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.

    Source: geocities.com/tokyo/shrine/1721