Hello again! I would like to apologize to you, minna, because I haven't written in so long. Well, it wasn't all my fault, you see, my dad decided to go play with the ?puter and erased a file that we needed to run the computer! So for 5 days he was tinkering, and I was afraid the stupid thing was going to explode, (eek!) but he finally ?asked for directions' like I told him to and went to Best Buy. So, now we have Windows ?98, (it's so wicked cool!) and I can finally complete this chapter. A little note: I'm going to be on vacation starting the 9th until Aug 8th, so you won't be getting any Pretty Soldiers for a while. I'll be in 11 different states, (fun!) keeping a journal at my side the whole time. We'll just see if my vacation is story worthy or not *grin*, but I certainly hope it is! Anyway, I'm done blabbing, so here it is: Pretty Soldiers, chapter 2! Disclaimer: Although I love Sailor Moon very much, as everyone knows, I did not come up with her myself. And until I completely loose my mind, I will continue not to come up with Sailor Moon as long as I live. We'll just have to wait and see, now won't we? Rating: PG-13 cuz of violence The voice from the television droned on. "And now, back to you, Yumi," the face on the screen changed from a man in his 50's with gray streaks in his black hair to a woman in her late 20's with a perfect smile. "Thanks Uruki. In Tokyo, the search for 3 missing persons continues. Two of the three disappeared on the same day, June 16th, and the third disappeared only a week later. So far, the police haven't commented on whether or not the cases are related, but it is a common belief that they are." The screen was filled with a picture of a woman in her early 20's. "Beryl Hera, 23, is the first case. She is 5' 10" with green eyes, and auburn hair." A different picture now occupied the space on the TV. "Second is James Easton, 20. He is 6' 1" with gray-blue eyes and black hair." The third face was now presented. "The most recent case is Jed Park. He has dark blue eyes and blonde hair, and stands at 5' 11". He is 22 years old." Serena gasped. "Darien, come here!" He looked at her from the kitchen, celery sticking uncharacteristically out of his mouth. "Wha. . .?" he said, standing next to the couch she was sitting on. "That guy, he looks just like Jedite!" she said, pointing. He nodded his head in agreement. "Well, it's very possible that it *is* Jedite, Serena," he said, taking the celery out of his mouth. She got a nervous look in her eye and turned her attention back to the TV. The face of Yumi reappeared as the picture was taken away. "Police urge you to call in any sightings of the missing persons immediately, rewards are being offered." "Thank-you Yumi." She smiled at the man sitting beside her. "In other news," he continued, "during yesterdays youma attack, an eye-witness snapped this picture of Sailor Moon." A picture of her dodging an attack appeared on screen. Serena sneered at the picture. Her legs and arms were flying up *very* ungracefully, and her face was all contorted at the sting of hitting the ground. Her left cheek was taking most of the landing, and it was safe to say that Sailor Moon had one heck of a bloody face afterwards. "Yes folks, this is the first ever documented picture of her, we're all very excited." "More like the worst ever documented picture," Serena snorted under her breath as she rubbed her still red cheek. Darien barely held back his laughter. "This picture of Tuxedo Mask was snapped a few moments later by the same individual." "Hmm, not to shabby!" Darien said proudly at the picture of him in a tree throwing a rose. Serena just rolled her eyes. "The question on everyone's minds is, ?who is Sailor Moon?', and ?where did she come from?' Meanwhile, reports from London have been pouring in about another mysterious super- hero, who calls herself Sailor V. So far, Sailor V has done a major sweep of the city, turning in many of the most wanted persons in London." "Humph. I'd like to see her take on a youma. . ." "Many people believe Sailor Moon and Sailor V to be related, but as of now, nothing has been confirmed. . ." the TV went black as Serena shut it off. She sighed and collapsed back into the couch as Darien finished off his celery. "Well?" "Well what?" "Well, are you going to tell me what's wrong, or am I going to have to guess?" She smiled wearily and shook her head no. "No, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I think I'm just tired or something. That youma really took it out of me yesterday." "Yeah, right - and I'm Tuxedo Mask." She sucked in a breath. "Ooo, that was *bad*, Darien. But really, I'm fine. It's