United Love: Chapter One Rated: overall PG A tale told by Angel One. pure_angel_I@yahoo.com Hey y'all! I practically screamed when I saw my name and work officially posted. I've been reading works for 6 months and I never could have imagined this happening. Anyway, here's the first chapter of my little epic. If you want to see the stories as they come, before being posted, please visit my web site (at the bottom). It is under major construction, but I hope to post some more information on my story and timeline for those of you who are confused. Sailor Moon is NOT mine, no matter how many Silver Crystals I wish on, it never shall be. Author's notes and character guides are at the bottom- you must physically scroll or read before you get a chance at the good stuff (the only stuff I can clearly convey to you). Just to let you know, I have no clue where this is going. I keep getting these ideas while I write and then I have to revise the entire thing. As soon as I sent my story in, I was hitting myself over the head (I should have added… I should have made… how did I make…). Plus, with the insane schedule I'm keeping (four honors classes worth of work, an active family, my new web page, and reading everyone's stories, not to mention church and Bible study…), I may not make every deadline. If I ever fall to behind, e-mail me and I'll work my butt off. o}--+----- the place and time of the event ++ a change of scenery or mind (screw one point perspective- go for the gold!) < > a thought of the current character UNITED LOVE: CHAPTER ONE: "HOW THINGS WORK" ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ o}--+----- Tokyo, June 1, 1999 AD, Universe 1 "Hey Serena!" Molly shouted, frantically waving in hopes of catching her best friend's eye. "Hey Mol!" Serena shouted back with equal fervor, and bounced over to her best friend's spot in the shade of a mangled oak tree. "What's up?" "Oh, nothing to talk about. Things have been super boring around here, ya know? School's almost out and all-" "But unfortunately it's not over yet," Serena finished, sighing as she plopped down next to Molly and took out her lunch box, but made no move to eat it. "Yeah," Molly seemed at a loss for words. There was a full lunch box at noon, sitting on Serena-the-Bottomless-Pit's lap, and the girl acted as though it was the scum of the Earth! "You OK?" "Yeah… no… well, I…" Serena seemed to hide her head down in shame. "It's just the supposed end of fighting, and Sailor Moon, and the others leaving, and… I dunno, I guess I miss it, and then things start moving so fast and before I knew it…" she looked down at the ground, not daring to look at Molly's startled gaze or to finish the sentence. The words would just bring more tears, and she had shed more than she ever had in the past few days, mostly with Molly. "Oh Serena, I know you miss him. It'll all work out, just like you told me. You'll see. And if you ever feel like male-bashing again," Molly winked at the girl who now held a New Hope in her light ocean eyes, "You know where to find me. Even at 3 a.m." "Thanks Mol," Serena enveloped her friend in a gentle hug and a giggle as she thought of their phone call earlier that morning. Her actions was instantly reciprocated, which allowed her to whisper through the auburn hair, "I'm so lucky to have you as my best friend." "HEY, SerREEENNN-AAAHHH!!!!" The two friends jumped apart as the other scouts in their school uniforms appeared, with Lita's loud voice permeated the once quiet clearing. Serena and Molly exchanged hidden smiles and let the others sit around them. Molly had once referred to Lita's voice as 'the cracking of the lightening'. And on some occasions, Serena admitted the tall girl's voice only proved how 'in tune' Lita was with her element. She practically gave her and Raye a run for their money in screaming. Soon the oak tree housed a large group of warriors and non- warriors, all chatting with each other, slowly passing the lunch hour away. But only two of them remained silent, enjoying each other's presence in the semi-summer weather. