Author's Notes: Well, I haven't received any feedback so I'll assume this is a good thing :) This chapter things get a tad more complicated (Though not to mention funny!) Please send comments, I mean how long can either "IT SUCKS" or "IT WAS GREAT" take to type out? :) (although more detailed comments are appreciated! ;) amslerd@globalserve.on.ca Copyright Notice: Sailor Moon is copyright Naoko Tenchi and is being used without permission (I hope that no one takes offense!) and I reserve all posting rights. Note: Sailor Pluto = Susan Sailor Uranus = Erica Sailor Neptune = Michelle Sailor Moon: Whose Reality Is Right? Part Three AS Serena and Darien settled into their movie "Space Jam" (Serena obviously picked this movie right?) Daniel and Mina got to their seats in the park. Mina asked Daniel "Who's the band performing tonight?" Daniel answered "I'm not too sure Darien said it was a group that played music I liked" and what's that Mina eyed him warily hoping that she wasn't about to be subjected to two hours of heavy metal music or worse rap. Daniel saw the apprehension on her face and said "Well, I mentioned to Darien how much I enjoyed music from the 50's and 60's, I can't make heads or tails out of most other music". Mina's face lightened up as if by magic "Phew, no offense Daniel but those were my thoughts exactly!". Daniel smiled a warm smile "Then with that settled m'lady let's sit back and enjoy the show!" and they did, but as they did Daniel sensed that *something* was amiss, nothing he could place, but a *feeling*. As the band wound down their first set Daniel felt as though the feelings of dread he was having would overwhelm him. He turned to Mina "Listen, I'm feeling a little odd, mind if we take a stretch break?" Mina had been sneaking glances at Daniel and couldn't help but notice he was becoming more and more agitated "Sure, maybe you just need some exercise" The pair made their way to the edge of the concert bowl, unbeknownst to either however they were being watched, as their observer followed their movements outside she seethed inwardly "How can this be? I banished *him* a thousand years ago to that other dimension and who is that little blond bimbo? He was never interested in blondes before! Maybe I can succeed now where I failed all those many years ago!" and with that the woman with red hair cascading down her back made her way out of the concert bowl. "But first I must regain my power if my plan is to succeed!" and with a low, malevolent chuckle the woman disappeared into the night. Daniel and Mina returned to their seats "Well, whatever that feeling was it's gone now" Daniel said happily "Yes but if you plan on eating even a *THIRD* of what you bought at that snack bar I don't know that it won't come back!" Mina smiled mischievously "Hey, some of this is for you too." Daniel shot back good naturedly and with that the pair settled into watching the second half of the concert. Meanwhile, in another part of the concert bowl, yet another pair of eyes was watching the pair "It can't be him, he was lost when Beryl flung him thru her dark portal at the final urging of Metalla. But if it is perhaps we can begin anew!" Two others were watching the woman watching the pair, one who at first glance could pass easily for a male said briskly "Susan, forget him, it was a thousand years ago, this probably isn't him and besides that he appears to be otherwise occupied!" Her companion shushed her "Erica, leave Susan alone, you know she and he..." The one called Erica sniffed in response "Whatever, I don't care, I just think it would be stupid to try and 'restart' something when there may not be 'anything' to restart" Susan as her companions called her spoke softly "I *WILL* learn the truth at any cost, but I'll need you two to help me!" Erica spoke again "The great Master of Time needs *OUR* help to figure out who her quarry is?" Michelle banged her partner in her side "Enough, Susan needs our help and we'll give it!" Susan smiled "Thank you, it means so much...." Daniel and Mina were thoroughly engrossed by the music and when the band asked the people to shout out any requested Daniel found himself shouting "PLAY 'VENUS'" Daniel's voice seemed to ring through the arena and struck a chord with the band as they proceeded into a lovely rendition of one of Daniel's favorite songs though he never was sure why until now as he turned to Mina who began to blush furiously at his rapt attention "Honestly, Daniel you are *SUCH* a romantic!" Daniel smiled "Hey, it's one of the charms I have, along with the ability to attract trouble like flowers attract bees!" Mina laughed softly and just then there was an explosion on the stage and as the pair turned to look what looked like a giant speaker with arms and legs began tearing about the stage and zapping people causing them to collapse. The monster soon ran out of targets on the stage and proceeded to dive into the crowd after more energy. The pair of starry eyed romantics turned back to each other and with an unspoken sentence ran into the fortunately close portable toilets and transformed. The monster was wreaking havoc