Every year at the beginning of July, Tokyo held a carnival. Each year there was a different host and this year it was being hosted by the Sailor Scouts. When the news started up about who was going to be voted in to be host, the Sailor Scouts were nominated to be host. The city had a vote and when the scouts won, the mayor wasn’t too impressed. He didn’t think it was proper for teenagers to run around in skimpy skirts that looked like skating outfits. The scouts were overjoyed they won and with Neflite coming into their lives, they convinced him to help out with the location. Wanting to keep up with his story, he created an office building, Stanton Enterprises and gave the property a big enough lot to have the carnival. It was now two hours before the grounds opened, and the scouts could see people for the grounds to open.

“Couple of more hours,” Sailor Moon said excitedly.

“I hope the Negaverse doesn’t show,” said Sailor Uranus

“You can probably count on them showing up,” Malachite said. He had his arm draped around Sailor Venus.

“If they do show, we’ll be ready for them,” said Sailor Venus. “My visions are telling me that this is going to be a great success. So we have to stay positive that everything will work out.”

“I agree,” Sailor Mars said. “I don’t get any major bad vibes. But I do get the feeling that we’re going to be on a show of a lifetime.”

“Where’s Mercury?” Jedite asked. “And Zoisite?”

“At the airport with Greg. He has been transferred back to Canada and he wants to leave a day early. Mercury tried to convince him to stay until after the carnival but he insisted on leaving,” Jupiter answered.

“I wish he didn’t have to leave today. He would have had a great time,” Sailor Mars said.

“I didn’t want to say this in front of Mercury,” Venus said. “But I could sense jealously from Greg, especially when we learned of Mercury’s past. Zoisite wants to pursue her but he’s held back because of Greg.”

“Poor guy,” Neptune said. “He was Mercury’s first crush in this life. Chances are he probably took the transfer so he could heal his broken heart.”

“What do you mean?” asked Jedite.

Neptune looked at the blond. “Think about it. Before you guys popped back into our lives, Greg had moved here. He even went out and got an apartment. And then not even a month later he takes a transfer to Canada. I don’t know about you but I think he’s leaving because of Zoisite.”

“You know,” Sailor Moon started. “That does make sense. He was only home a month before finding the apartment and then a few days later you guys are back. Zoisite also tried to turn him back into a shadow warrior.”

* * * * * * * *

At the airport, Amy was saying good-bye to Greg. She had asked Zoisite to accompany her. She didn’t want to be alone, after Greg left. She was trying to stay strong, but an occasional tear would make a stream down her lovely face.

“Amy, you don’t need to be strong. I know you’re holding back the tears. I know, I said before that I wasn’t leaving, but I’ll be gone for a month. But I don’t want you to wait for me, in case I’m longer. You’ll be starting university in the fall so my apartment is up for grabs. Why don’t you take it.”

“Greg, thanks for helping me to try and find an apartment. Even though in the end Mina rented me one in her building,” Zoisite said.

“No problem,” Greg said.

“Have a good a trip,” Amy said, hugging her friend.

“I will. If your memories do return you’ll understand what I meant when I said, don’t wait for me.”

“Flight 112 to Canada will be leaving in twenty minutes. All passengers for Flight 112 please proceed to Gate 10. Thank you,” the female intercom announcer said.

Greg released Amy, “Well, this is it.”

“Yeah,” she whispered, allowing her tears to fall freely.

*Take care of her* Greg said to Zoisite, through the mind.

*I will* Zoisite said. *You remember her past?*

*Not really. I just can see you with her*

Greg picked up his carry on bag as Zoisite placed a hand on Amy’s shoulder. He knew she would need a shoulder to cry on when Greg left on the plane. For the full twenty minutes, Amy watched sadly, as Greg went off to board the plane.

When the plane started to take off, Amy turned and cried silently against Zoisite’s shirt. His arms were wrapped tightly around her. After a couple of minutes of allowing Amy to have some quiet time, he broke the silence.

“I hate to interrupt, but we do have a carnival to get to,” Zoisite said, soothingly. “And Sailor Mercury is expected to be there.”

“You’re right,” she whispered, moving away. She looked out the window, seeing the plane take flight. Before she spoke again, she had most of her composure back. “By the time we get there, it will have already started. Let’s go.”