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ o}--+----- Noom, June 1, 1999 AD, Multiverse 1 "Tell the others to prepare for war." The room slightly echoed the startling announcement. No one dared breath in the shock. A young man, tall, broad shouldered and muscular, looked over at his guardians with piercing azure eyes. They showed determination and aggressiveness, with a slight hint of pleasure as his rich, deep voice continued. "The Chosen One of Light will soon rise once more. Prepare and make ready for the new war." The others nodded and stood up. No words were needed as they faded into the darkness, with their new orders. And there wasn't one who was unhappy about it. The young man smiled at the realization. They were just as eager to meet their counterparts. He flicked his wrist, instantly creating a large goblet with a small amount of champagne. He pressed a button on the wall, which grew and dissolved into a window twice his size. Looking out on the city, overtaken by the darkness of the overshadowing hole covering the sky, he raised the glass in a toast. "To the continuation and balance. Let the game begin once more, sweet Serenity." And with a smile to make the strongest hearts flutter, he thought of the near future. The man looked around the room. It was as dark as the atmosphere, and almost as black as the hole in the sky that loomed forbiddingly above it. His guardians would be back as soon as they could to hear his plan. He now stood by the room's only window, which offered no light, looking out the window and holding the now empty wineglass. He was a VERY handsome man, about 20 years of age (in physical appearance only). His tall, slim, muscular figure commanded a dangerous and royal air about him. His profile was that of elegance, with a smile to cause even Amy's heart to leap out. And right now, in his pleasant state of mind, he was completely dashing. His first visitor decided to comment on his elated mood. "What are you so happy about?" He turned, flashing an even bigger smile. "Why should I not be happy? Everything is going exactly the way I wanted it. You should be satisfied too, Hugh." Hugh was just as handsome as the other, but was more of a rugged beauty than elegance. His blood red armor seemed to brighten the glowing embers in his eyes. "Yes, I should. But we haven't done anything! No action, no satisfaction. I will be happy when I actually meet her." "Hugh is right," a new voice proclaimed, as the owner of the voice materialized from a bright green glow of lightening. "Everyone is waiting and pushing for action. I know my centurions are." "I will tell you of what is to come as soon as everyone else arrives. Now," the man flicked his wrist slightly, causing more wine to materialize in the glass and walked to the head of the banquet table that occupied the majority of the room, "Please sit down, Hugh, Adar, and pour yourselves some wine. We will have much to discuss, with the first phase to put into motion." ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ o}--+----- Heaven, June 1, 1999 AD "It's getting closer to the appointed time." "Before she left, she was able to remember everything. It won't take long." "What if she doesn't remember in time?" "We'll make her." "But what if she doesn't-" "She will." "But how-" "She WILL." Princess Katarina visibly gulped, pushing her doubts aside. "You know, you're right. We hardly saw or spoke to each other, but I sensed she is no different than before. I'm sorry for doubting." "Don't worry about it. I know how you feel," consoled her comrade, Princess Gabrielle. Not only her comrade, but also one of her closest best friends. The women had just gotten back from the meeting with the other princesses, Mahira and Beryllian, about their leader's condition on Earth. Needless to say, there had been little progress, and Mahira hadn't had much to report about her waking hours or any other fights. Mahira was the only one who could see her without suspicion, and was therefore supposed to guard her physically. At the end of the meeting, the girls had split up, Mahira going back to Earth, Beryllian went to train, and Gabrielle had invited Katarina on a walk with her through her Western Gardens to enjoy the peace. But they knew better. They knew evil was out there. And they knew it wouldn't hold off for very long. "Have they made any move yet?" Gabrielle realized she hadn't been monitoring her thinking process and had 'leaked' her thoughts out to Katarina. She mentally shook herself before replying, "There has been slightly more activity than usual. I don't know what to make of it. I'm having The Crew keep an eye on it, but I don't think it's anything to talk about yet." Katarina sighed and gazed towards the North, where her ice gardens lay and an endless amount of stars could be seen. She slowed her steps as her thoughts grew somber and guilty. came the mental reply, shocking her back to reality. She looked over at her friend as the words ran through her head. "Yeah. But I miss them so much. I barely spent any time with them, and now…they think… they… think… I'm…" "Oh