Last piece...whew! So much in about two weeks time. DISCLAIMERS: 1) Yes, I don't own in. No creative infringement intended. 2) I keep forgetting this, but this is a series. To understand it, read Stranded, DitH, HiaP, and Interim, as well as my other parts to this story. 3) I know I told you page fans (I have one!) that this would be long, but after delibaration it has been cut short. Next one, though, should be pretty packed. \ 4) I love you song people! Keep sending them, except now I need Creepy Ones, stuff about wronged love and lust. Most anything will do. 5) This ones about a PG, but it all should average out to PG-13. 'Kay? 6) By the way, please read Alina, Kismet, Sailor Charon (S. Charon), and Lianne. Same address--feedback is okay. The Four Lovers: Air On a Cosmic String VIII. Interlude You couldn't be that man That I adore You don't seem to know Or seem to care What your heart is for --"Torn" Natalie (pardon the butchering) Imbroglio How can we be lovers If we can't be friends? How can we start over If the fighting never ends? How can we be lovers If we can't make amends? How can we be lovers if can't be - Can't be friends?" --"How..." Michael Bolton I don't think you unworthy I need a moment To deliberate --"Uninvited" Alanis Morrisette Darien stepped through the blinds and out the door, carefully maneuvering them so that only a few wisps of sunshine peeked into the room. He smiled to himself as his bare feet touched the warm, slightly damp cement; despite their long friendship, it was the first time he'd ever had them spend the night. Actually, they'd asked, eager to know more about his theories and his powers. he thought with a smile. Over the years, as Tuxedo Mask was needed less, he had looked inside himself for more. Just as he believed that he had a kind of Senshi (sort of), he also believed there was more to him than roses and a cane. Not that he was going to wake up to a gray cat talking to him someday, telling him what he already knew and presenting him a pen to become Sailor...he laughed out loud at the thought. First of all, Luna would object; second of all, it was ridiculous. No, there were powers that stirred within him that came with his heritage, and what he had done last night was just part of that. he thought. He sucked in a great breath of morning air, analyzing the taste in his mouth. A little bit of sun with a dash of freshness and that after a rain tinge, the rest being the usual industrial melange. He did this everyday, hanging out from his apartment on a piece of concrete, leaning against the rail, watching the city wake up. He had some roses out there too, and a sunflower for no particular reason other than it was cheery plant. A soft buzzing sprang into his head. He started at the abruptness of it, but quickly caught himself before he ran into something. His first reaction was to look down, to see if she--his Usako, whoever was there--then to look around. his thoughts rumbled, and he stopped to take another breath, a quick one now. Finally he looked up. Warm, morning sunlight filtered through a golden mass of hair, taking on a bit of the golden sheen itself. In return, it imparted a warm glow to the wearer of that golden cloak, almost a crown, almost a halo. It was like seeing an angel; it was like... A deadly shadow fell over her. Serena stood, frozen, the man's smile like ice to her body. He knew it, knew from his long Trio association nearly every thought in her head. He was slightly surprised, almost miffed, at the signal that suddenly burst from her brain. "He'll never reach you, my dear," he whispered. "Never. Though it would be very amusing if he'd try." She backed away, eyes wide and still on the man, unable to do anything but move back and feel completely frightened. It was as if she had suddenly de-aged six years, becoming the Serena who quaked in her boots at the sight of youma. Inside her Serenity screamed, and the Crystal shined darkly in his presence. It had no intent to harm anything, but this man... "What, Princess, no kiss of greeting?" he mocked. "Or perhaps you don't know me, do you?" She shook her head mutely, paralyzed. His dark eyes seemed to thrive on her fear, glowing and flaring, the darker spectrum of emotions flowing through them. He floated closer, just a little, to touch her face. She was shocked at the gentle gesture, shocked and now more afraid because he was SO close. "Well then, gentle slut, I will introduce myself," he said lightly, the insult rolling royally off his tongue, so sweetly said that it was almost an affectionate gesture. "I am..." "DEAD SCREAM!" The purple burst flew from inside the apartment, shattering the window pane and spraying glass all over the deck as it struck him. He flew back, anger springing to his face; dark purple energy gathered around him, and washed over him, flowing in waves to his hands and rushing out on his command. "Garnet Shield!" Sailor Pluto called, stepping over Serena, and a purple bubble blocked the blast. "Stay down," she whispered to Serena. Then she took two steps and swung her staff, the end of it contacting his chest as she screamed "DEAD SCREAM!" The orb flared again and he was blasted back. She hopped onto the balcony edge and raised her staff, lavender and maroon energy flaring. "PLUTO GARNET ORB...ASSAULT!" she yelled, and slammed the staff onto the balcony. Maroon sprayed from the frenzied talisman, and as it neared the Master he vanished. *Sexy, Pluto,* murmured a voice in her head. *I never knew you were so powerful.