The Phoenix Rising Part II- Solar Revelation

Setsuna, Michiru, and Haruka stared at Darien.

"What do you mean, 'Oh, my God'? What aren't you telling us?" Setsuna was testy.

We need to go see Adana at the hospital. There has got to be something they can do for her. This is taking to much time.

"The princess Sailor Sun was taking about, I think I know her. Before the Negaverse came there was a rebellion. I remembered it in my dream, but I remember it so vividly! There was a woman, a princess. She was a warrior wanting to prove something. I....I..." Darien stopped and took a deep breath.

"I think she was from the moon kingdom. I think I loved her. Do you think she is a relative of Serena's?"

"Darien, thank you but we need to really get going. You were a great help." stated Setsuna.

"Where are you all going?" asked Darien as he stood up from the bench. Haruka placed a hand on his shoulder.

"We just have to go visit a friend. She is in the hospital. We told her we would visit before it got to late...." he trailed off.

"Oh, OK. I think I'll take a walk before going home. You know, clear my head a little." Michiru smiled at Darien.

"I think that is a good Idea! See ya later Dar!" They walked off toward the direction of the hospital. Darien just stared at them as they left.

I wonder who they are going to visit. Maybe it would behoove me to follow them. This is all just to weird. What do I know that they need so bad. I think I will take Shoban road so they won't know I'm following....

Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z

"What do you mean there is nothing you can do for her?" Setsuna yelled in a hushed tone to the Doctor that was taking care of Adana.

"I have called countless specialist all over the world, and have been over her file a million times since the morning. Her condition puzzles me. Her body is perfectly healthy, but it is almost like..." The doctor stopped short. His brow was beaded with sweat as a worried expression spread across his face.

"Like what, doctor?" asked Setsuna worried of the answer.

"Like she is dying." The room was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. The group contemplated the news. Michi couldn't take it. Her eyes welded up with tears. She turned around and buried her face in the shoulder of Haruka. He hugged her and said nothing.

"I'm sorry. There is nothing we can do for her here. It would be better if you took her home. She will be happier there." The doctor turned to leave, but was stopped by Haruka.

"Dr. Tenhou, how long does she have to live?" The doctor looked at Haruka and shrugged.

"Two days, two weeks, two months, two years. I don't know. The registrar will take care of all the financial details as to what you owe for the hospital room. Don't worry about anything else. The hospital will take care of it." Dr. Tenhou said as he walked away.

They looked into the room, saddened by all the machines Adana was hooked up to, and there was nothing they could do for her. Just then a fourth person accompanied them.

"Excuse me. I need to shut down the machines. She never really needed them in the first place." The nurse walked over and sat down on the bed next to her and began disconnecting the monitors.

"So beautiful, so young. So sad she is dying from virtually nothing. What a waste of a precious life." She stood up and straightened out her dress.

"As soon as she wakes up, you can take her home."

"Thank you." Haruka said as the nurse walked out the door. Michi sat down where the nurse had just been and picked up Adana's left hand and held it in both of her own. Adana's eyes fluttered open and she smiled her radiant smile.

"What's the outcome? Are they going to release me soon?" asked Adana as a single tear made a little river down Michi' face.

"Michiru, why are you crying?" questioned Adana.

"It is a tear of joy," Michiru let out a little laugh, "because for a moment there I thought you were going to leave us for good!" Michi was lying through her teeth, and everyone, even Adana knew it. No one had to say a word, but Adana knew. She had known since she came to the past that she was on a suicide mission, but she also knew that if she went back to the future without the crystal, more than just she would suffer that fate. Setsuna walked up beside the bed.

"Come on, let's get you home." Setsuna and Michiru helped Adana get out of the bed.

"Are you all right?" asked Michiru in her usual motherly tone.

"I'm fine, just a little weak. I don't know what they gave me, but it sure knocked me out!" Adana laughed in an almost sarcastic tone.

"I'll go get the care, and take care of the bill. Why don't I meet you girls out front in, let's say, fifteen minutes?" Haruka picked up his jacket from off the chair and he walked out the door.

Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z

Darien walked up to the reception desk and cough the attention of the nurse on duty. "Excuse me, I'm looking for my friends. There are three of them. One is about my height, unmistakable long deep green hair...." Darien went to finish but was interrupted by the nurse.

"I remember they were here visiting the girl in 731." Darien turned, poised to run down the hall.

"Young man wait!" He stopped dead in his tracks and turned around. "They checked her out about ten minutes ago. They were going to take her home. You might want to try there."

"Thank you.' Darien said to the nurse as he walked back toward the door. Oh, well. I guess I will just go visit Adana then.

Darien knocked on Adana's door as the door to the elevator opened revealing Setsuna, Michiru, and Haruka supporting a body. Instantly, Darien recognized the limp red head as Adana. He dropped the flowers he was holding and ran to Haruka's side and helped support the young woman. Setsuna opened the door and quietly ushered the group into the foyer. Haruka and Darien then took Adana to her room and set her down on her bed. Haruka hugged her, and left the two alone. Adana smiled up at Darien as she settled down into bed.

"I should have called you. I should have told you." Darien just brushed a few stray hairs out of her face and kissed her on the forehead.