Kat, please don't cry. I know, I know you miss the Sailor Stars. So do I. But we have to get through this first. What would Rin say if she saw you moping about like this?" During this, Gab held and rocked Kat, noticing the stars in the South, once shining brightly, were now growing dimmer by the minute. "She probably be crying with me. She has to leave them too." Gab closed her eyes, trying not to think about what would become of her dearest friend and leader. Rin's guardians and only love were everything to her. It would devastate the girl. But this would have to happen if they wanted the plan to work. It had to. And she knew what Kat was feeling would be nothing compared to the ache she would feel. And this time they would prove it. And that was where they were when the message that would change their plans drastically came, along with the tides of the upcoming destiny of the Four Realms of Heaven. And cause Katarina, Gabrielle, Mahira, and Beryllian to make a decision they revered and dreaded at the same time. The Chosen One of Darkness was preparing for war. Serena was needed now. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ o}--+----- Silver Millennium, June 1, 1 BC, Universe 2 Queen Serenity looked out over her kingdom and promptly uttered a soft sigh. Nothing was going on of any importance. London was dealing with some of the Earth hostilities with the other Inner kings and princesses. Her sailors, meanwhile, were trying to rebuild and calm their kingdoms from the mild attack of a terrorist group in a renegade world in the next galaxy. It had taken all of their power and some from the Silver Crystal to cripple them and send them back to their world. Serenity shuddered as she remembered their leader, Diamond, and his stare. she was unable to finish, not being able to name the feeling of shock, anger, and fear she felt from that look. Queen Serenity looked over at the portrait of her and London. A sad smile crossed her face. Serenity tried to stop her thoughts, knowing where they were going. For the past 17 years, she had always grieved herself with the thoughts of the one part of her forever gone from the worlds. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ o}--+----- Tokyo, June 1, 1999 AD, Universe 1 On Earth, Darien was enjoying a most favorable pastime- jogging. He loved it. The feeling of being out, of being free and about, to think and relieve himself with the wind and sights of the city was a comfort he enjoyed often. He remembered how he used to think if he run fast enough, he could leave all his problems, everyone, and the world behind. He remembered watching a Superman movie where the hero was able to fly so fast he turned back time. He also remembered trying to fly, giving the orphanage advisor the scare of her life. He chuckled at that memory. He would have done anything to go back and get his memories of childhood. At the mention of memories, his mind flew into his most recent. His last date with Serena. Their last kiss they shared, bringing Reni into their lives. The nightmares that terrified him to no end, causing him to break everything he believed in and lived for. He had broken her, her heart, his heart. He had broken the vow he had made ever since the first time he saw her in the Silver Millennium: to stay with her forever and never leave her side. But to lose her, his life, his love, his Usako, it would be too much to bear. No, he would always be with her, always love her, always protect her. The world would split in two, and he would be happy if she was left without a scratch, to give off the warmth and beauty she naturally radiated. I will always have her, just as I will eternally be hers. She could live on without me. But I could never live without her. Life has never been fair to me, why should it be fair now? No, she would only fight it. Of course she's not a child, but she shouldn't be dragged into my problems. It wouldn't be fair to her, and I'd feel even more guilt than I do now. He flinched at the picture his mind produced of her hugging another guy, of kissing him, of- No, he wouldn't mind, not as long as she was safe and happy. And if it killed him, it was better him than her. "Darien!?" Darien quickly snapped out of the mental abuse he had been sinking into. And as he saw the person he had almost knocked over, he suppressed a groan. A blessing and a curse stood before him as one. His Usako. "Ummmm… hi Serena," he said, as cool as one would comment on the weather. His thoughts were going wild, from excuses to run away, to excuses to grab her passionately in his arms and