a side room. Molly had given Raye a beautiful Washi paper doll. Raye gave Molly a beautiful scroll painting.

Everyone who was in the secret went to Lita’s for a light dinner (including all of the youmas) - that is once things calmed down at the temple. Lita produced the most wonderful chocolate cheesecake that read “Happy 15th Birthday Molly - One to Go!” Everyone burst into laughter as Jedite lit all fifteen candles at once, while Molly and Neflyte blushed.

“I should have seen that one coming!” Molly giggled. After she held her eyes closed for a moment, she blew out all the candles easily. Everyone cheered, but Molly would tell no one her wish. She was hoping with all of her might that it would come true. That by some miracle she and Neflyte wouldn’t have to wait out that long year before they could legally wed.

The group and their families celebrated into late that night.

* * * * * * * *

On Valentine’s Day, Molly treated Neflyte to special chocolate kisses. Zoicite and Malachite took off for Chad’s parent’s villa (a gift from their friend) so that their friends would have time uninterrupted. Jedite hung out with Mina and Lita (since none of them had someone to be with).

Serena took off for Darien’s apartment with special chocolate chip cookies (luckily Lita help her with them before going off with Jedite and Mina!).

“Darien?” She smiled as she pushed the doorbell.

“Well hello beautiful! Come on in.” Darien opened the door with a big smile on his face, just as he had everyday he had lived since meeting this beautiful blonde.

Serena giggled as he wrapped his arms around her. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Muffin! I brought you some cookies. Don’t worry; Lita helped me fix them so they should be better than ever before. Ha, ha, ha.”

“As long as I get them from you, my meatball head. Does your back still hurt from last night’s battle?”

Darien’s face twisted with worry when she winced slightly trying to sit on the couch like a proper lady. Jasper had attacked the local mall, and Serena was slammed hard into a pillar. With their unique link to one another, Darien knew she was hurt bad. No matter how much she fought it, Darien knew that she had wanted to wail after the hit and that she was still in great pain.

Serena winked up at him. “Oh, I’m fine! After all today’s the day I get to spoil you, remember?”

“Then let me spoil you love. Before you I never had anyone that needed me. I have never felt needed. Please my love.” He gently began to massage her back; it felt so good to be wanted.

Serena just relaxed into his arms as he took away the hurt in her sore muscles. She loved being in his arms, and if it made her muffin happy then it wasn’t being greedy. “Oh Darien. You know me too well, my Prince.”

“As you know me well, my sweet,” Darien chuckled.

In no time at all, Serena was fast asleep. Luna had told him on the phone how the girl had tossed, turned and groaned through most of the night - finding a very little sleep at all because of the pain her tender back muscles gave her. The guy planned on making sure his Princess got some rest before she had to take off for home. However in a few minutes he too was out of it.

When Serena woke, she was warm and felt so safe. Only then did she realize that she was still in Darien’s arms. Looking up at her Muffin, she saw that he was asleep and seemed so satisfied. She was still weary, so Serena decided to just relax and watch the sunset.

Just as the sky began to turn into its blazing colors, Darien opened his eyes. Serena was gently rubbing his arms and smiling, lost in her own thoughts. Darien had to admit that it felt so good, holding her this close and the world being peaceful. “Feel better, my sweet?”

“Much. How about you?”

Darien inhaled her scent and hugged her tight for a moment. “Better than I ever have in all of my life.”

“Good.” Serena relaxed further into his embrace as they watched the day end.

* * * * * * * *

As a reward for finally pulling an ‘A’ on a major standardized test, Serena’s parents decided to take Serena and all of the girls on a vacation a few days later. Serena pleaded and was able to talk them into taking Darien along as well. Yet, in the back seat Ken had sat Sammy between her and Darien. That still didn’t stop the couple from keeping an eye on one another.

"This is great. We haven't been on a family vacation in ages." Irene smiled as she broke the couple out of their appreciation of each other, causing them both to blush lightly.

Sammy on the other hand wasn’t too excited about it. "But Mom, really? Hot springs? Aren't they for over-the-edge wackos?"

Serena looked out the window for a moment to find a surprise. "Hey, what a beautiful lake."

"Yeah, but where's the video arcade?" Sammy whined.