* * * * * * * *

Like Sailor Mercury thought, by the time her and Zoisite arrived, the carnival was under way. The parking lot was half full. Since the office building was pretty large and belonged to a millionaire, the parking lot was the size of a large mall.

Zoisite and Sailor Mercury walked very carefully as to not to be seen by the public, until a clown came into view.

“Mercury!”

Mercury snapped her head around to the clown. She felt a little uneasy seeing the clown. How did the clown know who she was? After a couple of seconds, she recognized him. “Chad!”

The man chuckled. “Yup. Malachite has a little surprise and wanted some of us to dress up for the kids,” he said. “By the way, Venus is looking for you. Neflite is bringing in some ponies. He’ll need someone to help him set up the ponies, when he arrives. He was wondering if you could help him, Zoisite.”

“Thanks,” the scout of ice said as Chad left.

Before Mercury could leave, Zoisite grasped her hand. “I’m always here for you. Before Greg left, did you understand what he meant?”

“I believe so. It’s very clear with what Raye’s mother told us. But I don’t remember and I’m not even sure…”

“Mercury!” Venus called, running up to the blue scout. “Quick, we have to get to the stage on the other side of the grounds.”

Venus grabbed Mercury’s wrist and ran into the shadows. Zoisite shrugged. Just like Sailor Venus to interrupt their conversation. Knowing he wasn’t going to get the rest of what she was going to say, he went off into the shadows to prepare for his own surprise.

* * * * * * * *

As Sailor Mars waited for Venus and Mercury, she was remembering the day the Sailor Scouts were asked to city hall and the mayor informed them that they were nominated to be this year’s host. The scouts were excited to learn they had a fan club. When the voting was over, again they were asked to city hall where the Mayor announced in a press converence that the scouts would be hosting the carnival.

“Sorry we’re late,” Venus said as she and Mercury came up.

“Rita is ready. She’s waiting for us to get to the back of the stage,” the scout of fire said.

Dodging, all three girls were in the back in no time. As they approached, Rita saw them and went out on stage.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, children of all ages. Welcome to the 10th annual Summer Blossom Carnival. As everyone well knows this year the Sailor Scouts are hosting.” Rita had to pause, as there was an uproar of an applause. When it died Rita continued.

“It probably would have been better if you had waited to applaud. Because let's give a great round of applause for the…SAILOR SCOUTS!” she shouted, as the cheers went higher than before. Then went even higher when each scout walked on stage, waving to the audience. When all the scouts were on stage, Rita gave Sailor Moon the microphone and left the stage.

“Good Morning!” Sailor Moon shouted over the cheers. She waited until the cheers were over, before continuing. “Thank you for the huge applause. But please could you wait until after we are done talking.

“As you all know, I am Sailor Moon. Today is nothing but fun. There will be a few surprises, some that even we don’t know about.”

When Sailor Moon was done, Sailor Jupiter came up.

“In case you didn’t know, I’m Sailor Jupiter. You can already see clowns moving about. Well, I just found out that later this after noon, we’ll be having a magic show right here on stage. Around lunch the gift shop will open and there will also be an arts and crafts exhibit.”

“Hello. My name is Avery,” Avery said. She had come up behind Jupiter. “And I am not a scout but I am a friend. Some of you people have seen my sisters and me working at a cosmetics shop. Over nearby the entrance you’ll see people getting their face painted. It is opened for all ages. ” Avery left the stage and Jedite walked to Jupiter.

“Throughout the entire day we’ll be holding contests. If you wish to suggest one, go up to any of the clowns. They will be carrying a bag where the suggestions will be held. We have already been requested for a coloring contest for the kids. For each contest you enter, your name will be put in a box for a drawing. Every drawn name will win a prize supplied by Neflite Stanton!”

Sailor Venus came up beside Jupiter, which then Jupiter moved back giving the Scout of Love room. “I’m Sailor Venus and I would like say thank you to Neflite Stanton for the use of his company property to have this special day and I was also wondering if Mr. Stanton could come up here and saw a few words,” Jupiter said. There was applause, how could he refuse? As asked, he went up and took the microphone.