"Just sleep. We will discuss it in the morning." he whispered to her. Adana drifted off to sleep as Darien left the room. As he reached the door, Adana smiled in her sleep. He lingered in the doorway for a moment pondering the days events. Why do you have to suffer, my dear Adana? Who are you really? Why have you come here? Darien took one last look at Adana and closed the door.

In the living room sat the three outer senshi. They looked at Darien as he lingered in the doorway. They could see the pain in his eyes. Darien looked at them, his head tilted downward, and his hair hanging in his face so they wouldn't notice the tears.

"She is from the future isn't she?" Darien managed to say. Setsuna got up from the couch and went to comfort Darien. Haruka and Michiru just looked on from the loveseat.

"Darien, I think it is best you sit down to hear this. It is going to take a while." Setsuna lead Darien to a chair like a sick cow to trough. She sat him down and she herself plopped down on the couch. She turned and faced her fellow senshi that were on the loveseat..

"Well, where should we start? Haruka, why don't you start? You knew her right from the beginning." Haruka shifted in his seat so he could take one arm from around Michiru.

"Setsuna, I think you are right. Darien, my friend, you are only partially right in asking if she is from the future.: Darien looked intently waiting to hear the story that was about to unfold right before his very eyes.

"So she is from the future."

"Not really. Is she in the future, yes. Is she from the future, no." Haruka started to explain.

"If she is in the future, why isn't she from the future?" questioned Darien.

"Because she is from the past." Darien's eyes widened at the words Haruka had just spoken.

"Darien, before you jump the gun, let me explain a few things. Along time ago, civilizations flourished everywhere. There was life on the sun. One of the noble statesmen, Lord Colvin, had a daughter, Adana. His wife died in child birth, and he was old. When he died, the sun went into chaos. Lord Colvin's advisors took the baby to Queen Serenity. Before his death, Lord Colvin had bestowed his daughter with the strength of the solar senate, Sailor Sun. She already had the power, but he gave her the rest of his strength and died. Queen Serenity put the young Sailor Sun into my care. We all knew of the legend of a senshi powerful enough to destroy planets and whole civilizations if necessary. She would be one of a kind, a senshi from a star. When Adana arrived in my care, I knew I would be training the most powerful senshi that ever lived. For years I trained her in the traditional martial arts and fighting styles of the senshi. As she grew older, she became an even better and better, but more restless. She wanted an attack, and I explained to her why she didn't. A senshi has to find the attack for themselves. When the time came, I knew she would know her attack, it would come naturally. Time progress and she became a powerful warrior, but soon all hell broke lose. Adana turned 16 and was about to go back to her now peaceful home, when the Prince of Arkadia destroyed the civilization on the sun. Now she was left fatherless and homeless, so she went, you could almost say, mad. You see, at that point in time, the moon was actually closer to Arkadia, but it still revolved around the Earth. Everyday she would wake up and see Arkadia hovering over her like a cloud of debris. She couldn't take it anymore. She went to Arkadian and challenged Prince Dalin to one on one combat. I told her she wasn't ready, but the grief was too much. I will admit, she was the best swordsman I had ever met. She could beat me easily. Fir the fight I gave her the legendary sword of Roin, a weapon that only the most skilled of warriors could wield it effectively." Haruka paused for a moment to catch his breath.

"When the time came, she faced Prince Dalin on the shores of the Sea of Selenity. She stood there ready to fight, but he scoffed her, boasting that he was going to kill the most powerful senshi in the Universe. He urged her to fight. She just stood there and held her hand out, palm up to the planet Arkadia. She uttered the words Solar Fire Destroy, and with in the blink of an eye, the force of a supernova came out of her hand, destroying Arkadia and the Martian moon of Kendros. Thank God Kendros wasn't inhabited. Prince Dalin was awestruck and outraged. The only words she uttered were 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.' He came after her with his sword. Sun never flinched, she only heaved her sword at him, piercing him in the chest. Dalin stopped in his tracks, dropping his sword along the way, pulled out her sword and yelled at her that he would be back to destroy her. With a flash of light, he disappeared. We never knew what happened to him. Years later when the Negaverse invaded the moon, Sailor Sun lead the attack. Prince Dalin came upon her by suprise and stabbed her in the back, literally, killing her. Queen Serenity gave her a proper burial somewhere here in Japan. Setsuna, I think you should take it from here." Setsuna sat up, stretched, and cracked her knuckles.

"Because of the fact that Sailor Sun died and was buried, she was not sent into the future like everyone else was. In the future, the Wiseman reincarnated the powerful warrior to do his evil. He did this using nega-energy, that is why her uniform is what it is. She didn't remember her past, so she believed everything the Wiseman told her. He trained her to fight against Crystal Tokyo. Neo-Queen Selenity pleaded with me to trap her in a time anomaly, much like the one I met you in, Darien. I took her back to view her past, and after much persuasion, her heart softened. She remembered her past and sided with Crystal Tokyo. With the revival of civilization on the moon, Neo-Queen Selenity sent Adana back into the past to find her sister." Setsuna finished. Darien looked at her funny.

"Adana has a sister?" he asked.