just that fighting takes a lot of my energy. And it is just me out there - I mean, you *do* help in distracting it and all, but I always have to finish it off. I just wish there was someone else to help." "Like maybe another scout?" Luna said as she joined the conversation. Jumping onto the occupied couch, she sat in Serena's lap. "You don't mean Sailor V, do ya, Luna?" she asked wearily. "No, no," she sighed. "Sailor V could very well be some girl with a complex trying to be you. I just think it would be a good idea to start looking for other scouts. I don't know what they'll look like, but I think we'll know when we've found one." "What do you mean, Luna?" Darien asked. "Well, I don't know for sure, but I do know that I have with me four transformation sticks, one for each of the ?inner scouts'. Each planet has someone who can have all of the planet's power channeled through them, if you will. It's like the relationship you have with the moon, Serena." Serena sat back, thinking. "So, the four inner most planets have sailor scouts. That would be Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars?" said Serena. "Actually, no. Earth isn't assigned to any sailor. I think you pretty much cover that representation. Jupiter is the other power." "Oh, wicked! So I don't have to do as much work anymore!" Serena seemed *very* pleased with the news. Darien, having finished his celery, stood up, and stretched his arms out. "It's nice to know you might have someone else to rely on - in case I can't make it on time, I mean." She smiled, then nodded. "Well, anyway, I'll see you tomorrow. We still on for the beach?" "You bet!" "All right, then I'll be here about 11, ok?" "Right." He leaned down and kissed her sweetly. "See ya, Luna." "Bye, Darien." And with that, he was gone. She picked up Luna, and proceeded to get ready for bed. After changing, she sat on her bed and brushed out her hair. "Do you really think there are other scouts, Luna?" "Oh yes, I'm quite sure of it." "Well, do ya think we'll find any soon?" she asked, still brushing her hair. "You never know. They could be anywhere." Serena sighed, and sat down her brush. "Luna, how did you know I was Sailor Moon?" she asked as she got into her waiting bed. "Oh. . .well. . .I knew it was you, because every time I was around you I felt such a powerful energy coming from you. Your looks also sparked some memory in the back of my mind. Your hair, your eyes, your face, the way you held yourself, your voice, it all added up to something more. Something, that reminded me of a time that may never have been, and a place that may never have existed. All in all, I just knew." "Wow. Do you feel that way about anybody else? I mean, do you think you've found anyone else?" "I don't know for sure, but a lot of your friends have *very* strong presences. Sometimes, when you bring certain people home, it feels like I'm on the verge of remembering something very crucial. . ." she let the end of her sentence blend into the silence that seemed to absorb the room. "Luna, what about Tuxedo Mask? Where does he come from?" "Serena, I have no clue. I don't recall anything at all about him. Darien is a complete mystery to me, but I'm very certain he can be trusted. His energy is very confusing, but, as far as I can tell, it's very true, and very loyal to us." Letting her head fall into the depths of her pillow, Serena asked yet another question. "You said some of my friends have strong. . .presences. . .?" Luna nodded. "So, who are they?" "Well, Lita gives off a very strong feeling. She could turn out to be someone very powerful. Ami has a certain. . .something that makes me feel that she could be someone too. You know Lita's roommate?" Serena nodded. "Well, she seems to have something about her as well. The three of them could very well be scouts." "But how do we know for sure?" "That's something I'm still trying to discover." The beach was crowded to say the least. The sun held out its rays of light welcoming one and all to bathe in it's warming splendor. Light buttery colored sand promised to be an annoyance to ones feet, getting into your sandals the way nothing else can. Children moved nimbly through the lazy sunbathers, flinging sand onto their backs and causing them to open their eyes angrily in silent protest. The vultures of the beaches, the seagulls, were busy making lazy rounds in the sky circling their latest prey: a woman who had just gotten a huge order of french-fries. She cheerfully shared a part of her hoard to the noisy birds. Serena drank in the sights that were spread before her. ?Now this is what summer is about,' she thought dazedly. "I'm going to make