* A chuckle. *I will be prepared next time, my beauty.* Pluto barely contained a shudder as she hopped from the ledge, but there were more pressing concerns now. "Are you all right, Princess?" she asked softly, kneeling down by the dropped girl. "Come on, we have to get you inside." Serena didn't reply or protest as she was lifted up and walked inside; she was too busy sobbing slow, painful tears. Stopping inside for a moment, her staff flared, and the glass unshattered itself. Serena didn't notice; she threw herself on the couch and huddled up, still shivering and shuddering. Pluto's staff disappeared, revealing an impeccably dressed Setsuna, a clashing worried look on her face. "Are you all right, Serena?" she repeated quietly. The girl shook her head mutely, and Setsuna sat down next to her. Immediately Serena moved over and wrapped her arms around her, sobbing. Setsuna slung her arm over her shoulder, trying to comfort her. "Who was he, Setsuna?" she whispered. "He scared me so much." "Shush...he is the enemy, Serena," she whispered back. "He has always been." "He called me Princess," she murmured. "He knows...how does he know?" "Not every enemy you meet is blind to who you were, Serena," she said. "He especially. You must be extremely careful, Serena, or you may end up like Amy." Serena started to cry again, and Setsuna looked in despair at her and then the clock. They needed to go, but she knew that the Prin...that Serena couldn't go in like this. she thought, "Setsuna, how can I be safe?" Serena cried out. "The Generals, the Senshi--I don't want anyone to get hurt, but I won't give up. Not with Amy in there! I won't...I CAN'T!" She sat up, wiping her eyes. "Here," said a voice. Both started and looked up, Setsuna ready to defend the girl, but it was only Zoicite, extending a blue tinged hanky. "You seem to need it." His eyes hardened as he noticed the tears. "What happened?" Serena rose, and immediately hugged him. Slowly his aura changed, and he was Zach again, holding her close. He stroked her hair and murmured to her, head down; then he looked up, and his eyes were rock hard pieces of green-gray, a peculiar jade that gleamed darkly. "What happened?" he asked, voice a touch hoarse. "Call the others," she replied. "Tell them they have the day off, and to get here as quickly as possible." She sat down again. "We have to talk." Tuxedo Mask had a tough time rousing the others, but soon the three of them stood on the balcony. He shaded his eyes as he looked up, and pointed out the traces of a battle, visible to his eyes only. Jupiter slammed her fist down on the edge, enraged. "He tried to attack her in the open? How dare that slimy bastard!" she snarled. "Are you sure it was her?" Venus asked from beside him. "I felt it," he replied. "I just wish I knew what piece of Serena I'm sensing. Or if it's a piece at all." He stretched and de transformed, sensing the danger was past; the others followed suit. "Someone out to go check that place out," Mina said. "See if there's evidence, ya know," Lita added. He nodded with a slim smile. "I'm going to, ladies," he replied. "Later. But for now..." he gestured inside, "breakfast?" The man was furious. "Open audio," he said tersely, and at the small chirp, he began. "The Master--as near as I can tell, that's what he calls himself now--attempted...something...with the Princess this morning." He nearly punched the wall. "She was paralyzed, evidence that he was subtly using his powers on her. Luckily, Sailor Pluto was able to intervene with a bit of light show. She even used one of her secretive attacks, the Garnet Assault, a mass of chronal energy that disrupts the body's systems and can be fatal if held long enough." He leaned down to tap a few keys, and quickly his eyes absorbed the data, adding, "It's slightly modified from before, indicating that there's been a subtle change to the Talisman itself. Quite depressing, actually--it means my dear Setsuna did really die helping the Prince, though by Grace she was spared. My apologies go out to Ri on that one." He shook his head, realizing he digressed. "But as to the situation, it has