through the fleeing crowd when suddenly a golden spear lodged right beside the creature "HOLD IT!" boomed a voice "You've disturbed this quiet concert with your evil music and that will not be tolerated! I am Lord Light" Sailor Venus having heard the entire speech muttered "Yikes, even when Darien was split into The Moon Light Knight he was never *THIS* corny! VENUS CRESCENT BEAM SMASH!" Daniel having seen Venus start her attack joined in expecting to easily stop the monster. He was wrong, the monster moved through the combined beam as if it were mere sunlight. Daniel frowned "Oh boy what did that escapee from the funny farm Jedite come up with now?" Suddenly a red rose streaked into the creatures "eye" (or what passed for one) "Tuxedo Mask! Like your timing! Did you bring any help?" Daniel asked. As if on cue the rest of the Scouts appeared. Sailor Moon looked royally pissed off as she skipped her speech entirely and proceeded to 'Moon Tiara Magic' the monster into moondust! Now this shocked the assorted heroes for various reasons, but there was little time to contemplate things as the Tokyo police made their customary too late appearance "Everybody meet at the designated place NOW!" Sailor Moon ordered with surprising authority. Daniel thought to himself "Either Serena didn't get to see the end of her movie or she knows something that scares her to bits!" and with that he leapt into the night behind the Scouts while keeping his eye on Venus "and what was with that failure of our powers? I've got a *BAD* feeling about this!" But unbeknownst to any of our heroes Jedite had nothing to do with this attack at all! Metalla, having placed a spy drone close to Daniel, the better to keep track of her 'prey' was fuming "JEDITE!" the entity screeched "Did you see who was eyeing our prize?" Jadeite had but was unbelieving "That person with the red hair looked almost like Beryl..." Metalla screamed at her servant "YOU IDIOT! THAT'S BECAUSE IT *IS* BERYL! Somehow she too was 'reborn' along with the rest of the Scouts! This changes our plans, we must capture *HER* first!" Jadeite was admittedly confused "Why my Regent?" Metalla thundered "SILENCE! Do as you are TOLD!" and with that Jadeite disappeared to construct plans that would satisfy his master. Metalla thought to herself darkly "Beryl must *NOT* contact our slave at all costs, or I am truly finished" Meanwhile back at Rei's temple the detransformed Scouts and Darien & Daniel sat waiting to see what Serena had to say as a result of her actions. Serena spoke "First guys I'm sorry I came on a bit strong but when I sensed *who* sent that little playtoy I was majorly scared!" Rei spoke next "Serena, I felt *something* was different about that monster but I couldn't put my finger on it. What's the scoop?" Daniel spoke next "Ok, this is getting creepy *I* felt *something* or *someone* was watching Mina and I at the concert just before things went wild". Serena spoke again "Please BE QUIET!" and at that all the chattering that started ceased completely. Serena tried again but only one word escaped her lips... "Beryl!" before she collapsed in Darien's arms sobbing. The other girls and Darien's faces all turned ashen as they remembered just how close Queen Beryl had come to ruling over the Earth. Daniel's reaction however was more severe than even that as he doubled over and grabbed his head "Ungh, Beryl..." was all he could say before he passed out into the arms of Mina. Daniel awoke to a cold cloth on his face muttering "Damn, gotta remember to warn Mina before I tip over again" he looked up and saw the concerned faces of the girls and Darien over him. Mina was the first to speak "Daniel, what happened?" Daniel raised himself with difficulty to a sitting position "I'm.... not sure all I remember is hearing the name Beryl, my head aching like someone took an ax to it and waking up on the floor of the temple. My head's still throbbing too, Rei?" The raven haired girl spoke "Yes? can I get you anything else?" Daniel smiled "I don't think you can get me a headache pill big enough for this doozy, but what I want to ask you is remember you said you wanted to do a fire reading on me? Now's as good a time as any, it's like a dam is about to burst and a reading might just be the final crack in the dam to get things loose!" Rei looked at Daniel in his weakened condition and was about to recommend against it when Daniel spoke again "Please Rei, I have to know what's going on, this might be my best shot at figuring out what's going on!" Rei nodded and with a sad smile said "Okay, but tomorrow, I can't get anything when your nearly dead on your feet!" Daniel smiled "Thanks Rei, it means a lot to me" and with that he struggled to his feet. Mina looked at him with concern "Daniel are you *SURE* you want to do this? I mean those memories might be too intense for a fire reading." Daniel smiled at Mina "Hey I'm in good hands with Rei right? Besides" he planted a kiss to Mina's cheek, "I wanna know why *I'M* scared of her too!" Darien spoke up "Daniel I don't think your in any condition to walk home, let me go home and get my car..." Daniel shook his