“Thank you, Sailor Venus. I would like to say a few words. First all, I am happy to have this year's carnival here at Stanton Enterprises. And as my friend has just mentioned I will award winners of the contest. The winnings will consist of different prizes, which deal with this carnival and the scouts. There is one more thing I’d like to say. I’d like to introduce to you a wonderful woman. She has made my life worth living, my fiancée Molly.” Molly shyly walked over to Neflite. She went into his arms like a magnet.

“Let the carnival begin!” Sailor Uranus shouted. The audience cheered again but the cheering died quickly as the audience moved away to have fun. When only the scouts remained at the stage, Zoisite approached.

“Zoisite, where have you been?” Tuxedo Mask asked.

“Getting a surprise for Jupiter,” the general said. He moved over to his right to reveal another man.

“Ken!” Jupiter jumped in surprise, then ran over to him.

“Hi…Sailor Jupiter,” he hugged her. “Have you found a boyfriend yet?”

“Ken!” Jupiter lightly punched him in the shoulder.

“I’ll take that as a no. Oh and Zoisite already introduced me to the Starlights, so you don’t need to introduce me to anyone.”

“Speaking of which, where are they?” Mars asked.

“Oh, they're around,” Zoisite said. Just wait and see.

* * * * * * * *

As lunchtime rolled around, the Quartet and Trio helped set up the arts and crafts. They had twenty different people, displaying their crafts. Chad was busy with the gift shop, which was doing well. Neflite made all the gifts.

The Scouts were surprised when Neflite brought out the ponies for children to ride. Neflite had help from the Trio and Zoisite to bring in the ponies without the scouts knowing. Jedite was well under way with his contests. He was now preparing for a balloon contest. The contest was what is the best way to break a balloon without a pin. There was also a contest for the best scout impression and best crazy dance.

Jedite had just finished preparing the balloons when Neflite came up behind him. Jedite sensed his presence but did not act.

“Are you done with the prizes?” Jedite asked, not looking up at his auburn haired friend

“Yes. But before you start, Zoisite wants to make his surprise.”

“Are they ready?” Jedite asked looking at his friend.

“They’re waiting for Zoisite’s signal,” Neflite said. “You know, the girls have been wondering why you put up poles with speakers.

“May I have everyone’s attention,” Zoisite announced from an intercom system on the stage.

“I’d like to introduce you to a group who has touched a lot of hearts and here they are! The STARLIGHTS!”

The curtain parted to reveal the Starlights starting up a song. The Sailor Scouts were in complete shock. This was one surprise they never would have thought of. Their mouths hung open, until Jupiter started whistling and hooting. After a moment, the rest of the scouts joined in.

Zoisite walked over from the stage to the girls, who were still cheering. At his approach, they stopped.

“You slimy little rat of a brother,” Venus said.

“I figured they would want to sing on this important occasion,” Zoisite said to his sister.

“Hey, where’s Sailor Moon?” the Sailor Mercury asked. “She was here two minutes ago.”

“There,” Venus said. She pointed to Serena and Darien, who were just about to get on the Ferris wheel.

“Do you know, they have the right idea,” Rita said.

“That’s an excellent idea. Time for you girls to have some fun,” Zoisite said.

The girls went backstage, to transform back to normal until the magic show, and then headed off to find their boyfriends or friends to go on rides.

While Seiya sang, he watched Lita. She went up to Ken and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Then he saw them head off in the direction to the games. Seiya wanted and needed to find out if he had a chance with Lita, Princess of Jupiter and scout.

A while later when Malachite started the magic show, the girls transformed back to the scouts. Malachite was doing the magic show. He started with simple tricks and then began doing more difficult tricks. He was just beginning on doing a bouquet under the handkerchief trick.

“You see nothing in my hand. I put it under the handkerchief and now I am going to have a volunteer remove the handkerchief.”

He looked around the audience for a volunteer. He saw a young girl, with light blond hair, sitting beside her parents. The child reminded Malachite of a man who long forgotten his childhood from being forced to join the Negaverse, and now the memories were returning.

“How about…you,” he pointed to the little girl with the light blond hair. Sailor Venus saw who he was pointing to and went to help her up on stage.

“All you have to do is pull the handkerchief off his hand,” Venus said when the little girl was beside Malachite. The young girl pulled the handkerchief revealing a beautiful bouquet of white roses in his hand. The audience cheered.

“What is your name, miss?” Malachite asked.

“Rachelle,” she shyly answered.