"No, Neo-Queen Selenity has a sister, and older one. The one in your dream." For Darien it was now all coming together.

"So what is the relation between Sailor Sun and the Princess?" asked Darien. Michiru began.

"After the destruction of civilization on the Sun, Adana became the Princess's personal bodyguard just like Sailor Venus is Selenity's."

"Then why did Sailor Sun let her fight with me in the revolution?" questioned Darien.

"At the time of the rebellion Sailor Sun was already dead." explained Haruka. Darien now understood where Adana was coming from. She was searching for her charge.

"With the body of the Princess was buried the other half of the Imperium Silver Crystal was buried with her. The half that encased you and the rest of the scouts was later buried with the Princess. So, when the time came, we could try and reincarnate her. Now we just have to find her body." Setsuna said exasperatedly, and shifted uncomfortably in her chair. Finally, after a few awkward moments, she rose. "I think it about time we left. We still have things to do!" Setsuna made her way to the door. Haruka and Michiru followed. Michi turned around and spoke to Darien as they put their jackets on.

"Darien, you should get going soon. You still have school in the morning. Don't worry about Adana, she will be just fine." Darien smiled.

"I will get going in a few minutes. I think I am going to check on Adana once more before I leave."

"All right, Darien. Konban wa!" Haruka said as they walked out the door.

"Konban wa...." Darien said slowly as the door shut. He got up and smoothed out the wrinkles in this pants. He walked over to Adana's room and quietly opened the door. As the light from the living room bathed the room in a vibrant glow, Adana shifted and faced the opposite direction. Like a flash Darien closed the door to elevate the light. It took a few minutes for his eyes to adjust to the moonlight. Now he noticed things in her room he hadn't noticed before. On her dresser was a fine oriental box. He walked over to it and peered in. Inside was three things. One was Adana's transformation broach; another, a silver ring with "Welcome Home Phoenix" engraved in it. But the third thing puzzled him. It was a ring that looked like Neo-Queen Selenity's crown with the phrase, "Death won't keep us apart" on the inside. On the outside was engraved, "I will always love you." No wonder Adana didn't want to be here. She not only lost her life, but her love as well.

Darien's gaze quickly moves to the swords that were mounted on her wall. The one on top was a beautifully crafted tachi with an engraved handle that depicted two oriental dragons. Then his eyes moved to the other two swords. The katana was the one he saw Sailor Sun used the fight with Bright Hawk, and the matching wakasazi. For the first time he noticed something on the sheath. An emblem. It was the seal of Matsume, the greatest sword-maker to ever live in Japan. He was in awe of the blades. If anyone ever found out these blades were here, she would definitely be robbed. Those blades were priceless and only 7 have been found in the world. The last sword was sold at auction to a collector for $27 million! Never had a wakasazi been found, let alone a matched pair. Where did she find these? He turned from the swords and moved towards Adana's desk. When he arrived at the other side of the room, he lifted up the chair and moved it to the side of Adana's bed by her nightstand. Darien set the chair down and proceeded to Adana's library.

When he arrived at he library, he opened the large oak door to see the massive room bathed in moonlight. The beautiful leather bound volumes stretched upward for two stories, and gleamed in the dim light. Darien was awestruck. Adana had told him about her books, but he didn't know how many there were. He walked up to the first set of volumes on his right to select a book. One small, black volume caught his eye. It didn't belong with the beautiful volumes. When he lifted the book off the shelf, he noticed the book was in both English and Japanese. The title was Bushido, The code of the Samurai. And ancient book the was rarely found out of Japan.

He returned to Adana's room, Bushido in hand, and sat where he put the chair. Darien turned on the light to its lowest level so not to disturb the sleeping Adana. Opening the book the English way, his eyes wondered to a passage that was highlighted. It read:

"One who is samurai must keep one thing constantly in mind,

by day and by night, the fact that he has to die."

This is the statement of a true warrior. Adana, Sailor Sun, is a warrior. She is not afraid to die.

He continued to read on, totally intrigued by the book....

Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z

In her sleep, Adana rolled over and found herself unable to go any further. She abruptly woke up to find her night stand lamp on and Darien slumped over her bed. She stroked his hair and smiled. As she stroked thick black hair, Darien sighed softly in his sleep.

Adana stretched and sat up, realizing she was still wearing the same clothes she was wearing yesterday. Gross! I really need to get out of these clothes and take a shower! Quietly sliding out the left hand side of the bed, she walked the few short steps to her master bath. She took her hair out of the high braid it was in and watched her beautiful hair flaw down to the back of her knees, She took off all of her clothes and turned on the shower. She stepped when the water was the perfect temperature. Letting out a small sigh as the warm water hit her body, she enjoyed her little break from reality. Adana washed her hair and body, and loved every minute she was in the shower.

After about 20 minutes she turned off the shower, and stepped out. She grabbed a towel off the hook and dried off. When she was finally dry, she put her towel back on the hook, and quickly proceeded to the linen closet. She pulled out her emerald green kimono, and her yellow sash. Adana carefully put them on and tied her hair up in a bun on her head. Then she opened the door to go back into the bedroom.

Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z

Darien woke up and stretched. I can't believe I fell asleep! When his eyes finally adjusted to the light he realized Adana wasn't there. Suspicion began to arise when her goddess-like form come into the bedroom from the adjoining master bath. Darien beamed.