obviously worsened. If the 'Master' (snort) had gotten wind that Darien was on the balcony below during his experience, it would've caused a lot of trouble. Interestingly, he and Sailors Jupiter and Venus appeared shortly afterwards. Quite a focal point there." He tapped a few more keys, checking out the readouts. "Darien's powers have increased, by the way, by about 75%. If that level was higher, I would be more reluctant to say what I must next: I may be joining the battle sooner than predicted. The Master apparently has more brains that we gave him credit, as the battles of late and this morning's little soiree show. I am both excited and reluctant, for my presence could backfire within the time stream. Yet I really want to see Setsuna. It has been too long. Close channel." The chirp told him it was done, and with that he turned. His steps brought him to the closet, and from the back he retrieved a long case. It opened to reveal, on a bed of red felt, a glossy black rod, uncarved and polished until it shone. He hefted it up, hands immediately getting used to the familiar weight. He twirled experimentally, and then reached into the case and flipped up a small flap. Inside lay an ornamental piece of bluish cadmium and sparkling silver twined wires looped about a piece of flat black onyx, which he placed on the top of the stave. A rush of wind filled the room as the black stone turned clear, and subtle power crackled along the length. Then it ceased, leaving the piece fused a top it, stone black once more, even if the strands glowed. He nodded to himself, grimly satisfied, and the staff vanished. Then he went to the window, and sighed softly. Like or not, he was ready. It was actually Jade who went to fetch the other two. Serena was still firmly ensconced in Zach's arms, unable to let go, the Master's psi abilities having left her in deep paranoia and fear. Slowly she was beginning to recover, but not quickly enough for Jade. "I will kill him," he murmured to himself as he rapped on the door. "If I ever see him, he is ground beef. Toast. Muerte." Kevin answered with his finger across his lips, as if he'd heard him, and motioned him in. "Nephrite is working," he whispered. "Watch." Nathan sat in the middle of the room, eyes open, hands folded loosely across his lap. Had a casual observer seen him, he would've remarked that he was staring at nothing but the wall. But all the Generals could see the other's work, and he took a breath at the fine weavings of star power that filled his eyes. Unlike he or Zoicite, whose powers required fine control mired with blunt force, Kunzite and Nephrite were weavers, skillfully producing patterns of energy strands that acted one way or another. From what he could see, Nathan was working a pattern of a central oval surrounded by more loops, some overlapping, and some a bare distance... Wait, that wasn't right. Actually, it was what kept appearing in the pattern; he was manipulating strands around it. Now he realized that Nephrite was performing a star reading,, garnering energy from the stars and their positions to make "educated guesses" at the future. At least, that was what he, Jade, called it; Nate was of a different opinion. "Magnificent, isn't it?" Kevin whispered. "Ten minutes of work right there." He turned to him and grinned. "So, what's up? Sets delay the start of the work day?" "Canceled it, actually." "What?!" he exclaimed, and Nate cast them a dark sideways glance. Kevin's face subtly changed, and he asked, "What happened?" "I...Sets will explain. Serena was scared senseless this morning, but..." he faltered. "We'd better interrupt Neph, then," Kevin replied, moving to do so. They gathered a few minutes later, Zach and Serena having finally separated from each other--but that didn't mean she looked any better. Her face was tear stained and pale, her eyes weakly blue and semi-swollen, and streaked with soft fear. To see her enraged them all, and there was more. Small movements in her direction would cause her to flinch; an uneasy expression shielded her face, her true emotions. She was trying to compose herself so much, but the floodwaters of her emotion wouldn't, couldn't let her, and it showed. Setsuna calmly narrated the story, or as calmly as she could for one so close to the enemy. They all were wowed by her powers, but she brushed it off, telling them that they all had "secret" abilities. Quickly she made their day off official, and suggested that they should use it wisely. They got the clue quickly, and within minutes the four guys were on their way out to find their ladies. First, they dropped off Zachary for his office tending duties, cleaning up some of their own microscopic loose ends, leaving him to finish up some of the minor work. Then it was to the temple to meet Raye and drop Jared off. She was indeed