Ken checked to make sure that the other cars were still following him. He was glad that Maxfield had agreed to the destination. "Your mother and I have special memories about this place kids, 'cause this is where we first met."

"It seems like yesterday," Irene sighed.

Serena admitted to herself that the place looked so romantic, and it was the best kind of place to vacation with her true love for the first time. And it was Molly and Neflyte as well as Zoicite and Malachite’s first vacation since the generals returned to their duties. Serena just prayed that nothing bad would happen. At least the entire group was going to be there if the worse did come up.

Looking over at Darien, Serena caught him smiling at her. Softly she mouthed out ‘I love you’ and smiled even brighter when he whispered the same back to her. Ken didn’t catch it, but Irene did. The fact that her little girl had fallen in love with such a nice young man made her heart soar. The spirit within Irene smiled as well, that her beloved daughter was finally with the man she was born to be with. Finally they arrived at the parking lot. Serena and Darien were out of the car and looking down the hillside at the lake. Ken did not like it, but had to admit that his little girl had grown and found her true love. Then Molly and her love Maxfield, along with Tara (Zoicite) and Ranen (Malachite), joined the couple to admire the view. Given the severe age difference between Mr. Stanton and Molly, Ken couldn’t rightly justify that age was the issue he had with his daughter’s relationship. The truth was that he felt like he was losing his little girl, and wasn’t sure yet of who he was losing Serena to.

Serena pulled her favorite locket out and opened it. The sweet music it played just seemed to fit the scene before Ken. He finally shook his head, knowing that Serena would be getting married before too long - and he decided to enjoy every minute he had left with his baby girl.

"Everyone, it's time to check in now." Irene called out cheerfully. She saw so many couples in love, standing in the same place that she and her own husband had long before. Irene prayed with all of her heart that each of those couples would have as happy a future as she had with Ken.

* * * * * * * *

"So you've detected powerful energy emissions emanating from this lake?" Beryl growled. She had lost Darien, all four Generals, and had yet to gain the Imperium Silver Crystal. Idiots surrounded her!

Jet stood seductively while her mate gazed at her from the shadows. They had been having difficulties since she lost control of his daughter. He was going to shatter that brat if she cost him his new love. Rudolph was attracted to Jet’s power, and wasn’t ready to let it go. She took his full attention as she worked her mojo on the Queen.

"It's exceptionally strong and similar to our power, but there's something very different about it."

“Drop the hocus pocus, Jet. You may or may not have power over mortals, but you will never have enough strength to enchant the mighty Negaforce or myself! Investigate this immediately. And don’t fail us again, or you will not have time enough to regret it.” Beryl shouted.

Jet’s eyes flared with her frustration in failing to erase their last failure from the Queen’s mind. "Yes, majesty."

Once Jet vanished, Beryl made a quick decision. “Jasper, come forward!”

"I am here, my Queen.”

"I don't trust Jet, she has made many vows and has yet to make good on those promises. I don't want to take any chances with this mission, Jasper. I want you to keep a close eye on her and on Rudolph. His desire for his daughter could cost us the crystal … this must not be allowed. Do I make myself perfectly clear?"

Jasper saw his best chance to advance his position in the Negaverse - rid himself of Jet and her lover. "As you wish, my queen."

"Prince Darien must be restored to my complete control. He is key to my retrieving the Imperium Crystal." Beryl commanded. The truth was, she wanted Darien - just as she did a thousand years before. And she wasn’t about to give him up.

* * * * * * * *

The group wrapped towels around themselves and headed off to the springs. Serena sighed as she looked out over the lake. "Oh, unbelievable. The view is something else. Don’t you think so, Darien?" “Yeah.” He smiled, as he whispered into her ear. “But you make it seem very plain in comparison.”

Serena chuckled as she relaxed back in the water and rested her head on his shoulder.

Ken could see that this place certainly had magic, a magic that bound himself to his love for years. If it was meant to be as it looked, then who was he to stand in the way of fate? "And you thought this place was just for old folks like us."

"Come in, Sammy. It feels really good." Irene smiled.

"Sammy, what's wrong with you? Forget how to swim?" Even in love, Serena still enjoyed a good taunt.

Sammy made a disgusted face. "Of course not. Water smells weird."

"That's just the sulfur in the water. You'll get used to it, Sammy." His father explained.