“Here you go. As a gift you may keep the flowers,” Malachite said. “Let’s hear it for the lovely Rachelle.” As the audience applauded, Rachelle stepped down and went back to her parents.

“Now, for my next trick,” Malachite started. Suddenly, there was a puff of smoke. When it cleared, Eugeal, Mistress 9, Emerald and Kaorinite appeared. There was also a figure in a black cloak.

“Not so fast,” Emerald said.

Backstage, the Sailor Scouts assembled. They had to scramble from where they were without being seen by the Negaverse and wait until Venus could get to them before coming up with a quick plan. When Venus got to her friends, the rest of the generals appeared.

“This is what I had been worrying about,” Venus whispered.

“Any ideas?” Pluto asked.

“We have to make it look like it's part of the act,” Saturn said.

“Guys, stay back here. Help us by using your powers, when it is necessary,” Sailor Moon said. “Jupiter, Saturn, you two go around from behind. The rest will head around front. Malachite is helpless. If he uses his powers, the city will know he’s not a regular human. Let’s move.”

The Sailor Scouts waited until Jupiter and Saturn were in position before jumping out in public.

“Hold it right there!” Sailor Moon jumped out as with the others. “I am Sailor Moon, the champion of justice! On behalf of the Moon, I’ll punish you!”

“Oh, look. Sailor Moon wants to fight,” Emerald mocked.

“Emerald, why don’t you crawl back under the rock you came from,” someone said from behind.

“Geronimo!” Sailor Saturn shouted as she came swinging in on one of the curtain ropes, knocking Emerald to the ground.

Suddenly, everyone could hear Jupiter yell, “Jupiter Thunder Clap ZAP!” Eugeal and Mistress 9 were hit in the head, Jupiter’s lighting bolt. Venus saw something snap. She quickly turned to see Avery whipping her whip. This gave Venus an idea.

“Venus Love Chain Encircle!” Venus used her Love chain as a whip. Wrapping the chain/whip around Kaorinite’s legs, Venus pulled back, making Kaorinite fall.

Sailor Neptune used her newly restored Aqua mirror, making an electrified rope to wrap around the four fallen enemies. Sailor Uranus used her newly restored Space sword to cut the rope. The audience cheered, thinking it was part of the act.

An energy ball suddenly came from the cloaked figure. It was heading towards Sailor Moon. Sailor Mercury and Mars were beside her. Tuxedo Mask saw the ball.

“Sailor Moon, behind you!” Tuxedo Mask yelled.

Sailor Moon turned at the last second, but before she could react, all three girls were hit. They flew back, unconscious. There was a gasp from the audience. This was now starting to look real. If it weren’t for the ex-generals, the hit would have been harder. The ex-generals were generating their energy to a shield so the fight would look like an act. Help would soon come.

Sailor Jupiter went to help her fallen friends. But before she could reach them, the cloaked figure revealed himself. He grabbed Jupiter’s arm from behind and pulled her to him in a bear hug. She could not pull herself free.

“Not so fast, Lita,” he hissed in a whisper in her ear.

“Sapphire!”

“You’re mine,” he growled, then started kissing her ear.

After a few minutes, the scouts were losing. Sapphire was able to knock, the others down so his comrades could get up but still was kissing Jupiter. He was trying to kiss her lips but she was putting up a fight. Neptune’s rope was now wrapped around the scouts and Malachite.

Over by the games, the Starlights showed up and saw the fight.

“We’ve got to help,” Yaten said.

“Right behind you,” Taiki said.

The Starlights ran out of the grounds to transform and joined the fight.

A Sailor Star Light tapped Sapphire on the shoulder. When Sapphire turned, he didn’t even see who it was, only a black, gloved fist. As Sapphire fell to the ground, he released Jupiter. She turned to see that her rescuer was the person she had been avoiding, Seiya. But now Seiya was a woman and in Sailor form.

“How dare you bring these idiots!” Sailor Star Maker shouted, making it sound like it was part of Malachite’s act.

Sailor Moon, Mars and Mercury were regaining consciousness. Within seconds, the Starlights had the scouts free.

“Alright, Ladies. Let’s send these guys home!” Sailor Star Healer growled.

Malachite hurried back to his original position.

The Sailor Scouts placed their hands together.