incredible, and sweeter than either of them had pictured; also, she instantly knew who they were. It was a bit of a surprise, but then again, it wasn't because they all knew she was psychic. She offered them tea, but Jade leaned over and whispered to her, and she smiled and wished them good luck. One did not need to be psychic to know what she meant. Kevin walked Nate silently to Lita's, and just from the predatory glare on his friend's face he knew something was up. "Are you all right?" he asked. "No." "Serena?" "Serena, the Senshi...all of that," he replied. "Why the worries, amigo?" He stopped, fists tightly clenched. "Its this guy who attacked--or tried to attack the Princess. If he knows her, recognizes her through everything, then he's got to know the Senshi, too." His voice hardened more, a cold, diamond edge rivaling the sharp glare in his eyes. "It pisses me off, Nate. We know next to nothing about him, but he's practically pinching our Achilles' Heel. And that scares me, too." He looked up towards Lita's, but there was blond in his eyes. "I don't think I could lose her, Nate. A few weeks isn't a long time--not when I've seen her only a few times--but my God, she and Serena are the most precious things to me." His teeth gritted, and his fists clenched so tight Nate expected to see blood begin to flow from his palms. "I will not lose them." "I understand, Kevin," he replied. His eyes drifted away, and up to that apartment. "I would kill for her. I can't explain it, but I would. Maybe its Nephrite speaking--but I don't think so." "Then we're agreed," Kevin said dryly. "I propose we watch their backs as we watch each others. I have a feeling I know what a loss would do." "Zach," he murmured. Kevin nodded, and squeezed his shoulder, a generous gesture of affection. Impulsively, they hugged, for a moment reassured by their friendship, trying to restore their shaken souls. "Got to her," Kev whispered. "Aren't you melodramatic?" Nate replied with a grin. Kevin smiled. "Mina's influence." Then he sobered, and added, "Take care." Nate nodded, and they parted ways. His steps took him quickly to her third floor apartment, and he gently knocked. No answer. He knocked again. And again. A murmur of fear whispered in his mind, and he checked his watch. <8:30,> rang his mind. He now put a little force into the knuckle strikes, and only got silence in response. He tried again, adding, "Lita, it's Nate." No answer. He put his ear to the door, but there were no sounds of water rushing, electric buzzes, or a blaring radio. It was quiet. Deathly quiet. Nephrite cheerily decided to take over then, and within seconds he was inside. He actually struggled for control now, but managed to wrest it away as he looked around. There was nothing out of place. In fact, the apartment was impeccably clean as usual. However, there was an air of unsettledness, as if no one had been here recently. So he scanned the room with his energy selective eyes, and only found what he'd glimpsed before--green, green, and more green. Well, there were a few tracks of orangy yellow which was Mina, and an abrupt patch of blue that was Darien's signature. But nothing like the sharp, claw-like purple that had laced the balcony, nor the deep black of those of Tux. It was all completely normal. He was contemplating checking out Mina's when the door opened, and in stepped Lita. "Nathan!" she cried out, dropping her bag of groceries. "Lita...um, hi.." She blinked, still looking shocked, before her features turned steely. "What are you doing here?" "Well..." "How did you get in here?" "Um..." "Never mind!" she snapped. "Get out!" "Lita, I can explain..." "I don't want to hear it, Nathan! Get out!" "Lita..." "SHUTUP! You trespassed in my apartment!" Her eyes blazed. "GET OUT!" He moved to the door now, and she moved aside. He stooped to pick up the bag that stood at her feet. "I'm sorry to offend you like this," he whispered. "I was worried about you when no one answered the door. Then he was gone. Lita sagged, the bag of groceries suddenly a million pounds heavier. She staggered to the kitchen to set them down, and then found herself dazedly on the floor she thought as she returned to her feet. It had been a long morning for the poor girl after Darien's breakfast. He'd admonished them over it to be careful whatever they did, and suggested they travel as Senshi. They both had, but the momentary time when she was in the grocery had made her anxious and jumpy. She hated--HATED--an enemy like this. They struck without warning, they kidnapped...they weren't the regular youma they'd faced. It was wrong. she thought as she began to unload the bag, a strange melancholy/headache descending upon her brain. came the fierce response. The thought struck like a bolt of lightning. She stopped them, hand freezing on the