Irene chuckled. "It's not so bad, smelling like rotten eggs."

Raye winked at Serena, who nodded with a sneaky grin. Raye snuck up behind the kid and shoved him in. "There! Now you're in."

"Very funny," Sammy growled as he stuck his head back out of the water.

The rest of the group were chuckling hard as he jumped out of the water and stood at the edge of the spring. "Hey, awesome view. I can see for just miles."

After a few moments, Serena looked up at him. "What are you looking at?"

Sammy pointed out to the lake edge. "Look. There's some guy in a suit and a lady in a weird outfit. Down there; they just disappeared!"

With a nod from Neflyte, Cullen (Jedite) shut his eyes and rubbed the immediate memories from Serena’s parents and brother. Sammy gasped a second time. "Hey, awesome view. I can see for just miles."

“You know what … I think the rest of us are going to take a walk by the lake.” Serena saw without questioning that the Generals had seen to their cover.

“Have fun kids!” Irene waved as the group left. “He loves her very much.”

“Darien and Serena? Yeah, and she obviously loves him. I just hope they allow us these last few years with her as simply our daughter.”

Jumping into the water, Sammy gave his folks a strange look. “What are you talking about?”

“Oh, you’ll understand once you’re older Sammy.” Irene chuckled.

Ken rolled his eyes back and groaned. “Hopefully that will be many, many years from now.”

“Huh? Weird.” Sammy said as he shook his head. His parents simply chuckled at it.

* * * * * * * *

Minutes later the group was in robes, and hurrying down to the lake. After a few minutes, their searches came back empty.

“I have no doubts that Jet and Rudolph were here, and since I haven’t found a point of exit they have to be hiding somewhere around here,” Jedite reported.

Molly shut her eyes and slowed her breathing before lowering her head. “I know that she’s still here. I feel her powers.”

“Molly, how can you pick her up? What is it you’re feeling?” Neflyte asked as he rested his hands on his beloved’s shoulders.

Molly took a deep breath. “It’s like the feeling a person gets in a haunted house movie. The feeling of being stalked, but not seeing anyone. They are watching us, but I don’t think they knew we would be here. It’s like they came here for another reason.”

“Hey everyone,” Irene called out as she walked up to the group.

Molly quickly whispered, “They won’t attack yet. Not until they do what they came to do.”

They all nodded in agreement. Serena smiled at her mother. “Hey mom.”

Looking at the statue the group was gathered in front of, Irene smiled. "Oh. It's the Guardians of the Lake. They have quite a story."

"Huh? What about them?" Zoicite asked.

"It's an ancient legend. There was a young man who fell in love with a water sprite who lived in the lake, but there was a girl from this town who also loved him, and when she saw them together, she got so jealous, she turned into a vicious monster and attacked everything in sight. The only way the young man and the water sprite could stop her was by harnessing the power of their love to seal her beneath the lake. Their energy all gone, they rose into the sky and became two happy stars guarding the lake, and the jealous sprite was doomed to be . . . miserable forever," Irene explained.

Serena was stunned by the story. That was a possible explanation to why the duo of trouble was there. "They sealed her, the spirit, in this lake?"

“Let’s all head back and get some dinner.” Irene smiled as the group followed her back up to the retreat.

Jet and Rudolph smiled at one another as they watched the retreating forms leave. He rubbed her arms. “This legend about the evil spirit in the lake. Hmm . . . maybe it's not just a legend."

“And we can use it to get our revenge on the little tramp that nearly got us caught just now. After that, who knows what we can do? Maybe Beryl will not sit on her throne for much longer.” Jet chuckled as she rubbed her hand up his neck, knowing that he enjoyed the touch.

Jasper watched the action from his position in the higher limbs of a nearby tree - recording all the action for Beryl. “Well, well, well, someone is getting a bit too big for her position. Beryl will be very interested in this … very.”

"Ancient creature of the lake, it is time to wake up. I am ending your captivity," Jet shouted as she summoned dark energy and reached out with her mind and own powers.

The lake slowly began to stir, so she sent it down deeper and harder. Focusing her beams and thoughts to the maximum intensity. "So, I am your master now. I COMMAND YOU TO RISE AND OBEY ME!"

"Obey YOU?! Never!" The spirit emerged from the lake with an unearthly screech that was full of hate and rage. "Free at last!"