“Combine Powers!!” they all shouted. A blast of all their powers came charging towards the enemy. The four enemies used their strongest shield but the shield could not hold. The four enemies went flying back.

“RETREAT!” Sapphire yelled. He was the only one that wasn’t injured. Using what power he could use, he conjured up a star gate and was able to get his injured party out of there. When they were gone, the audience stood and cheered. The scouts took this time to make sure they were ok and to thank the Starlights. When the audience calmed down, Malachite spoke.

“Thank you, Sailor Scouts. I am happy to have had the pleasure of you helping me in that trick. For that, could you please all stand in a straight line for my last trick, to levitate you all.” All nine scouts stood where Malachite asked. Holding hands, Malachite lifted his hands as the scouts used their powers to levitate themselves for the first time.

* * * * * * * *

Sapphire and his party, teleported back to the throne room. One look at Beryl, and they knew they were in trouble.

“You failed AGAIN!!” Beryl roared. “You should have known, the Starlights would come to the rescue. And Sapphire, to get Jupiter, you need her in a vulnerable position.”

“My queen. They may have failed but soon the public will be suspicious,” Prince Diamond said.

“How so?”

“Well, right now the public believes the fight was all an act. But later, they may realize, no magician can make people vanish into thin air without a box of some kind.”

“You may have a point. But that fight was very believable as an act,” Beryl said in anger. “Get out of my sight! NOW!”

The throne room was emptied in moments.

The queen sat and tried to think up of another plan. She knew, the enemy would make a shield for the upcoming wedding, so that would be useless. She sat for hours trying to come up with a plan.

“Those brats,” Beryl hissed. “Just you wait, Sailor Scouts. You haven’t seen the last of me. Soon, Mongo will be ready to tangle with you scouts.” The evil queen smiled, as she thought of Mongo destroying the scout of love, Venus. She will be the perfect target.

* * * * * * * *

When it was coming on to evening, the scouts were enjoying themselves. Jedite was done with his contests and now was with Raye. Once in awhile, backstage, the girls would transform into their heroine form, to show that the scouts had not left.

Andrew and Rita had left their boys with some of the scouts. The couple was walking around the games when Andrew spotted Seiya. Seiya and his brothers had just finished doing another little number.

“Hey, what’s up, Seiya?” Rita asked when they approached him.

“Jealousy,” the Starlight leader answered. He looked around and saw Lita with Ken going on anther ride.

“Maybe I can make it easier for you to understand what their relationship is,” Andrew said.

“How can you make it easier?” Seiya asked.

“Lita and Ken are friends. They did have a few dates, but it never became serious. They’re more like sister and brother. When she first knew her destiny, she had just been transferred to Cross Roads Junior High School. That is how we met.

“When she was young, her parents were killed in a plane crash, or so we thought. Lita was so stubborn, she didn’t want to be pampered and was determined to make it on her own. Ken became her backbone. Without him, she would be lost. Seiya, I do believe she likes you, but don’t quote me on that.”

“I didn’t know,” Seiya said.

“Not many people do. She doesn’t like to talk about it much. It just kept her strong when she kept it to herself. Now, Kristi is in the process of tracking Lita’s mother down,” Rita said. She placed a hand on Seiya’s shoulder.

“When are the fireworks?” Seiya asked.

“Across the street at ten o’clock,” Rita said.

“Will you two be there?”

“Depends on these two boys,” Andrew said.

“Well, I better go find my brothers,” Seiya said and left.

* * * * * * * *

Amara and Michelle were near the take out food stand. Amara was thinking about what she and Michelle had talked about a couple weeks ago. Michelle, on the other hand, was deep in thought about one of their male friends. Amara saw Michelle thinking and tried to get her attention.

“Michelle? Michelle? Earth to Michelle.”

“Huh. Oh sorry, Amara.”

“Where were you just now? Visiting home planet?”

“I think it is time to face the truth. We both want to end the lesbian charade and prove to people that we are only cousins. I can’t keep my eyes of Ken.”

“My, my, my. You’re moving fast.”

“Don’t start on me. But, I really do think it’s time,” Michelle said. She was a little nervous, saying that it was time to break the closeness she had for her cousin. “We will always be close as we are cousins. ”

Amara sighed. “I know. I’ve been thinking strongly on this since Molly had asked us to be her bridesmaids. Their wedding is one event that really makes me want to settle down and begin my own family. Seeing Molly with her smiles it makes me wonder what it would be like to be center of attention."