ginger ice cream. she wondered. A flicker caught her eye, and she gasped as a figure appeared in her room. It was a tall, handsome man with long auburn hair and a General's uniform, trimmed in dark purple- blue. "Nephrite," she said aloud. He blinked as if acknowledging her, but then his features contorted painfully. One hand reached up slowly, edging upwards and towards her, and then stopped. A deep pain filled his eyes, agony that she'd never seen, nor felt. The apparition stood there for a few moments, agony fired on pain shattered features, before its hand lowered. Now it fixed her with a blank stare...almost blank. There was an accusation in those deep brown eyes, still decorated with pain. "I'm sorry," she burst out, voice barely a whispered. "I was surprised, and tense...I didn't know..." He shook his head. >But you love him,< whispered the sweetest, most heart wrenching voice she'd ever heard. Her eyes closed involuntarily, and the melancholy crushed her next breath, headache wisping away. Her eyes opened, but he was gone. Venus arrived home all right, changing from the Sailor of Love to the model of her in a few refreshing moments. Having the habit of locking the balcony door forced her to knock, and she waited patiently, enjoying the breeze. Artemis appeared, mouthing, "What?" "Open the door," she replied. "No thumbs," he retorted. She giggled. "Just unlock it, silly," she replied, and he did. Once inside, he fixed her with a dark stare. "When were you, young lady?" he asked sternly. "Darien's," she replied. "Any messages." "Only one from your shark about the deal," he said. "Now...why did you stay the night at Darien's, or should I ask?" "Get your mind out of the gutter, Artemis. He's a friend," she replied affirmatively. "A good looking friend." "Artemis!" she protested. "Please!" She stared at him, then added, "You need to get back with Luna before you drive me nuts." "She won't return my calls," he said glumly. "Apologize in person! Get her a ribbon--I suggest yellow-- and some star candies and maybe a nice flower," she suggested, going to the kitchen and grabbing a lemonade from the small fridge. She plopped back on the couch, opening it. "She'll melt," she added. "I wish," he drooped. "Oh, Artemis is in love," she teased. "Oh yea? What about this Kevin guy?" he shot back. She took a sip and mused over Kevin. What did she think of the sometimes gray haired man with the hard but warm eyes? He'd seen her once or twice since Lita's party, always withdrawn but somehow so warm to her. He drew her like a magnet with his serious but joking voice and dry wit, not to mention the fact that the mostly white haired/gray eyed combo was simply smashing on him. She was so deep in thought that she missed the first knocks. When she finally heard it, it was only absentmindedly that she opened it. "Kevin!" she said, and Artemis looked up. "What are you doing here?" "Uh..hi, Mina..sorry to disturb you," he replied shyly. "Well, you usually call," she pointed out. "Yes, well, I got the day off, and...uh..." "Yes?" "Need a bodyguard for the day?" he asked. She smiled then, a three hundred watt smile that lit up the hallway and nearly lifted him off his feet. As it was, he felt lightened, relieved, and at peace. "Come on in," she said, smile decreasing in wattage a bit. "There's someone you should meet." He walked in, mood darkening just a bit by her words--until she held up the whitest cat he'd ever seen. A bright golden moon shimmered on his forehead, and he would've sworn the cat's brown eyes glared at him. "This is Artemis, guardian cat," she pronounced, and now the glare shifted from him to her. Yet he knew him now, he'd been the in the same role in his memories in the Moon Kingdom. he reflected. "Pleased to meet you, Artemis," he said instead, moving forward to shake the cat's paw gingerly. The cat glared at him, then meowed impatiently at Mina. She set him down on command, then popped back up to ask, "Care for something to drink?" "Sure," he replied, and the two headed into the kitchen. Meanwhile, Artemis leaped up on the couch and began to clean his paw, which was incidentally the same one Kevin shook. He watched the two carefully in the kitchen, eyes narrowed; somehow, that Kevin was more familiar than he should be. Not with Mina; there was a close, yet respectable distance between the two of them. Yet there was something else...something odd. A sparkle attracted his eye, and he turned slightly...and nearly fell off the couch. Watching the pair in the kitchen were two slightly misty figures. One was Venus; well, a kind of Venus, there being differences in height, fuku, hair, facial features, etc. The other was a man, tall and thin but obviously strong, with an intellectual face and gentle gray eyes. His hair was long, and whitish... his mind shrieked. >Duh, Artemis,< said the gleaming Venus. >We're dating.