At the last possible second Jet and Rudolph both leapt out of the way. Jasper tried fighting off his tears of laughter, but was losing the fight fast. "Ha, ha. Poor Jet and Rudy. Looks like they’ve dredged up a whole lot more than they can handle. Should be fun."

The spirit stretched and roared in her elation. "Revenge will be mine. Where is she, that wretched water sprite?!"

"Huh? Finally, she'll pay!" In the distance she saw the group and focused in on Serena and Darien, who were cuddling close - both unfortunately was a near twin to the sprite and young man of the legend. "There she is, and now the fun begins. YES!"

Jet growled at the spirit that was ignoring her. "Where are you going? Get back here! I AM YOUR MASTER!"

By now Ken and Sammy had joined the group heading back to resort. Getting a strange feeling, Serena looked back at the lake. “Darien, something is going bad, and fast.”

“I know. I feel it too. It’s like wanting to run,” Darien whispered into her ear.

Ken noticed that Darien and Serena had stopped, but only thought it was lovers wanting time for private chitchat - except the look on the young couple’s faces seem slightly off. “Serena … Darien, is something wrong?"

"Huh?” Suddenly caught, Serena covered her tracks. “Oh . . . uh . . . I was just looking at the full moon. Isn't it something else?"

"Yeah, you're right. It sure is." Ken smiled as he looked up at the glowing orb in the sky. He knew he could trust his daughter; it was only Darien who had to prove himself to the protective father. “We’d better all head back for a bath before dinner.”

As they all continued to the resort that bad feeling hit Darien and Serena worse than before, but this time all of the group sensed it as the spirit blew over to take position over the group. "Revenge is mine!"

"Huh? Wh-what was that?" Serena had only caught a glance of what blew over them.

"Your scariest nightmare!" came the answer directly above them all.

Serena panicked into flake mode. "Sea monster?! WITH BAD HAIR?! EW!"

"Serena! Darien! Quick, get over here right now! Come on, hurry!" Irene yelled.

Serena didn’t need to be told twice. "No problem, Mom! We're coming!"

Darien’s only thought was for his love and future family. Grabbing Serena’s arms he pulled her tight to him. "Let's get outta here now!"

Fast as they could the couple got back with the group. Ken waved the group past him. "Come on! Quickly!"

"Head for the trees!" Neflyte yelled.

Amy snuck away and transformed into Sailor Mercury. “MERCURY POWER!”

The spirit shot a gush of green breath, but the group dodged it. Serena shouted at the evil spirit. "OH! All right! That's it! How dare you terrorize my family, you reject from a fish factory! Go slink back to whatever . . . sewer you came from!"

"Right!" Ken yelled as he grabbed a tree branch. "Oh yeah! Make my day, swamp thing!"

That was where the rest of the Scouts but Serena slipped away to transform. Her attentions went back to her father when the spirit growled in his face. Ken knew he was out of his league - and instantly had a new respect for Darien. "Uh . . . uh, maybe that can be another day."

The evil spirit grabbed Ken by the neck. That panicked Serena and Sammy. "DADDY!"

"HONEY!" Irene screamed. She wondered where the Sailor Scouts where they needed them.

So was Ken, who saw Darien instinctively turned into Tuxedo Mask. "AAH! LET ME GO!"

"AAH! I gotta stop her! MOON . . .” Serena began to change, but Tuxedo stopped her. A rose forced the spirit to release Ken.

Ken rushed to his family. Irene grabbed him thankfully. "AAH! Honey, are you all right?"

"Who's the guy in the cape?" Sammy asked.

Serena nudged him along. "He’s here to help us. Now let’s get out of here!"

Seeing that his love and her family were rushing to safety, Tuxedo gave them time. "Back off, lady! Bad form to attack innocent people!"

"You want a fight? I'll give you a fight." She lashed her tail at him. It ripped through a tree, but Tuxedo jumped out of the way.

Irene still felt the panic in her heart. Ken was with her and she saw the Scouts nearby, so she knew they would be safe as her baby had been. "You were so brave, honey. Sure you're all right?"

Ken gently urged his wife and son ahead of him. "Yeah. Really, I am. Now get ahead of me, in case that monster follows us!"