"Hello Sunshine!" He exclaimed, still a little sleepy.

"Sunshine is right! It is 10:30 already." Adana said as she crawled across the bed and kissed Darien.

"We are missing school," Darien said as he smiled at Adana, "And I have never missed a day of school in my life. This is a first for me." Adana rolled onto her back and hung her head over the edge of the bed.

"I assume they told you everything last night? Is that why you are still here? About the past, about the future....." She wanted to say about my pending death. Not a word had to be spoken and she knew. She was on a kamikaze mission. The mission was easy, find the Princess and return her safely to Crystal Tokyo.

"Adana?? Hello?" Darien was waving her hand in front of her face, snapping her back to reality.

"Huh? What? Oh, sorry Darien, I was spacing. What did you say?" Darien stared blankly at Adana, just as confused as she was.

"I didn't say anything. What would you say if we called up Serena and the girls after their finals and we all go to the shrine at Shoji? I think we might find what you are looking for."

"What time do their finals get over?" questioned Adana.

"Well, they started this morning at 7:30 this morning so they should be done around 12:30. Let me call Serena's Mom and talk to her. She could tell me." Darien looked around puzzled.

"Uh, honey?"

"Yes?"

'Where is your telephone? I don't see one anywhere." Darien fumbled around her night stand looking for her phone. Adana sat up and laughed and opened up the drawer on her night stand. Inside was a very small digital PCS phone. She tossed it to Darien.

"This is the only telephone I have. Sorry, my computer is permanently hooked up to my telephone line."

"Why is your computer permanently on-line? asked Darien as he dialed Serena's number.

"I have to keep in contact with the office at all times! If not Daddy will get angry at me." Adana laughed, but Darien put his hand over her mouth.

"Hello? Mrs. Tsukino? This is Darien Chiba, is Serena home yet?" Adana couldn't hear what the other end of the phone conversation was, but it must have been good because Darien smiled, nodded, and said uh-hu alot.

"Well, I was wondering if she would like to go to shoji today after her finals. It would be a great time for all the girls to get pictures for their presentation." Then came more laughing and uh-huhs. Adana wrote the phone number of the digital phone.

"Yeah, the number I can be reached at is 090-Masters. Yeah, I know it sounds funny, but it is my friends digital phone...Thank you Mrs. Tsukino. Bye-Bye." Darien clicked the phone off and set it down on the bed.

"Well, we have a couple hours till the girls are ready, so what do you want to do?" Adana glared at Darien.

"First, you are going to go home, change your clothes, and take a shower. Then you are going to come back here in your car are we are going to go to the All Star Cafe for brunch Finally, we are going to come back here, get my jeep, am I am going to follow you to Serena's place. And after that we are going to pick up the girls and proceed to Shoji." she announced as she got up her knees on the edge of the bed so that she now faced Darien straight in the eye. Darien smiled an almost evil smile and pushed Adana from the edge of the bed, hopping on himself.

"Pushy, aren't we, Sunshine?" Before Adana could say a word, he kissed her , tasting her sweet lips, taking in her scented hair, and her baby soft skin. She enjoyed the kiss as much as she enjoyed being alive. The electricity ran through her body like little lightning bolts being thrown down from heaven. Darien gently pushed down on her large bed, and continued to kiss her, caressing her legs through the satin of her kimono. His hand reached to her sash, but her hand stopped him from undoing it all the way. Adana broke the kiss, startling Darien. Darien hung his head and smiled.

"All right Adana! I will be back in an hour ." He kissed her one last time, got off the bed, out the door, picked up his jacket, and out the front door he went. She closed the bedroom door behind him. Leaning against it she sighed.

"Time to get dressed and clean up." Quickly proceeding to her armoire, she picked out an ottoman tank, a black one with silver striped across the chest and a pair of short black jean shorts. She then made her bed, and put her socks on. Laying back on her bed, she sighed. I hope to Selene find what I am looking for.

Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z

Serena plopped down on the couch in her living room while her friends put up their books in the front hall. While wiping her hands on a towel, Serena's mom came to the doorway of the kitchen.

"Oh, I am so glad you girls are here. Your lunch is ready here in the kitchen." Serena quickly got up and made a beeline for the kitchen. Lita, Mina, and Ami followed.

"Good old Serena. Always thinking with her stomach." laughed Lita.

"Yeah, but what would we do without her? It sure would be quiet." said Ami.

"You can say that again Aims!" sighed Mina.

When all the girls were seated and eating their rice, Serena's mother talked to them.

"Oh, I was wondering if you girls would like to go to the shrine of Aramatsu Omikami in Shoji this afternoon for pictures for your slide show?" Lita was the first to speak up.

"You know, that would be a great idea! Only a few of the pictures from Tokyo Tower turned out well."

"I haven't been to the temple in a long time. The last time I was there I was very young, but I remember how beautiful it was." replied Ami. Mina looked around the Kitchen.

"I have never seen it. I would like to see it. Serena, what about you?" Serena didn't hear them, because she was busy stuffing her face.

"SERENA!!" they all yelled.