demand forgiveness. The latter was more pleasant to think of as he noticed the sleeveless pink shirt and very short sky blue skirt to match. How did his life become such a soap opera? "Hi," was all Serena could squeak out as she reveled in his warm and protective presence. "How are you?" he asked, noticing she was unusually silent, head slightly bowed. "Fine." "Oh." "And you?" "All right, I guess." "Good." "Yeah." "Ummm… there's gonna be a Scout meeting in an hour an a half. Raye is sensing something. Will you come?" Serena couldn't look at Darien, couldn't stare at the rejection she knew she would receive. Why did she even bother? Darien's head was a war ground of voices. And then leave those hopeful blue eyes, crushing both your hearts, then get beaten up by Alex, then go home and think about how miserable your life is. You could do that without the torture. "Well, I guess I could stay there for a little while." Serena's eyes widened under her lengthening bangs, as his agreement was spoken. But just as soon as they widened, they saddened. A small smile crept on to her face as she turned to look at him. < Or Alex will beat him up for you!> "All right. See ya at 6:30 then. Later!" And with that, she turned around and headed over to Molly's house. Darien watched his Usako boisterously walk away, allowing a small smile to lighten his face. < At least we can be together for a while. And maybe I can talk to Raye about the dreams again.> His mood now lightened by his only love, he began his jog once more, hastening to get home and get ready for the meeting. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ o}--+---- Molly's room, later than before "So he has finally agreed to be near you for more than three minutes? Progress! He'll be back in no time!" a Brooklyn accent flooded out of an apartment, right above the OSA-P jewelry store. "Yeah! I sure hope so. I really miss him," an equally excited voice chirped in, minus the accent. "Maybe I'll actually be on time to this meeting!" Heavy snickering and giggles followed this comment. Serena hugged Molly's fluffy white teddy bear holding a red heart, with the inscription "I Luv You" on it, leaning back on the bed's end from her spot on the floor. Her knees were pulled up, squishing the bear to her chest, her arms wrapped possessively around it, feet sinking into the thick beige carpet under her. Molly was lying on her stomach on the bed, her feet playing with the pillows, styling Serena's unbound hair into every braid she could think of. "Really Serena, maybe you should be early a little more, for other reasons." "Well, maybe I like bothering Raye." "But you don't like her yelling at you." "But then I wouldn't get to yell at her." "But then you could weasel mangas out of her more often if you are more agreeable." "But then I wouldn't get to see her freak out and make that really weird, funny face." "Doesn't she do that when you pig out?" "Yeah, but it's slightly different. When I oink, it's more of a mixture of disdain, amazement, and anger. Borrowing comics creates a disdained, exasperated, and angry face. Being late creates a disdained, superior, and angry face. I don’t know which one I like best, but once I figure it out I'll concentrate on that and work on the others less." All through Serena's little speech, Molly had giggled, abandoning the impossible task of brushing the five foot long hair and slid herself down to sit next to her best friend's right side. "Hey, I've poured out everything to you. Are you going to spill something? Even a slight hint at what you and Mel really did last Saturday night?" Serena pulled her hair over her left shoulder, playing with a few short locks. "Well… I have been dying to tell someone about…" "WHAT?!?! Something actually happened between the two of you? And you were holding out on me? Moollllyyyy!" Serena whined, putting on her best pout. Molly only laughed and leaned closer to whisper, "Well actually…" Neither of them noticed as the clock ticked on, passing 6:00, 6:15, and eventually 6:30. Only one of them felt the warmth of three friend's presence. And no one noticed the evilness of five others, as they watched their counterparts enjoy the precious time they had left. And no one or presence watching or in that room knew anything about the explosion on the other side of town. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ o}--+----- Cherry Hill Temple, same time "SHE'S LATE AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOW MANY TIMES WILL IT TAKE TO GET THROUGH THE MEATBALL HEAD'S BRAIN OF SPAGHETTI THAT WHEN THE CLOCK'S BIG HAND POINTS DOWN AND THE LITTLE ONE BETWEEN 6 AND 7 THAT WE ARE HAVING AN IMPORTANT SCOUT MEETING!!!!!!" "Um… Raye, is this necessary?" Mina squeaked out from behind a large red pillow on the other side of the room from the seething Raye. "YES!!! AS SCOUT LEADER-" "She should be respected and honored," a deep voice accompanied the tight hand that clamped down on Raye's widening mouth. "And I think she heard you, wherever she was, and probably won't bother to show up at all." "Alex! About time you showed up!" Mina enthused with a bright smile. Alex flung one back at her. "Well, I couldn't leave such beautiful damsels-in-distress with the dragon here, now could I?" "Mmmph umph bphhhhh!" "And what about me?" Mira came up next to Alex, hands on her hips. She reached out and swapped her partner's arm that was covering Raye's mouth. "Alex! Let her go before you suffocate her!" "Sorry." "THANKS, Alex." Raye's sarcasm seemed to drip off the words. In a nicer tone, "Thanks Mira." "No problem," replied the united voices. "WE'RE HEEEERRREEE!!!!" Lita announced as she, Amy, Sophea, and Anastasia walked into the room. Right behind them was Darien and Luna. Soon they were all seated, scattered about the room. Sophea was sitting on a straight back chair, her time staff miniaturized and hanging around her neck on a silver chain. Her older self had taken over the duty of watching the gate, and she was free to talk with the others. Anastasia was quietly observing everyone, kneeling on another chair behind her. Alex and Mira were on Raye's bed, talking quietly to each other. Mira alternated watching Ana and Alex with a slight smile on her face, while Alex alternated smiling at Mira and frowning at Darien. Darien was trying to ignore the glares and was talking quietly to Raye by the door. Mina and Lita were looking through a couple fashion magazines on the floor, leaning against the side of the bed, next to Alex and Mira, occasionally gushing or giggling over an outfit or considering Sophea's comments on certain styles. Amy was at the table, pouring over a book on Advanced Physiology. Both cats looked at each other from their spot on the table and sighed over the lack of attention. They would begin the meeting, leader or no leader. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ o}--+----- Molly's room, later "-and then he leaned over right into the grape juice! I nearly died laughing!" Molly finished her recount of her date with Mel, as she and her best friend fell in hysterics onto the floor. "Get out! Mel did that! I can't wait to find out what happens next time." Serena managed to regulate her voice and calm a little as they got up. "Serena?" "Yeah?" "What time was the meeting at?" "6:30, why?'" "Look." Serena's jaw dropped. "8:30!! I completely missed it! And I missed dinner! Mom is gonna FRY me!" Serena sat on the bed and put her head in her hands. "Darien…" "Oh, Serena, I'm so sorry! It's all my fault! I should have watched the time. Why don't you call your mom and spend the night. We'll raid the kitchen later. Then we'll deal with the other problems, OK?" "Good idea. Just a minute." Serena hastily reached over to the phone and began the call. Molly watched her, guilt raiding her mind. "I'm sorry Ren. You don't have much time with them. Forgive me." ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ o}--+----- Crystal Tokyo, 2022 AD, Universe 3 King Endymion sighed. There weren't enough hours in the day. He'd order for more if he had that much power. Perhaps he needed to talk with Sophea and Will- the two rulers of Pluto should come in handy once more before they gave their children their heritage. He shoved his thoughts aside as he heard the Sailors approach. He knew what he would think of next. But she was gone. For 13 long, stressful, and lifeless years. The people had been demanding a new queen for some time now. Not that they had a problem with their king, for Endymion was the proclaimed and unquestioned ruler of the galaxy with good reason. Endymion understood their reasons well enough, and their reasons made him smile. They wanted him to be happy, like he had been with his Serenity. They loved him, and were only trying to please him. And for that, he couldn't turn them away. But he couldn't bring himself to go through with it. It had hurt, it still hurt, and it probably would hurt eternally. To live with some one else by his side would be like killing that one part of her still inside of him, a part he never wanted to lose. Yet to keep that part would eventually kill him. Raye had said those words the other night after