< >Engaged,< Kunzite fixed. >Engaged,< she remanded with a smile. He leapt off the couch, and walked over to them. "What are you doing here?" he whispered. >That's us,< elder Venus said. "What?" Both chuckled. >Don't you get it Artemis?< Kunzite whispered. >That's me.< Artemis looked between the two, and his eyes widened. "He's a General," he whispered. >Yes,< Kunzite replied. "A General." >Yes.< "In this apartment is General Kunzite." >Is there a pattern here?< Kunzite said, adding, >Yes.< "Standing with Mina in the kitchen." >Aren't they cute?< Venus broke in. "A General, General Kunzite, is in the kitchen with Mina," he panted. "Wait! You two dated!" >Were engaged, remember?< Kunzite said. "So they are..." >There's a great chance of it,< Venus said, grinning. >Isn't that sweet?< "Mina...a General..." He fainted. Tuxedo Mask, formerly Darien Chiba, and way formerly Prince Endymion, entered the residence of what he thought to be Serena Tsukino, and pretty sure it was Pluto's home as well. The room was empty but tastefully decorated, and there was a purse on the table, a darker color. Apprehension prickled his neck as he moved silently to check it out. Suddenly a sound hit his ears, that of running water, and he nearly jumped out of his skin. he thought, which was dead wrong. Darien had an excellent mind, agility to make a cat blink, and quick hands. Had he been forced to actually steal, he would've been brilliant. But there was something in the shower that stole his slickness from him. Something real and potent. He decided that being out in the open was a BAD idea, so he moved to the other open room. It was clear and functioning, with the same color scheme as the living room but...different somehow. The air was subtly fresher; the room seemed lighter, too. There wasn't much personal of any personal decoration, except for a framed picture that he couldn't see and a light, lavender colored book. A prickle touched him then, and he suddenly knew that he had to see what was inside that book. Perhaps it would settle all his questions, or just raise more; whatever it was, he needed to see it. The cover decoration nearly stopped his heart. It was moon that hung, white and golden, from a darker sword, points joined at the hilt. ran through his head as he picked it up. He escaped to the living room, fingers and mind itching to read what he carried. It was then that Setsuna came in the door, and he froze at her footsteps. She set down her keys, and a bag, before looking up. "You!" she yelled, and the Time Key appeared in her hand. "How dare you show your face here!" "I had to..." he replied, holding his hands out in a warding gesture. Her eyes blazed as she saw the book, and her staff swung towards him. "Drop it, Prince, before I blow you out of this apartment." "I'll still have the book, though," he replied, voice serene. Now his arms widened, beckoning her. "Take your best shot." Her maroon eyes still snapped, but she seemed more surprised then angry now. However, the orb on her staff began to glow. "Drop it." "I need to know, Pluto. If I put this down, will you tell me everything?" "No, Prince. I cannot, and you know it!" She shook her head, and quietly added, "You will learn soon, Prince. Just have patience." He moved closer, throwing the book on the couch. "Years ago you promised I would see her again," he growled. "But it's always 'Be patient, Prince. Have patience.'" His eyes flashed dangerously. "But I've run out of patience, Sailor Pluto." "I have not fulfilled your promise, true," she replied. "I wonder if you ever will," he snapped. His feet brought him closer with every step, mask opaque. "It is beneath me to do that, Prince," she said primly. "What is your name?" "What?" "Your name. I assume you have one." "Setsuna, my Prince." "Well, Setsuna," and now he was close, close enough that his fingers could wrap about the Key. "I want my Princess back." "You will." "You don't understand, Setsuna," he whispered. "That book gives me answers, but you won't let me touch it. You block me from her." Now his mask cleared, allowing her to stare into his pain revealed, his need. "I don't keep you from her. Destiny, Fate, and Time do, dear Prince," she replied in a tired voice. "Then it is her that is with you?" "I cannot say." "Damnit, Pluto! What can I do to convince you?" "Nothing," she said softly. "I am the Guardian of the Time Gate. To tell you would be to disobey its rules." "You stopped time before." "And I died, or did you forget?" she retorted. Now she pushed him back with the end of the orb, saying, "Your answers are not here, Prince Endymion. They lay in the future." He responded to her prodding, turning his back on her and trudging towards the open, whole glass door. Suddenly he turned, and said, "Answer me