"AAAHHHHHHH! Why can't a girl eat her lunch in peace?" Serena whined in her usual way.

"Let's call Rei and go!" announced Mina.

"Well," started Mrs. Tsukino, " I will have to call Darien first. He is the one who came up with the idea." Serena's eyes widened as she quit stuffing her face.

"Darien?!?"

"If you ask me, Serena, we should go. It would be a great place to take pictures and wind down after our finals." Lita explained as she grabbed Serena by the hand.

"Time to get changed and go!" The rest of the girls exclaimed as they got up and chased Lita and Serena to her bedroom to change.

Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z

Darien pulled up in Serena's driveway with Adana following close behind. Mrs. Tsukino was waiting for them in the front of the house. She opened her arms to Darien like a mother to a prodigal son. Adana jumped out of her Jeep without even opening the door. She hung back from Darien, kinda lost and not knowing what to do. She watched the two embrace she felt a pang of jealousy, thinking of what they must have shared. Suddenly, Adana was being pulled back to reality by a tug at her arm.

"And this is my girlfriend, Adana." Adana blushed in embarrassment as she held out her hand for a shake. Mrs. Tsukino took it and shook it.

"I have heard so much about you from Serena..." Mrs. Tsukino started, but was cut off by 5 bubbly girls bursting out of the door.

"Adana!" exclaimed Lita, "We were so worried about you yesterday, what happened?"

"I had unexpected company, and to top it all off, I wasn't feeling very well. I am sorry I couldn't make it." She smiled as she spoke, but her eyes screamed of a troubled heart. Darien pulled her over to her car.

Serena, Mina, Rei, and Ami were standing around the two cars, but closer to Adana's Jeep. Darien walked beside his and opened the passenger side door.

"Hey, Sunshine! Are we ever going to get going here?" he smiled. She leaped up and climbed into her car.

"Ok! Who is riding with me?" stated Adana.

"Me!" rose from the lips of Serena, Mina, Rei, and Ami. They all started to hop into the jeep. Darien walked to he drivers side, and looked at Adana.

"If you wait at the end of the driveway, you can follow me. All right?" Darien smiled. Adana smiled back.

"All right." Darien gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. Adana started her car, and started to back out of the drive way.

"Is everyone buckled up?" she asked to a chorus of affirmative replies. Darien pulled in front of her and they were on their way.

Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z

For quite a while, Lita and Darien sat in silence. That came to an end when Darien decided to break the monotony by instigating a conversation.

"Lita, what do you think of Adana?" Lita looked at Darien sideways and shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

"Darien, why would you ask something like that. I mean, she is kinda a recluse at times, and you see her and know her better than I. I think she is wonderful. Adana is smart and funny and kind and caring. Are you having problems?" Darien sat in silence for a moment.

"No, no we aren't. It's just that I am worried about her and you being her next-door neighbor and all, I thought, well, it doesn't matter what I thought." he shook his head as he ended. He couldn't tell Lita, not now, not yet anyway.

"Anyway, Darien, she has only been here a few weeks. Plus there is not much time left for school. She will be less stressed when the Summer comes." Lita said very confidently. "But I can tell you one thing for sure, she likes my cooking! She has been over a few times for dinner. Hey Darien! Watch the turn! Turn!" Darien was so enthralled in what was going on and listening to Lita, he almost missed the turn to the Shrine. He quickly swerved and made the road just in the nick of time. Darien jerked the car to a halt and heaved in a big breath.

"Darien, what in the hell is going on with you? Are you doing alright?" Lita was concerned.

"Lita, when we get back, we have to talk." he started as Adana pulled up next to him. Lita rolled down her window. Adana began to shout over to the red sports car as Darien leaned over Lita.

"Are your eyes on the road or on someone...THING...something else." Adana teased. Lita smiled. "Nah, his mind is on someone else!" Lita and the rest of the girls laughed, but Darien just scoffed.

"Why don't we cut the talk and get going? It is getting late already." Darien put the car into gear and began to speed off.

"Boy, Darien sure is tiffed!" started Ami. The girls just laughed.

"No, just embarrassed. He gets that way when someone calls him on what he is doing. I used to do it..Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up Darien and I around you. Adana, I'm sorry. I sometimes forget he is your boyfriend now." Serena looked down at her lap, a little embarrassed. She missed Darien so much, but she knew that she would have to let go. At least for now. It bothered her that Darien had moved on so quickly, but she liked and approved of Adana. Even a few times Adana had helped the girls study for their exams. Anyway she had moved on. She had Lucas now. Darien would eventually come back to her, she knew it.

"It is ok Serena." Serena looked up at the driver in an instant her eyes wide. She smiled softly.

"Thanks Adana."

" I know you guys were together for a while. I kind of feel sometimes like I am an intrusion. You still have feeling for him, don't you." Adana kept her eyes on the road so she wouldn't have to look at the expression on Serena's face, but Serena just smiled.

"It's ok Adana. You are closer to his age and you have more in common with him. It is for the best." Serena was still smiling. Adana is so understanding. I really hope I can be like her when I get older.