head "That would take too long and besides *I* should get a drive in while I'm in Tokyo!" and with that he descended the temple steps, concentrated and produced a golden copy of his own car! Darien looked at the car "Why this car?" Indeed a ten year old American car with Japanese plates did look as though it would attract unwanted attention. Daniel shrugged "It's late, I wanna drive 'my' car and if anyone asks it's a funky paint job, you coming?" Darien got inside on the passenger side "Wild, absolutely wild" was the only thing he could mutter as Daniel drove the twisting streets of Tokyo as if he was born on the roads. As they entered the elevator to Darien's apartment Daniel remarked "Since Rei is in school til late I think I'm gonna use the day productively" Darien was puzzled "Oh"? Daniel replied "Yep, I wanna try and find a job!" and leaving Darien with his mouth agape he stumbled off to bed. The next morning came more quickly than Daniel would have liked but he was up at 8am. As sure as night follows day Darien was coming up with all sorts of reasons why looking for a job was a bad idea "Daniel, I don't know why you feel you need a job while your here, there's plenty for everybody!" Daniel spoke "Darien I appreciate all of your generosity, I really do but I want to contribute somehow to the extra expenses that my being here is causing" Darien sighed, he knew this was another argument he would lose "Ok, I understand that, but what if your attacked? At least as things stand if you stay here your close to the girls at their schools." Daniel smiled "I appreciate what your saying but I need to do something else while I'm here than fighting walking nightmares" Darien knew when he was beaten "Ok, but I wanna shadow you during your job search today" Daniel sighed "Your gonna make a great father you know? Protection should be your middle name. Ok, lets go!" Daniel was getting frustrated, despite all the help wanted signs, when he went into the stores the position was always magically 'filled'. Daniel couldn't be sure but could only wonder if his appearance had something to do with it. However Daniel persevered and was rewarded, a small computer shop was looking for help on their tech desk, something Daniel knew inside and out. The man behind the counter enthusiastically agreed to hire him (his previous help had quit yesterday). Daniel was in heaven, being around computers all day and getting PAID for it! At lunch he met with Darien who was impressed "Well, I'll give you this much Daniel, when you say your going to do something you do it!" Daniel smiled over his lunch "Hey, I'm no quitter, no matter what it takes!" Daniel returned after his lunch break to find a pair of ladies waiting for him with a laptop computer between them. "Can I help you ladies?" Daniel asked pleasantly. The blond with the short bob haircut spoke, "Yes, our computer won't boot up, it starts and we get an error message every time." Daniel looked at the machine, "Ok, leave it with us and I'll take a look. The woman with green hair spoke "When it's fixed would you mind delivering it to the following address?" and she proceeded to hand Daniel a slip of paper with an address on it. Daniel was hesitant "Well, that's normally not the stores policy.." The green haired girl spoke again "Please, it's for a friend, we promised her the computer as soon as it was ready" Daniel spoke after looking at the address "Well, it's on my way... If I can get it going today before I'm finished you have a deal. Your name?" The blond spoke "Our names aren't important but the lady at the house is named 'Susan'" Daniel was a bit taken aback by the briskness of the answer but remained non pulsed "Ok, thank you for your business" and Daniel watched the two disappear into the crowd outside the store, "Odd" Daniel mused and he proceeded onto the computer, it was at this time he noticed that a pair of keys were stuck together, as slight as it was it could be the problem. Daniel gently pried the keys free (with a little discreet help from his ring) and sure enough the computer booted up good as new. Daniel was surprised, it never was this easy usually to fix problems and he decided to take the keyboard apart. What he found make him stare, it looked as though the two keys that were stuck together before had been *DELIBERATELY* stuck together. "Curiouser and curiouser" Daniel muttered. It was the end of his shift and Daniel took the computer along with the address and proceeded to his destination "At least it's close to the temple". Daniel stopped at the address on the piece of paper and was shocked at just how big and beautiful the house was. "Wow, whoever owns this place really has good taste" a voice spoke seemingly from everywhere "Why thank you kind sir" Daniel yelped and very nearly dropped the machine "Who said that?" he stuttered out. Suddenly a woman appeared in the doorway of the house "I'm sorry did I startle you? My name is Susan are you the computer repairman?" "Yes ma'ma" Daniel had gotten over his fright and taken a good look at Susan "Or should I say Miss" for indeed, Susan was by no means an older woman as the