two things." "As long as its not your future to know, I will," she replied. "Is...is the girl on the balcony this morning all right?" She gaped. "You saw her?" "Yes." The word came close to a sob. "You saw him?" "The shadow? Yes," he said, voice stiff. "Did he see you?" "What?" "Did he see you?" Her voice was low and fervent. "No...no, I don't think so. I went inside to wake Mina and Lita to fight, but when I returned he was gone." He paused. "Who was he?" "That's of your future, unfortunatelybut I can give you this warning. Be careful, Prince. He watches us all, and will do evil to us all--but you he loathes. He will kill you on sight." "Why, Setsuna? What harm..." "Don't ask!" she hissed. "I cannot tell you. Only you can do that!" Now she prodded him again, pushing him out onto the balcony. "Farewell, Prince." "Farewell, Setsuna," he replied. Again he paused, and she steeled herself against his questions. But instead he whispered, "Give...give her my love. If she is any part of Serena, she needs to know." "I will, my Prince," she replied, and then he leapt away. She staggered back into the room, the Key disappearing, reeling. she thought. It was then that the bath opened, revealing Serena, robed with a towel on her head. "What happened, Setsuna? I heard noise." She paused, then said, "I'm not sure you should hear this Serena, but I cannot lie. Darien was here." Serena staggered, clutching to the wall for support. Her face had gone pale as ice, and she seemed to shake. "Darien was...here?" "He just left." "Oh my God. Oh my God...Setsuna, I've got to...I need to..." "He knows more than we thought, Princess," she replied, trying to be calm, and barely succeeding. "And he sends you his love." "His love?" responded Serena, and a strangely bitter light came into her eyes. "Darien doesn't love me." In spite of herself, Setsuna chuckled. "Oh, I wish I could not be loved like that," she said, ushering the Princess to her room. "He was so distraught when I garnered him to save the Future, and he could only speak of how much he loved you, and how wrong he was. He told me of these horrible dreams he had, dreams of your death, dreams so strong that they kept him from you. He rhapsodized over you, Serena, sang your praises, and every part of him longed for you." She sighed. "I remember the way his eyes lit up when he spoke of you, a strange, soul inspired light that would make a women melt...this is the man who doesn't love you." Serena was shocked, her mouth falling open, and inside her something fell into place. "Why didn't he tell me?" "Because you affect him so much, Serena," she whispered in reply. "You two are bonded so close--your souls are twined, Serena. He couldn't resist you; it took all he had at the time." She stopped, eyes misting, then added, "He'd give all he had for you back." Serena stared at her, and something fell into place. "Are you in love with him?" she asked. Setsuna cast her a glance, and sighed heavily. "Is it noticeable?" she replied in a wispy voice. "Only to someone who loves him, too," Serena replied, and for the first time since she tended her plants she smiled. "I won't tell a soul." "Don't think nothing of it, Serena. I hadn't been around males in a millennia, and his presence was so incredible...besides, I knew Endymion from before, and we were always good friends. I guess confronting Darien when I was as lonely as he was just...brought it all out," she said. "I'm not jealous, Sets," Serena said. "I ran out on him." Despite herself, she chuckled, "You know, I expected him to be dating when I returned." "Serena!" "I walked out thinking he didn't care, Sets, and I guess I stuck to that," she admitted. "Still, if he had dated--which I guess he didn't--I wish he could've dated you." Setsuna gaped at her, then smiled weakly, eyes tearing. She hugged her then, and sniffed. "Thank you, Serena," she said. "It's all right, Setsuna. You have a man out there, too--he just hasn't shown up yet. But he will, soon, and you'll wonder what you saw in Darien," Serena said. "Oh, I doubt it Serena. That mission we shared colored my views of all men," she said, chuckling. "You know, you keep mentioning it, but you've never told me what happened," Serena said, sitting up. "Why did you take him to the future?" "Well...there's not much to tell, or that I can tell." "Come on! You can leave out anything you want, but I want to know!" Serena prodded. "And I'll bug you until you do," she added with a wicked glint in her eye. "All right," Setsuna replied, and then she began her story. In the living room, a gust of wind blew. It stirred the curtains, the lamps, and skipped across the coverings on the chairs and pillows. Most of all, though, it touched upon the cover of a certain lavender colored book, throwing it open and caressing the pages. They were all blank.