They traveled for a few more miles, talking and laughing. Before they knew it, they had arrived at a small clearing that was used for a parking lot. Darien and Lita were already out of the car, waiting for the other car of girls to arrive. Within minutes everyone was standing at the bottom of the steps proceeding the shrine. Ami was the first one to look up.

"Shoji Shrine. We will have to hick up over 1000 steps and nearly 1/2 a vertical mile to get there, are you sure you all are up for this?" Everyone nodded. Adana was the first to get going. About ten steps up she stopped and looked back.

'The last one up buys dinner on the way home!" the girls started running to catch Adana as she sprinted up the steps. Darien hung back and smiled. She sure is wonderful. I have waited all of my life for someone like her. Too bad she will leave me soon. I just hope I can help her find what she is looking for. Darien smiled and started up the steps to help Adana in her quest.

Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z

When the girls reached the top, Adana was sitting on the top stair running her fingers through her long red hair like a brush. She smiled as the girls reached the top, huffing and puffing because they were out of breath.

"What took you guys so long? I have been waiting for ever for you! I am just kidding. I just sat down to take a breather." Serena was huffing and puffing.

"How could you get up here so quicky?" she panted as she fell over right on to Adana's lap. Adana smiled at her little friend.

"Well I use a Stair-Master every day. It is good exercise you know!" spurted Adana as Lita snapped a picture of the exhausted Serena and Adana. Serena sat up in a jerk. Lita smiled. "LITA!!! That is not nice!" The rest laughed. Rei started toward the shrine. She walked around in awe.

"It has been years since I have been here and it is more beautiful than I remember." Rei's eyes were large like a child's, but soon they were troubled. She turned to face the others.

"Ummm, where is Darien?" They all looked.

"I have no idea. Maybe we should look for him." stated Ami.

"I know he is not up here. I was the first one up. Why don't you girls start taking your pictures and I will go and find him." quipped Adana.

"Are you sure? One of us could go with you to keep you company until you find him." said Mina.

"That is all right. I think he just hasn't gotten up here yet. You go ahead. We will catch up." she waved as she started down the steps.

"Bye!"

"Bye Adana!" Mina shouted back. "What do you say we get to taking some pictures! I mean, we have to get going before the sun sets."

"Right!" the rest stated and they were on their way to the beautiful pagoda.

Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z

"Adana is that you?" Darien squinted as he looked up at the figure flying down the steps at him. The figure stopped a few steps before him. It was Adana. Darien ran up the last few steps to her and embracing her, planting a passionate kiss on her soft lips.

"Has Serena talked your ear off yet?"

"No, she really is a sweet girl." Adana kissed Darien back. "I just wanted to be alone with you for a moment. Darien smiled at the fiery red head.

"I love you , you know that."

"I know Darien."

"Are you feeling all right, Sunshine?" her love asked.

"A little light headed, but it is from the altitude." Adana tried to start up the steps, but was held back by Darien.

"Hey, I have a mission to fulfill. I need to find the Imperium Silver Crystal or the future is lost." Adana looked back at Darien with a concerned look on her face. Darien smiled as he swept Adana off her feet like a bride on her wedding day.

"DARIEN!!!" she shouted and laughed at the same time.

"Wouldn't want to wear you out." he smiled as he spoke. Adana held Darien around the neck. She whispered in his ear.

"You are so good to me, Darien Chiba." and nipped at his ear. In an instant they were running up the stairs.

Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z

The girls were wondering around the pagoda and shrine. In and instant Rei turned around.

"Do not be afraid Priestess. I am Kaori. I am the keeper of this shrine." The girl's head was lowered and her arms in the sleeves of her GI. She was dressed all in blue, which clashed slightly with her pale green hair. I see you have come here to take some pictures. I think the main temple is where you would find the subject matter That is where the archives and the body of her majesty laid to rest. The tomb is quite beautiful in the setting sun." The girls looked sideways.

"How did you know what we were doing here?" asked Lita.

"I saw it in the oracle." replied Kaori.

"The Oracle?" asked Ami.

"Yes. The oracle. If you come with me, I will show it to you." Kaori began moving throughout the halls lined with dragons of all colours. As the girls glanced to either side of themselves. To either side of them were paintings of various royalty from many era's of Japans history.

"Kaori, how old are some of these paintings? Some of them look like they were` just painted." said Ami.

"Some have been here for hundreds of years. The ones in the hall of the Princess have been there for two thousand years without being touched up." stated Kaori. The young woman proceeded down the hall, her eyes closed. "And no Ami, I am not blind." Ami was shocked.

"How did...?"

"I just know. I am in tune with the Tao. The Tao tells me all."

"So you are not Shinto, you are Taoist?" questioned Rei.

"Yes, I am Taoist. It not very common to see a Taoist now and days. In the past, Taoism was more popular, and when this Shrine was built, the first Priest was Taoist, so it became a tradition." quipped Kaori.

"How soon till we reach the archives?" asked Mina. Kaori stopped then stepped to the side. Behind where she just was an exquisite atrium. They were in the main part of the pagoda shrine. The walls were painted with scenes of different battles and people. Towering above them was a menagerie dragons and scenes of different phases of the sun and moon. Along the walls of the round room were pictures of a beautiful, regal woman with long white hair in heart shaped odongo.