a break for it," she told Darien as she handed him her mesh bag. She put her hand on his shoulder for support as she tore off her shoes, and, finding the pavement way to hot for her liking, flung the unwanted burdens at him as she took off running. Her destination: the strip of sand just before the waves hit that promises relief for overheating feet. ?She's as bad as a child,' he thought dimly, ?but I wouldn't have it any other way.' With a smile on his face, Darien proceeded to stake out a spot for the yellow blanket he was carrying. Finding an adequate spot, he put down his load. Noting that the blanket was waiting for her, Serena made her second mad dash of the day and landed spread eagle on the sand-cushioned blanket. "I think I'm going to go rent a sun-umbrella, ok?" Darien said. "I'll unpack the lunch while you're gone, then." He nodded and started off. Pulling the picnic basket over to her, Serena peeked in at the food, and let out a gasp. "Luna! What do you think you're doing!?" Sticking her head out of the basket, she looked at the people around her. Deciding there wasn't anybody very threatening looking, she jumped out of the basket. "Well, I'm sorry. But the food was so cool, and the basket was just so inviting, so. . ." Serena sighed as Luna nimbly jumped out of the basket. "Luna!" Serena exclaimed as she started taking the food out of the basket, "you got cat hair all over the sandwiches! Ewww. . ." "Oh come on, they *are* wrapped in plastic, you know," Luna said, rolling her eyes. "Yeah, but it's still gross!" she said, holding up one of the sandwiches by the corner of the plastic bag. "Hey Luna, I didn't know you were coming." Darien was toting an enormous green and blue sun-umbrella. "Yeah, neither did I," Luna said under her breath. After the umbrella was all set up, they shared the sandwiches, (despite Serena's protests,) then slathered themselves in lotion. It was then that Luna noticed something. "Hey you guys," she whispered, "isn't that Ami-chan over there?" Sure enough, when they looked, Ami was sitting only a few people away from them, her nose buried in a book. "Do you think we should bother her?" asked Darien. "Oh, I'm sure she wouldn't mind. Besides, why would anyone come to the beach to read?" Serena turned from Darien and sat up on her knees and began to wave her arms. "Hey Ami!" She didn't notice. "Ami!" She looked up, a look of surprise crossed her face, then she smiled. "Oh, Serena! Hi - I'm sorry, I wasn't really paying attention," she said as she made her way to them, "but this is just such a good book -" "What book is that?" asked Darien. "Oh, We the Living by Ayn Rand. It's basically your run-of-the-mill novel about the struggle of the individual against the state. You know, the people of post-revolutionary pre- WWII Russia really had many problems to deal with that were the unforeseen consequences of a sheltered state pulling independence upon itself. The main character of this book chooses to refuse to conform to the mindless ?peoples government' which demands from its people not the independence promised by communism, but the self-sacrifice forced upon them by totalitarianism." <> Darien nodded his head in understanding, while Serena just gave her a blank look. "Uh, right. . .hey, I have yet to get wet, so let's go!" suggested Serena joyfully. Ami carefully put down her book on the blanket next to Luna. "Uh, you bring your cat to the beach?" Serena gave an annoyed look and glared at Luna. "No, this cat just likes to stow away in picnic baskets," she said snippily. "Oh, I see. Well, keep an eye on our stuff, Luna." Luna meowed an ?affirmative'. Immediately, Serena was off bounding along towards her precious ocean. Darien, with an evil glint in his eye, was off on her heals. Ami watched amused as Darien intercepted Serena, picked her up, and ran towards the water with her. Her legs and arms were flying everywhere as she was trying to rid herself of his possessive grip on her, but her laughing gave away her enjoyment. Darien ran headlong into every wave, threatening to drop Serena at every turn. It didn't help any that she was still trying to worm herself out of his arms. Finally, to Serena's astonishment, he did actually drop her, and she went crashing into the water. She emerged soaked to the bone, hair sticking sloppily to her back and face. Serena wiped the hair from her face to reveal *very* unamused eyes. If looks could kill. . .well, Darien was too busy laughing at her to notice her look. Ami giggled to herself, her eyes considerably bright from the merriment confronting her. She gracefully entered the enveloping ocean, taking in deep breaths of salty