When Serena tried to join them, he grabbed her and whispered in her ear. “They are going to need their leader, aren’t they? Go on, baby, and remember that I am so proud of you - my Moonchild. Now go and make that monster pay for interrupting our vacation, Sailor Moon.”

That shocked Serena, but she had to fight off her tears as her father winked and nodded before rushing off to join their family. “I love you too, daddy. MOON PRISM POWER!”

Moments later, Serena was transformed into Sailor Moon.

"Back to your swamp, fish-face!" Tuxedo shouted before being thrown to the ground.

“Hang on Tuxedo Mask!” Moon cried out as she rushed back to the battle - stronger for having her father’s blessings.

Venus appeared next. "HOLD IT, SEWER-BREATH! I'm Sailor Venus!"

"Sailor Jupiter!"

"Sailor Mars!"

“Sailor Solaris!”

"And Sailor Mercury!"

The Scouts all joined beside their leader’s love and highest protector as they all shouted together. "You're history!"

Sammy stopped to see the action. "Whoa, the Sailor Scouts! They're gonna waste her good!"

"Hey! Over here, scale-face!" Moon shouted. "So I got your attention, huh? How dare you mess with my family! I am Sailor Moon, and there's no way I'm gonna let you hurt the people I really love. On behalf of the Moon, I'll punish you!"

Then the Generals joined in. As their leader, Neflyte spoke for the rest. “And we, the Generals and High Guardians of the Sailor Scouts, are going to see to it that you will not win this night, water demon.” Sammy loved this! “Even better! The Scout Generals are there too!”

"I'll take care of you!" Unfortunately, the evil spirit heard him and shot an attack at the family.

“NO!” Moon screamed, echoed by her warriors. All four Generals teleported to where they hovered between the on coming attack and their Princess’ family. It was nothing for them to deflect and eliminate the force the evil spirit had fired.

Moon sighed in relief before ordering with the strongest conviction any of them had seen in her, “Generals … guard the family from being used as pawns against us in this battle.”

“Yes, my lady.” All four called out in unison, before teleporting the family to a safe distance.

Moon didn’t see that she had left her back open to an attack, until she heard the creature’s screech and the voices of Jupiter and Venus calling out her name. Both Scouts sent out a double team attack.

"VENUS CRESCENT BEAM SMASH!"

JUPITER THUNDER CRASH!" Their attacks united and disintegrated the monster. Jupiter took it as a victory. "We gotcha!"

But, the monster was an earth-bound spirit, and so could not be destroyed. Venus gasped at the sight of it coming back to fight. "Looks like we didn't get her so good after all."

"You're mine!" the spirit spat as she was preparing to unleash another attack.

Moon on the other hand was ready to end the battle fast. "Try this, sister-sludge! MOON TIARA MAGIC!"

The attack seemed to destroy the monster. "Totally dusted!"

However, it re-formed before all of their eyes! Moon didn’t know what to do. "I've had it with this Negamonster! SHE'S SUPPOSED TO BE DUSTED! OH!"

"Hmm. Strange. I sense she's very evil and extremely strong, but she's definitely not from the Negaverse," Mars said.

Tuxedo shook his head. He shouted to the others. "You're right, Sailor Mars. It's has to be what Jet and Rudolph were after! They probably woke the thing up and released it from the lake, and I should have taken care of them back when I had the chance - I’ll clean up this mess. Get back with our family in case it get past me!"

"No way, pal. Evil happens to be my specialty." Mars countered. Calling on her temple powers and charged one of her spell papers. "I call upon the power of Mars! FIREBALLS CHARGE! Check this out, swamp-trash!"

Flinging the empowered scroll, it struck and paralyzed the spirit. Then the fire Scout called out, "MARS FIRE IGNITE!"

That surrounded the evil spirit in a circle of flames, impressing Moon. "CoOOOol."

"Now, Sailor Moon." Mars wasn’t sure how long the attack would hold.

"Oh . . . yeah. Right." That brought Moon back to the moment. In a moment she had the Crescent Moon Wand in her hand and the spell was activated. "MOON HEALING ACTIVATION!"

Even though the spirit wasn’t from or changed by the Negaverse, the crystal’s spell has the desired effect. The evil jealousy that had plagued the young lady’s spirit for so long slowly was expelled. In a few moments, the crystal’s magic ceased and the group saw the young woman, as she had really been ages before.