"Hey, Serena! She almost looks like you! Only, she is way more grown up. And look at that hair! It is stark white...and those eyes....pale grey and most haunting." commented Lita. "Why don't you all go stand by it so I can take a picture? " but Rei grabbed the camera from Lita.

"I think it is about time you are in a picture, Lita." Lita reluctantly gave up the camera to her friend and lined up infront of the picture with the rest of the girls.

After wondering around the main shrine for a few minutes, Kaori came back to join them.

"Karori, may I ask you a question?" Mina asked. Karori looked up at her.

"Of course, Mina. What would you like to know?"

"Well, where is the body of the princess? I mean, everyone knows that the unknown Princess is buried here, but where is her tomb? I would assume she would be in the main chamber. And, where is this oracle you have spoken about? What does it tell you?" she shot off. Kaori smiled and blinked her big yellow eyes.

"You see, look behind you." The girls looked to the far wall to notice an jewel encrusted black tomb made of what looked like solid onyx. The girls in awe ran over to the tomb.

"Is this....Onyx?" questioned Serena.

"Yes it it." replied Kaori.

"This must be the largest single piece of onyx in the world!" exclaimed Ami.

"Actually, it is the second largest piece of onyx in the world. It was carved to not only look like the princess, but also to accommodate her." Kaori smiled. "She was not very small."

Lita lowered her camera.

"What do you mean she was not small?"

"I humbly apologize. It was not that the princess was big, she just, well, tall. Taller than most. Because of that they had to build the temple around the tomb. They carved the tomb right out of the piece of onyx as it sit here." Mina and Serena were running their hand over the bright polished surface.

"Please, I encourage you all to look around. If you have any questions, I will be in the garden." Kaori walked out of the hall, and around the corner leaving the girls to snoop around.

Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z

Adana and Darien wandered around the garden aimlessly. They walked slowly, hand in hand like they were all alone and hadn't a care in the world. But it was far from the truth. They both knew that the road that lay ahead was a short, rocky one, but they didn't care. They had each other and at this point in time that was all they needed. The entire world could just slip away, and they never would have noticed.

"Darien, what will happen when I leave?" Adana looked up at Darien as they watched the koi swim to the surface of the pond.

"Adana, don't say that. I don't want to think about it." he quipped as he leaned down to kiss her soft lips. But Adana quickly broke the kiss and spun around to notice a girl, of a shorter, more fairy like stature in a green gi and blue hair.

"Who are you?" questioned Adana.

"I am Kaori, the keeper of this temple. I believe what you have come to look for is that way." She extended her arm to point to the large pagoda that extended like an arrow to the sky. "Her majesty is buried there. As is something you desire, Adana. Will you please, take a walk with me, alone." Darien let Adana go.

"Adana?" Darien looked down at her.

"You go join the others, I will be back." she leaned up and kissed him, " I will be just fine. I promise." Adana walked away with Kaori, as Darien walked back to the temple to join the others. Adana was slightly confused. She walked into what looked like a thicket, but noticed there was small shrine in the middle. Kaori opened the door to reveal a small plain alter, above it hanging the matching do-chi to her sword set. Her eyes widened as she looked. Kaori beckoned her in.

"I know who you are Adana. I have been waiting for you. For many years I have been waiting for you. My name is Kaori Tenchi, but my friends call me Ookami. I am Sailor Omicron, the legend keeper. I know all about you, Sailor Sun. I know who you are, I know what you seek, I know what you will become. I know what will become of you." Ookami was so sure of herself.

Adana's knees grew weak and she slumped to the floor. Her eyes widened.

"How...how do you know?" she stammered. Ookami smiled.

"You see Adana, I know all. That is my job. I am a sailor scout much like yourself. My job is to know the legends of the senshi. think of me as a historian of sorts." she helped Adana to her feet. "Adana, you did not come here just because. Darien sees visions. I sent him a vision to come here. He knows it is in your best interest Right now, the best thing for you to do is hurry. You haven't got much time to get all of your memories back, find the princess, get the crystal and get back to Crystal Tokyo. The fate of the future is in your hands." Adana only half listened to what Ookami was saying. This whole thing just puzzled her.

I don't understand. How can she know who I am, what I am doing here, and what will become of me. This just doesn't make sense!

Adana spun around, her senses heightened. A puzzled look crossed her face. She sensed it. The evil. It was coming.

"Adana...?" questioned Ookami.

"I have to get back to Tokyo. Empherius is planning another attack. I can just feel it." Like a bolt of lightning she grabbed the do-chi, and shot out of the shrine to the main temple.

Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z

Darien walked into the temple to be with the others when he was bolded over by its beauty. He remembered that it was beautiful, but not that spectacular. Now that he was older he had a whole new outlook on things. He also was more oblivious to things. Awakened from his little revelry, he was snapped back to reality by a familiar voice, Rei's.

"Darien? Hey Darien! Where is Adana?" she asked.

"Oh, sorry Rei, I was just thinking. She is with Kaori. She is looking at something. In the garden." Darien had no idea what she was doing with Kaori, but he didn't want the others to get suspicious of what he knew. He was horrible at keeping secrets, especially from Serena.

"Well, if you aren't occupied, will you at least take out picture?" Lita asked as she handed him the camera. Darien just smiled.