term 'ma'ma' would imply. She was about Daniel's age with long hair down her back and was very nicely dressed in a silk blouse and slacks. Susan noticed Daniel looking at her "Would you like a cup of tea? I just put a pot on?" Daniel remembered the girls at the temple, especially Mina "No thank you miss, but may I bring the computer inside to show you that it is working?" Susan's face had fallen a bit when she realized Daniel wouldn't be staying for tea, but had perked up again at the mention of Daniel entering the house. "Certainly, come this way" and Susan led Daniel into the house, Daniel marveled at the interior as they made their way into Susan's computer room. Daniel proceeded to set up the machine but couldn't help noticing how close Susan was staying to him while he put the machine through it's paces. Finally Daniel was finished and the bill was paid, Susan said "Thank you for your prompt service Daniel" I hope to see you again and she leaned towards him and KISSED him! Daniel backed away nearly knocking over a vase "I'm s-sorry miss, I mean Susan, I have to go now!" and Daniel left the house as fast as he could go. Susan stood at the doorway and thought to herself "It *WAS* him, but he doesn't remember me at all." and she began to quietly sob as she went inside. Daniel was still pretty shaken up as he made his way towards the temple, so much so that he nearly tripped over Artemis who was walking towards the temple as well. "Augh!" Daniel screamed as he ate concrete. "Great, this just *ISN'T* my day!" Artemis who barely avoided being squished said "What's wrong? Darien told me you found a job today congrats!" Daniel looked around and seeing that there was no one there rolled over to face Artemis. "Well, my first repair job and I have to make a delivery to a 'Miss Lonely Hearts... Why are you staring like that Artemis?" Artemis tried to remain calm as he told Daniel what he saw "You said this woman *kissed* you?" Daniel nodded affirmatively "Artemis, what's wrong? Didn't I get all the lipstick off or something?" Artemis shook his head "No, there's no lipstick but I can still see the lipprints and they match Sailor Pluto's EXACTLY!" Daniel paused a moment and the gravity of the statement Artemis made came to him "Hold it, did you say *SAILOR* Pluto?" Artemis nodded "Ok, now I'm really confused, two days ago I'm watching Sailor Moon on TV and now it looks like I have two Sailor Scouts chasing me! Not to mention Jedite and this 'Beryl' Time to get to that fire reading ASAP" The white cat jumped on Daniel's shoulder and the pair made their way to the temple. At the temple the sacred fire was blazing as Rei prepared to try and unravel the mysteries surrounding Daniel and his appearance. Daniel sat on the temple floor facing the fire, in a borrowed set of Chad's robes and with the Scouts watching and Mina holding Daniel's hand Rei began. At first Daniel could only hear his steady breathing and the crackling of the fire but then a voice, harsh, cold yet with some measure of love in it was speaking to him: "Why did you not accept the invitation to become one of Prince Darien's guards? Do you have any idea what sort of prestige and influence your tossing away?" Daniel saw the speaker of that comment, it was Beryl! "We've been over this a thousand times dear! (at his calling Beryl 'dear' Mina stiffened) I'm *NOT* willing to play 'palace politics' and I'm perfectly happy to serve my Prince as a soldier in his army. Why can't you understand that?" Beryl was furious "I don't know *WHY* I was ever attracted to you in the first place! Bah, you're weak and spineless!" Daniel smiled sadly "It appears all you 'love' Beryl is power, but forget not the proverb 'Absolute power corrupts absolutely'" Beryl spoke again "The worst of it is, the power that you *DO* have you waste *helping* others when you could be carving out your own territory, larger than even that simpering pretty boy prince!" (this comment drew a snarl from Darien) Daniel spoke again "I've thought about this next sentence long and hard, I didn't want to say it but you leave me no choice. The wedding is off! I can't marry someone who's only love is power!" Beryl stopped as if struck "GET OUT! I never want to see you again!" Daniel made his way towards the door "I can only hope that one day you will overcome the evil that threatens your heart, good-bye" and Daniel made his way out the door leaving a screeching Beryl behind him. The scene shifted, Daniel was on the Moon, kneeling before Queen Serenity "My queen, I offer you my humble services and seek only permission to remain on your planet" Serenity bade Daniel to rise "Of course you may stay, you have proven yourself a kind and just man who uses his gifts to help others rather than himself, welcome to the Moon Kingdom!" and so Daniel rose to become one of Serenity's closest advisors. He also forged a close friendship with Princess Serena and the Scouts who were sworn to protect Serena from all perils. One Scout in particular, Venus, interested him, for her powers were based on light as were his and she seemed so warm and genuine, as Beryl had once been before the