the banquet they had attended together. The people had grown tired of allowing him time to choose his bride and were trying to set him up. They had chosen several ladies in the court and some princesses in other galaxies, but he had always turned them down or remained distant to them. His Generals and Sailors knew what he was feeling and tried to discourage the people, but were being less firmer with the people as time had gone by. Now they were in full agreement. Last night had been the last straw when he had turned down the advances of a popular lady in court. Sailor Mars removed herself from her husband's arm and dragged him into another room. She then proceeded to lecture and yell at him, ending with forgotten tears and slamming doors. "Endymion?" Startled, the king turned to find the Inner Sailors before him, worriedly watching his every move. With one of his famous half-smiles, he replied, "I was just savoring the moment of freedom before something came up. Is everything all right?" "As fine as things can be expected. We will be returning to our planets in three hours hence, and our daughters will be remaining here for training," Sailor Mercury answered. "Our daughters are out riding with the Generals, and your sons are training in the field," Sailor Venus reported. "Good. I have a meeting in a few minutes with Andrew, Luna, and Artemis in an hour. Until then, I am holding court." Endymion dropped the kingly demeanor to add, "Be safe girls." They were his Sailors and eternal friends, as it would always be. "Good luck with the meeting," Jupiter offered with a smile. "Behave Darien," was all Mars had to say with a wink as she walked out with the others. King Endymion sighed once more. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ o}--+----- Noom, June 1, 1999 AD, Universe 1 "Look at them. Fools. They think they have nothing to worry about." "What is wrong, my dear?" The young man smiled at the voice of his ladylove, as they looked out the window at the black, dark sky that enveloped their world for the last several millennia. She sighed as she pulled away from his light embrace. "My darling, you know we will always be together. But if the game continues, we will only lose each other in the end. Either eternal condemnation, or with our counterparts." "No! If we win, we can stay together and keep them apart, ours forever. If we are condemned, which we won't be, we will be condemned together. We will never lose each other." "Must this continue?" "Now what's wrong with continuing? I remember you were quite disappointed when you couldn't participate last time. Now is your chance. Besides, we won last time. We can win again." "Your right, my love." She smiled a sweet smile, only marred slightly by her evil. She returned her slim, powerful, small body back around his muscular arms, sweeping her ankle-length golden hair over her shoulder. "My sweet Damion." He rested his chin on the top of her head. "My darling Sirena." "Ahem." "What?" was Damion's annoyed answer, accompanied with a hard glare. Hugh stood at the door smirking. "We're ready." Damion smile at Hugh's statement. "Bring them in." Sirena had gotten out of his grip at the sound of Warrior Hugh of Sram's voice. She gave a quick smile to Hugh and sat at one of the two seats at the head of the table, reaching out to bring Damion to the other chair. Seconds later, each General, Sailor, and Guardian had teleported into their positions on the banquet table. Her Sailors down the left side of the table, her and then Damion at the head of the table, and then Damion's Generals going down his side, the right side of the table. "The Generals and I will begin the first wave of the attack, as is tradition. We will meet out at the front gate in five minutes. Sirena, you and the Sailors shall wait to gather as much energy as you can, then move your forces out when summoned," Damion commanded as he chose to stand behind Sirena's chair than sit in his own. In a softer voice, he turned to his Guardians. "You are to send the message immediately, then meet us at the portal. We will need your help as a distraction." The men and women nodded and left. Staring silently in the dark empty room a few moments, Damion cocked his head and gave a genuine smile. "May Daemon give us strength. Serenity is mine." ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ o}--+----- Tokyo, June 1, 1999 AD, Universe 1 Serena groaned as she hung up the phone. Her mom had given her an earful. But she had allowed Serena to stay at Molly's house. Irene had her reasons, which she didn't indulge with Serena. Serena just accepted gratefully. Serena's mom, Irene, was a part of a wealthy American family living in Paradise, CA, USA. She had met Serena' dad at age 18. They had secretly married, and since her dad, Kenji, worked for the US government, he was shipped to Japan for a few years. Irene never told her parent's what had happened. She had given birth to Serena in Paradise and Serena had spent the first few years of her life living in privilege on the tropical coastline. Until Kenji came back. When Irene's father found out the truth, his short temper kicked into gear. After an hour of tears, arguments, and screaming at each other, he gave the couple an ultimatum- they either got a divorce and the whole thing would be forgotten, or they would leave and never return, without any contact whatsoever. In a rage, Irene grabbed a few belongings, Serena, and ran away with her new husband to live in Japan permanently. Mrs. Baker was childless when she met Serena's mom in Japan. Their husbands worked together, and the Bakers loved Serena, longing for a child of their own. They manage to adopt Molly a few months later, but Mr. Baker was killed in the line of duty a week later. Kenji was then shipped out to a new post in the US, and Molly and Mrs. Baker were going to stay in Japan, living in the residence given by the base and Japanese government. She managed to open a jewelry shop, now popular in the area, and lived off that with her husband's pension. It wasn't until Serena was in the third grade and her dad return with a permanent position on the base did they meet up again. The two families had been close ever since, along with another family Mrs. Baker had gotten to know another family, the Tigers, Melvin's family. The three families had been close ever since. "Hey Sailor Moon!" Molly's hand waved across her view, and Serena snapped out of it. "Sorry Mols, just thinking about something." "Anything important?" "Nah. Let's go raid the refrigerator." "Serena?" "Yeah?" Molly gave her a half-smile. "Don't ever change." Serena returned the smile full-heartedly. "No chance of that." ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ o}--+----- Heaven, same time "Oh no," was the first thing said in the large marble meeting room. The room was just the opposite of their counterparts meeting room; it seemed to radiate it's own light. Everything was white or pastel, pleasing the eye and calming the mind. The only thing the same was the long table, only it was made of ivory and circular. On the back was a gigantic screen, taking up the majority of the wall. At the front of the room, the opened ivory doors, decorated with carvings of flowers and strange symbols made of different gems and stones, revealed three very exquisite woman. The woman who spoke had long flowing golden hair, which became a deep scarlet at the waist and curled at her ankles. Her sky blue eyes were wide with surprise, her lean body gone slack in her form-fitting black gown. The dress was made in an elegant Grecian style, the straps being several layers of silk held together by a large pearl medallion, hanging off the shoulders instead of on them. The bodice had a black leather string with some scattered pearls wrapping around her midsection. The girl next to her could only lift her hand to her mouth, her eyes widening by the second. Her intelligent ice blue eyes sparkled with surprise, with silver streaks in the iris now hidden with grief. Her blood red hair was deeper than the former girl's, but went all the way down to her ankles also. Her other arm wrapped around her waist, as if trying to keep herself straight, pushing the fabric of her ballroom-style gown closer to her. The elegant dress seemed to be made of silver, yet was as soft and lightweight as cotton, even the short puffy sleeves. The dress was modestly cut, allowing only the tight material to show off her hourglass figure. The sleeves and the last 3 feet of the gown were the only places that didn't seem to touch her skin. The girl on the other side of the first looked down at the floor immediately with her sea blue eyes closed tightly, as if by not looking at the view screen would clear it of the hideous message. Anger coursed through her as she clenched her fist against her gown. She was the same woman who had been crying before, in the same dress, only the light from the room made the material sparkle with a bronze twinkle. "Angel, report," the first girl said, surprising herself with her strong voice. "Gab, it just came in. I would have told you if it hadn't." "Who's it from? What does it say?" the third