"Sure. Why don't you all just group around the tomb. I think the best light is there." The girls did as told, and Darien took off a few shots. Suddenly Adana ran in carrying a sword.

"We have to go. Now." Everyone looked puzzled.

"Adana I don't understand. What is going on?" asked Serena. "And what are you doing with that sword?" Before Adana could answer, a gale force blast of wind came through the temple sending the girls for cover behind the tomb and Adana into the shielding arms of her love, Darien. Adana looked up at Darien.

"It is too late. The end is coming sooner than I had anticipated. I have to deal with this myself."

"But, why? We can help you. Adana you don't have to do this alone. I will be right beside you." Darien smiled down at her.

"Together..." Adana rushed out of the door, threw her hand in the air and began her transformation. She didn't even care that the others could see her. From then on she would have no secrets. All of a sudden she felt free, like a bird from a guilded cage. Never before had she felt so alive, like something was fueling her. Along with this she felt fear. Fear that she knew this was the beginning of the end, and when it was all over, she would die.

"Show yourself Deamon!" Sailor Sun shouted. The others just stood and stared from inside of the temple. Ami was the first to utter a word.

"Adana is Sailor Sun? But..." Darien just looked at her.

"Don't ask. It is a long story. I know it was tough for me to swallow." stated Darien. Everyone looked shocked and in a state of disbelief.

"How ever could I have competed with her...?" Serena muttered to herself.

"What did you say, Serena?" asked Lita.

"I didn't say anything. Maybe we ought to help her."

"Right." the rest agreed and began their transformations.

Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z

In an instant the wind stopped. A shadowy figure surrounded by orbs appeared. Shortly it began to take shape into that of a sleek figure with a pale blue skin. Covering the figure was a white kimono that just flowed in the wind.

"Sailor Sun, so nice of you to show. I am Wind Viper, Lord Empherius's most trusted deamon. I will not be as easy to beat like Bright Hawk was."

"Save your breath. I don't need any of your cheap talk. Where is Empherius?" quipped as sailor Sun took a defensive stance.

"Oh, he is reeking Havoc on Tokyo. I was sent here to keep you busy so that he could reclaim the city for the Master. You see, I was send here to destroy you so that you couldn't get in his way."

"I won't be that easy. In the name of the Moon, I will punish you!" Sun started her attack, with the do-chi in hand, she lunged at Wind Viper, but the youma send a gust of wind that almost stopped the senshi in her tracks.

"It won't be easy to defeat me. You see, I have the end of your memories. Something you want so dearly. That way I know you will fight extra hard. Solar winds!"

"NO!" Sun rushed towards Viper, but was forced back by the winds.

"Venus Love me chain Encircle!" In an instant two orbs broke and Wind Viper was send hurling backwards. In an instant memories came flooding back to her. Images of the moon, and of Empherius, only he wasn't called Emphirus. Prince Darien called him Jadeite. That was it! Just like her, he was being manipulated by the Master!

"Just thought you might need some help Sailor Sun!" blurted out Venus.

"Thanks Guys!"

"But there is alot of explaining to do. Why didn't you tell us?" questioned Sailor Moon, but Sailor Sun was not in the mood to answer questions.

" Sailor Moon, I don't think this is the time. We have a Nega-creaton to destroy!" Sailor Sun smiled at Sailor Moon.

Oh, Serena, if only you knew what I know. Of the future, of me. I wanted to tell you who I was but I just couldn't you see I just couldn't.

Sailor Sun struck out at the youma with all of her might, but Wind Viper was fast. With gust of wind she sent the sailor senshi flying all over the place.

"Sailor Moon! Try using your wand! It is our only hope!" yelled Sailor Jupiter. Sailor Moon looked up at her friend and nodded.

"Moon...Ahhhh!" Wind Viper laughed as she blew the senshi to the ground.

"You are no match for me, you pathetic little sailor children. Now, behold! The true power of wind!" Wind Viper laughed. Sailor Sun pulled herself up off of the ground.

"Not so fast! You want to fell the true power of the Sun?" she exclaimed as she balled up her fists and threw them into the air. An energy ball formed between her hands as she exclaimed, "Solar Rage! Ahhhhhhh! Die Bastard!" The flames and light shot out of her hands with a blinding light. Wind Viper exploded in a blast of equally bright light, screaming in agony as she went. Sailor Sun collapsed to her knees, chest heaving from the endeavor. Darien came running to her side and leaned her over into his lap.

"Sailor Sun!" the other sailor scouts shouted at different intervals as they ran around her and Darien.

" I am sorry I didn't tell you," she muttered, "I wanted to tell you, but Pluto told me to be as discreet as possible. I will explain myself soon, for I do not have much time to complete my mission."

"Mission?" asked Sailor Mars, " What mission?" Sun looked up at her as she retrogressed back to being just plain Adana.

"To find the missing half of the Imperium Silver Crystal and Neo-Queen Serenity's sister and bring them back to the.....future.." Adana just barely finished as she passed out. Darien shook her slightly.

"Adana? ADANA!" he shouted. Sailor Moon just sat back on her haunches, her eyes as big as saucer plates.

"My...Sister?"