"I'm . . . myself again. Oh, thank you." The lady’s spirit sighed happily.

"Finally, she's free of all that jealousy. Totally amazing. Isn't she pretty?" Mars smiled.

"Beautiful," Moon agreed. Tuxedo wrapped an arm around Moon as they watched the young woman’s spirit rise to the sky.

The spirit looked on Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask with peace, respect, and gratitude. The spirit saw the love the couple held for one another and waved goodbye to who were in her mind the spirits of those she had destroyed with her jealousy so long before reborn to this life. "You've freed me. Thank you. Goodbye. Goodbye."

"Good luck." Tuxedo and Moon both waved goodbye to the spirit that had a familiarity for them both.

* * * * * * * *

The group transformed and rushed back to Serena’s family. They found them all seated in a private meeting room, with an upset General standing in each of the corners of the room.

Once Serena came into the room, Irene and Sammy became visibly more relaxed. That put Serena on alert. “What’s going on?”

“Serena, I was so worried about you." Irene held the girl for dear life.

Serena started formulating a story to cover her and the Scouts’ tracks. “I’m sorry … um … uh.”

“Forget about telling any stories, pumpkin. We interrogated you Generals and got the entire story from them as well as Luna and Artemis. Be proud of them though, they didn’t say anything until I told them that I knew your secret.” Ken proudly hugged his little girl.

Hearing their names both cats came out to where the group could see them. Sammy hugged his sister tighter than he ever had in his entire life! “I can’t believe that Sailor Moon is my big sister!”

“Sammy, that is the biggest secret you will ever find out in you whole life! If Beryl or the Negaverse ever found out who I am in everyday life, she’d use you, mom, and dad to get me to do whatever she’d want! Promise me that you will never tell a soul!” Serena was near panic.

Sammy chuckled. “Yeah, yeah. Luna gave us the same warning too. My lips are sealed.”

Serena hugged the kid tight. “I’m still worried. Generals, Luna, Artemis? Isn’t there something we can do to make them forget?”

“I’m afraid not, Serena. We’ve already tried the Luna mind-meld, Jedite tried his abilities, and I even doubt the crystal will erase the information from your family’s memories. It is as if they are meant to know,” Luna answered for them all.

Irene had Serena sit down, and then sat next to her. “Serena, I won’t say that your father and I dreamed this kind of life for you. But, I do know that you have taken to it well, and you seem to be very important in this life as you were in your last. We are proud of you, and though I hate seeing you in any danger, you know what you are doing now and have people who respect and care about you as support and guides. We are not going to stop you from facing the Negaverse or any other evil that threatens our world.”

“Oh, thank you, mom!” Serena clutched the woman close.

“Just please be careful. And that goes with all of you. In a way this make you all family to us, and I don’t want to lose any of you,” Irene warned the rest.

Neflyte smiled for the first time since the others came in as he pulled Molly close to his side. “That is our duty … guard the Prince and Princess, as well as one another.”

“Well, even Princesses need to eat. So, let’s go have dinner and then maybe soak in the springs again before bed?” Ken stood up and led the group to the dinning room.

After dinner Serena thought about her place and those around her. "Oh, I sure have a great family. Mom and Dad are always there for me, and Sammy . . . well, everyone's gotta have some irritation in their life. Oh, I've got way cool friends, too. We may fight sometimes, especially Raye and me, but we're solid when it counts. Really solid."

Raye sighed as she looked up in the sky. "Check out the moon."

Lita smiled at the all too quiet leader of the Sailor Scouts. "Hey, Earth to Serena. Hey, why so pensive? What are you thinking about?"

"Oh, lots of things. I was just thinking: I hope I never get so jealous I turn into some creeped-out monster. I mean that'd be totally bad. I mean, way harsh."

"Oh, we'll make sure of that." Amy chuckled.

Raye agreed. "That's for sure."

"But just in case, better take a dunk in the hot springs." Mina chuckled as she dunked Serena under the water. All of the girls added themselves for the fun.

* * * * * * * *

So, any complaints yet?

I hated Darien being in the Negaverse for so long only to die at the end and lose his memories again! Well I think that it is about time that Desiree’s room was fixed up - don’t all of you feel the same way?