air. If anything could soothe her, it was swimming. Not noticing where she was going, she was soon in the middle of Serena and Darien's splashing war, and got herself a lot wetter than planned. Still in good humor, (and wishing to stay that way,) she quickly moved to one side and began to splash Darien, with Serena at her side. "Hey, that's no fair!" Darien got in between splashes. "I think it's *very* fair!" Serena yelled back, her anger quickly melting away. As the novelty of their war wore off, something quickly took their attentions: the silence surrounding them. With worried expressions, they all looked back at the shore. Each of the sun-umbrellas was emitting a strange sort of beam; Rings of blue that would get bigger as they endlessly emanated down towards the sun-bathers. All of the people were lying on their blankets totally lifeless, being totally drained of all of their energy. The surfer sitting in the sun-umbrella rental shack was grinning evilly, his eyes glowing bright white. He soon jumped over the counter and with a single bound was on the nearest non-unconscious person. Holding out his hands, a strange liquid-like substance flowed from them, surrounding the victim. It was obviously sticky, and each time the person moved, more of their energy got drained. He made quick work of each person, doing one to five people at once. Ami sucked in her breath. "Oh my god, I've never seen anything like this- Serena, Darien, you see this too, don't you?" She turned around to look at. . .nobody? "Serena? Darien?!" Panic stricken, she waded around in the water, desperately trying to find them. It was no use, they were nowhere to be found. Suddenly, a voice boomed out over the beach. "Hold it right there, nega-creep!!" Ami looked up, and gasped. Standing back to back on top of a vacated life-guard tower were none other than Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask. ?My god, it's Sailor Moon!' Ami thought. ?But, that's impossible, she's not real!' The surfer youma looked up at Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask, started to run towards them, and when he was close enough he jumped up at them, his arms outstretched. They were a little surprised that the youma was so confident, but quickly jumped out of his way. Soon the youma was on the tower, and Sailor Moon threw her tiara at him while he was still disoriented from the height. He quickly thrust forward his hands, and goo exploded forward, enveloping the tiara, and Sailor Moon as well. Tuxedo Mask rushed over to her and picked her up, trying to shield her with his cape from any further attack. The youma only grinned, and once again thrust his hands forward. This time, when the goo hit them, it contracted, tying them together back to back. Grinning evilly, the surfer went back to gathering energy. Scared stiff, Ami wasn't much of a target, until he tried to hit her, that is. Thrusting his hands forward, Ami let out a scream that rivaled that of any death-cry. Soon, a freezing fog surrounded everything, and everyone. "Dude!" the youma cried. "This is like so totally bogus! I'm like freezing!" "What's going on, Tuxedo Mask?!" Sailor Moon asked frantically. "I don't know, Sailor Moon, but the goo is starting to freeze!" "You're right!" Soon they were able to shatter the goo, and were free. This time, they were able to sneak up on the confused youma, and Sailor Moon made short work of him with her tiara. When the fog cleared, a new sailor stood in front of them. "Ami?!" Sailor Moon asked stunned as Luna ran up to them. "Just as I thought. . .she's the water warrior. . .she uses fog. . .the protector of Mercury. . ." she let her voice trail off. "You mean Ami is Sailor Mercury, Luna?" She nodded. "I'm a sailor scout?!" Ami asked shocked. "But this is impossible!" "What is, Ami?" asked Darien, now de-transformed. "Ahh!" she screamed. "You too?" He nodded. "Tu-Tuxedo Mask?" she whispered. He grinned his answer. "This is too much. I mean, transforming, powers, super-human strength, it goes against every scientific institution known to man!" Serena, de-transformed, smiled at her. "Yet, it makes sense, doesn't it Sailor Mercury?" "Yet it makes sense," she repeated slowly. "You know, Serena, it does make sense. It's like all my life I've known there was another level of science, so I researched, not quite knowing what I was looking for. I just never found it, and gave up." She shook her head as Serena and Darien smiled at her. "I just have one question." "What's that?" asked Serena. "How do I get out of this outfit?" "Happy birthday, sweetie!" Serena's mom yelled as she opened the door. "Hi mom!" Serena said as her mom