“Serena and Darien just sat down for supper. Why don’t we go talk to them.”

Both girls stood, then walked over to where Serena and Darien were sitting.

“Hey you two. What’s up?” Serena asked as the two girls sat down.

“Just that seeing your friend so happy, we can’t help but wonder what it would be like to get married,” Amara said.

”Really,” Darien said. “That’s different. I mean you guys are really close. I didn’t you really had marriage thoughts.”

Armara sat down beside her future king. “We talked about it the morning Kristi told us who we were to each other but we didn’t say anything until we knew for sure that having a relationship would be best. We are first and foremost guardian to Princess Serena.”

“Some day I would like to have children,” Michelle said. “And to do that I need to find someone.”

“Well, I hope things work out for the both of you,” Serena said. “Thanks for letting us know. Have you guys seen Amy or Zoisite?”

“No. We haven’t seen either one since before Jedite finished his contests,” Michelle said.

Michelle and Amara left the table to let Serena and Darien finish their supper.

On the Tilt-a-whirl, Taiki, Yaten, Trista and Hotaru were enjoying themselves. They had just finished their ride and were now standing on the ground just past the exit sign for the ride.

“I haven’t had this much fun since the day Serena dropped a bucket of slime, thinking it was water, on Darien’s head as a joke,” Hotaru said.

“How did that happen?” Taiki asked.

“The bucket was meant for Serena but she found it full of water. Darien found her looking at the bucket so he filled it with slime, when she was gone. He didn’t want her to know what was coming to her. But that backfired,” Trista giggled, remembering the event.

“You should have seen the look on Darien’s face,” Hotaru said. Suddenly, Hotaru was hit with a wave of dizziness. Yaten caught her arm to support her.

“I think you’ve had enough rides for now,” Yaten said.

“I haven’t eaten anything in a while,” Hotaru said.

“Yaten, why don’t you take Hotaru over to get something to eat,” Trista suggested.

“That’s a good idea,” Yaten said and Hotaru nodded in agreement. As they left, holding hands, both Trista and Taiki could see something was developing between the two shortest scouts.

“Hotaru likes him,” Trista said.

“How can you tell?” Taiki asked

“For one, she told me herself and two, I do know some of the future.”

“What about you? Any one in your life?”

“At the moment, no. But that could change really soon. Like by the time of Molly’s wedding. I’m not a shy person. I speak my mind.”

Taiki took her words to heart. He placed his arm around her waist. Her arm was instantly over his shoulders. Swiftly, their lips touched.

* * * * * * * *

Throughout the whole afternoon, Amy and Zoisite were together. Amy knew they would be together, so she was getting know the real Zoisite, not the enemy.

It was time for the fireworks and Zoisite and Amy were sitting on the grass, away from the rest of the crowd. She sat quietly with legs out in front of her as Zoisite was beside her. He had one leg raised and his arm leaning on it. Quietly, Zoisite stretched his left hand over to gently caress Amy’s cheek. His hand gently went to the back of her neck, pulling her closer until their lips touched. She was shocked at the fact that his lips were very gentle. In seconds that felt like minutes, she pulled away.

“Zoisite, please,” Amy pleaded.

“Amy, you want me to kiss you. You know it and I know it.”

“But…” she protested. Zoisite placed a finger to her lips.

“Don’t,” he said. He moved his body so he was no longer resting on his leg. He placed both hands on either side of her face. “I am in love with you.” His lips touched hers again.

She didn’t know what to do here was a man she hardly knew, only knew his evil side. But he did have a point, she did want to kiss him. Perhaps it was her past feelings for him getting in the way. She wasn’t sure. She wasn’t sure of anything anymore. Greg had left her that morning. She guessed that he left her so she could rekindle her connection with her true destiny. She felt heart broken knowing he gave up the fight for her.

After another moment of hesitation, she responded, allowing her romantic defences to crumble. He was not, of course, the first man she ever kissed but he was the first man to French kiss her. When they came up for air, Amy rested her body against his while they watched the rest of the fireworks. It was more of an instinct than thought. She somehow knew it was right for her to lean against the man.

* * * * * * * *