girl questioned as she quickly walked over to the screen, her strides purposeful and long. "Ryl, do you really want me to answer that? You know who it's from." "Well I don't know what it says." "They are preparing." All the girls whipped around from their positions to face the man at the doorway. Angel nodded. "What else does it say?" the second girl inquired. "What else matters, Kat? Damion is sick of waiting around for something to happen." Angel bowed his head a little lower, his voice now barely above a whisper as he stepped out of the shadows. His gleaming black tuxedo and cape only gave the illusion of confidence he usually possessed. "He said if 'Sako isn't prepared, he will prepare her himself." "But that would traumatize her! If not kill her! What is he trying to do?" Kat's voice had been found and was back in full force. "He's trying to get the upper hand." Ryl's answer was solid and strong. "We won't let him. I'll go and tell Ra." "I'll see to the others. We have much to plan and prepare for." Kat spoke, looking at Gab. "I'll prepare for Rin and notify her grandparents of the changes, as well as the Crew and Empire." Gab finally spoke. She looked at Angel. "Well, seeing this as a serious matter, I guess I'll find something to do," he supplied with a lopsided grin and an arrogant glint in his bright green eyes. The other girls gave him a weary glance and mild smiles as they faded into glowing balls, transporting away. Angel cleared the screen, and looked at the head of the table, the spot he and Rin had always occupied together. "You'll be home soon 'Sako." ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Aaahhh! Why is this guy calling Serena "'Sako"? Don't worry, I'll tell you why in the next chapter (hopefully). This is working out to be long, as in epic proportions. Will Serena remember? Who are these girls (if you really need a hint, they have been shown in the series and the manga, if you haven't already figured out)? What the heck is Angel One babbling about? Now here are the Baddies of the story, as promised: Name Counterpart's Name Planet Damion Serena Noom Sirena Darien Htrae Brone Mina Sunev Adar Lita Repituj Hugh Raye Sram Douglas Amy Yrucrem Donovan Alex(andra) Sunaru Lamar Mira Enutpen Garret Ana(stasia) Nrutas Akuji Sophea Otulp Notice all the planets are backwards. That's a good way to remember them. Your guess is as good as mine is as to how to say them, it doesn't matter. These are not all the bad guys. There are some good guys I will reveal. Let's just say some Generals are in hiding, and shall be revealed to their lost loves. By the way, I am making Alex and Mira best friends who think they have crushes on each other but won't voice their opinion. Nothing against lesbians, but I just think I'd totally hack their relationship and it would conflict with the story line (as if I don't confuse and screw up everything already...) Ana is 10, the Inners are 16, Alex and Mira are 18, Darien is 20 and Sophea is 22. I am mixing the manga and anime. Everything that occurred in the anime happened (Ann and Alan, and the other arcs and movies). Like the manga, though, I'm making the Quartet Rini's scouts. And I'm altering the timeline. They never went to the future. They simply dealt with the Wiseman and Co. in the past, which freed Rini's mom. Serena and Darien don't know they have a daughter, and Rini went home, sometimes visiting, and is under orders NOT to reveal ANYTHING. Darien wasn't plagued with dreams, like the manga, but I am having that occur now, after the SuperStars season. There is a reason for this, and it will be revealed later. Ja ne! (I'm learning!) ****All of my work will be posted at my site as it comes. My web site is under construction, but my files are posted, and I am working on them daily. Please visit at www.geocities.com/Area51/Dreamworld/3042/angel.htm and I will try and put up special information (and TEASERS!). I'm gonna send a shout-out to all the fantastic writers out there; Lianne (Did you know Lianne means "binding"? Of course we all know how her stories are "spell-binding"!), Razzz (did you know Raz means 'secret'?), Ninx, Jen Wand, Sailor November (check out her sites!), Andrea Hui (Sailor Moon Romance all the way!), Pandora Waldon, Tiga Shadow, Usako3000, Usako, Sailor Mac, Mark Berger, Roo, Lady, Lady M. Harris (a very cool website is owned by her), and Crystal Heart (another wicked web page, full of her awesome alternate universe fictions, a must see). Others will be mentioned later, in other chapters. For right, now, they rock. They should have their own author days!