took her into a hug. "Oh, is this Darien?" asked her mom as she sized him up over Serena's shoulder. "Yeah," she answered as her mom let go of her. Stepping inside, Serena and Darien were led into the living-room. "Mom, I'd like you to meet Darien. Darien, this is my mother, Irene Tsukino." Darien shook her hand. "It's very nice to meet you, Mrs. Tsukino." "Likewise," she said, giving him a funny look. Catching the look, Darien started to worry. They were soon interrupted as her father and brother entered the room. "Daddy!" Serena said gleefully as she stood up to greet her father. She gave him a strong hug. "Happy birthday, pumpkin," he said to her. "Yeah, happy birthday, nerd," her brother said as he punched her playfully on the arm. "Thanks, geek," she said, giving him a noogie. "Ow! Jeez, since when did you get a backbone?!" he said, trying to straighten out his disheveled hair. Smiling broadly, she stuck her tongue out at him, as he rolled her eyes. "Daddy, Sammy, meet Darien Chiba. Darien, this is my dad, Ken Tsukino," Darien shook his hand, "and my dork of a brother, Sammy." Shaking Sammy's hand, Darien was again aware of strange stares given to him by both Ken and Sammy. "Uh, it's very nice meeting you, Mr. Tsukino, Sammy," he said uneasily as Serena grinned at him. He turned to her, and whispered angrily in her ear, "What? Do I have something on my face?" "No," she whispered, "It's just that they're not used to shaking hands. This is Japan, remember?" "Oh, uh, right," he said, slightly redder than before. A timer went off in the kitchen, and Irene left the room to finish the dinner she was cooking. "So, the big 2-0, huh Serena?" Sammy said. "Yup," she sighed. "I feel so old!" Everyone in the room gave a chuckle, except Ken, who was still trying to decide if he liked Darien or not. He decided to find out his statistics, first. "Well, Darien," started Ken, "how old are you?" "About 25, sir," he answered. "About. . .?" Ken asked confused. "Oh, uh, it's a long story," he said. "Oh good!" said Irene, reentering the room, dinner in her hands. "You can tell us over dinner!" Darien sighed, defeated, then followed everyone into the dining-room. After they had all gotten their food, Darien began with his story. "When I was about 6, I was in a horrible accident. I've been told that my parents and I were riding in a car, and it went out of control. The car ran off a cliff, and both my parents were killed instantly." Irene gasped. "Oh my gosh, that must be so hard to have your parents die like that." "Well, that's the thing. I have no memories of my parents at all." "You mean you have amnesia?" asked Sammy. He nodded. "We don't even know what my real name is. Darien feels. . .right, but I just don't have a way to find out. That's why I can now never know my exact age-my birthday is a complete mystery to me." "Where did the Chiba come from?" asked Ken. "Oh. One of the doctors in the hospital had this friend who wanted to have children, but couldn't. He told him about my case, and he became very interested, so they adopted me. Their last name is Chiba." "I see," said Ken. "So what do your. . .parents do?" "They founded and own Chiba International." "Seriously?!" asked Sammy stunned. "Yeah," Darien chuckled. "I'm sorry, but what's Chiba International?" asked Irene. "Mom!" started Sammy, "Only one of the biggest companies in the US!" "We specialize in computer technology and trade." "And you're the sole heir?" asked Sammy awed. "Uh, no. My parents have adopted 2 other children, and also have one of their own." "Wow," said Ken quietly. "So why are you going to college here?" "Well, I actually spent 6 years at Harvard majoring in business and communications, where I developed an interest in foreign languages. That's why I decided to go to the University of Foreign Studies here in Tokyo." "Looks like you've got a pretty bright future ahead of you, Darien," Ken said. "Thank-you, Mr. Tsukino." "Please," he said, a smile on his face, "call me Ken." AH! That was the *worst* scene to write!! Well, that's all for now. I was going to write another scene, but I don't have time. Sorry minna ! If you want to e-mail me, go ahead at , although I can't be sure when you'll get a response. Thanks for sticking with me! Mega thanks to Lauri, who edited this monster, ('cuz I'm too lazy to do it myself!), to Tiff, and to Sailor M and Moonlight, who were kind enough to write to me about this story. (Ah! Only 2 e-mails! Come on minna, you can do better than that. . .) If anyone knows who wrote The Thorns of Balm, let me know. Thanks! See ya in Aug! Oh yeah, if anyone lives near Clarksville Maryland, maybe I'll see ya around!