lust for power turned her cold and unfeeling. One day Daniel was in the practice range shooting at the target drones when something whizzed past his shoulder, turning and firing a blast, thinking that it was another drone he nearly leapt out of his skin to intercept the bolt he threw at Sailor Venus! He caught the bolt before it could harm the shocked girl but not without suffering himself "OUCH! Sailor Venus what were you *thinking*! I could have killed you!" Sailor Venus had stopped shaking and quipped "But you didn't and boy am I glad!" and she broke into a smile. Daniel was lost, her smile had both warmth and sincerity that got right into his heart. Daniel blushed "Well, it would *NEVER* do for a Lord to fall out of practice would it?" Venus laughed in return "No indeed, by the way, my name is Mina" Daniel was shocked, the Scouts real names were a closely guarded state secret that was only known by the Queen and princess, for a Scout to mention their name implied a trust that was weighty indeed. Daniel was unsure of how to proceed "Well, 'Mina' what did bring you out this way? Target practice?" Mina smiled, "Actually, no I've had a lock on this particular target for a while" and with that she kissed him on the lips! Daniel was shocked and could only return the kiss in kind. The scene shifted again, it was the night of the attack from the NegaVerse, the cats had just run through the hallways warning everyone to prepare for battle. Daniel and Sailor Venus had just finished a dance and were preparing to announce their engagement, having conferred with Princess Serena & Prince Darien to make sure that their announcement would not in anyway overshadows the Prince of the Earth and the Moon Princess's own joyous announcement. Princess Serena beamed "This is so perfect! You two are the perfect couple!" Prince Darien agreed "The two of you will be welcome to stay on Earth whenever you choose" Daniel thanked them both "The two of you will be eternal, I can only hope that Mina and I can equal that" and then attack commenced! The demons that emerged from the black nebula were dark and horrible things that attacked without mercy, slaughtering all in their path. Daniel had just finished hacking one to bits when he heard a scream! Sailor Pluto had been holding her own until she was blindsided by a gross abomination of arms and legs, and as she stretched to grasp her Garnet Staff the monster came ever closer, only to be blasted into debris by Daniel's golden blasts! Sailor Pluto stared wide eyed at Daniel as he lifted her to her feet. Daniel said "Are you okay Pluto?" Sailor Pluto had a lost look in her eyes "Yes, I am thank you, my name is Susan and I must show my appreciation" and then Pluto kissed him full on the lips! Daniel broke away "Pluto, you know I and Sailor Venus are to be married!" Pluto smiled "I could arrange an 'accident' for her" Daniel was shocked but before he could reply he heard Mina scream "IT'S BERYL! SHE'S LEADING THE ATTACK!" Daniel's mind reeled, it wasn't possible Beryl couldn't be responsible for this carnage, this wanton destruction of life! Sure she lusted after power but she couldn't have sunk this low, could she? Daniel went to where Venus was "Where is she Venus? I'm going to try and talk to her!" Venus stared at him "Your crazy! She's killing everything that moves, you won't get NEAR her, let alone talk to her!" Daniel smiled grimly "I have to try and see if the Beryl I knew still exists, Mina, if I don't come back... " Venus kissed him into silence "Hush, don't talk that way! Besides, you have a wedding to attend remember?" and she smiled that smile that warmed Daniel's heart. Daniel proceeded to fight his way to where Venus had pointed, it was a horrific battle and he was damaged badly by the time he got past Beryl's generals (Who were former Generals of Prince Darien before being corrupted) He shouted Beryl's name and Beryl turned to greet her former love.... Daniel was ill "What has she *DONE* to herself" he thought weakly. For the tall fiery redhead had grown fangs and what appeared to be horns out of her shoulders! Beryl was wide eyed "You? I thought you were dead!" Sorry to disappoint you again 'dear'" Daniel replied in a flat tone "But I couldn't die with your evil threatening the existence of everything!" Beryl seemed to pause "I still... love you" Daniel smiled sadly "Do you? Or do you love power more?" Suddenly a strange voice escaped from Beryl's lips "ENOUGH! IF YOU ARE NOT WITH US YOU SHALL DIE! and Beryl's arms jerked up as if drawn by puppet's strings and proceeded to blast her former love. But Beryl regained enough control of her body to change the blast into a portal which proceeded to suck Daniel through it! His last words in the Moon Kingdom were "Mina, I love you!" and the battle went downhill after that but Daniel heard nothing of it for he had been thrown into another dimension entirely. Daniel and Rei both awoke from their trances with a start, Daniel could only mutter "Whoa what a rush!" before he fainted into Mina's arms. What's next? What else can happen? Plenty in Chapter 4 of: Sailor Moon: Who's Reality Is Right?