Note: Sailor Moon and all related characters are the property of Takeuchi Naoko, Toei Animation, and DIC.

15 Minutes Of Fame
By D.Pung
A continuation and second sequel to "Sailor Moon Alternity", set after "Best Destiny"
PG-13

Mass Confusion. If there was one phrase to describe the events of the last 24 hours that was it, thought Serena. Things were totally nuts. The team was in the Cherry Hill temple, relaxing for a few. Raye had already taken her grandfather and Chad aside and had words with them. They easily accepted things, due to their suspicions, but she anticipated greater difficulty with her parents.

Some of the team was plowing into that hurdle now. Serena's family was as yet unaware. Lita didn't have to worry, and the twins' family already knew. The Outers were having a fairly easy time of it, at least in that regard.

Mina's family had flipped. She had barely been able to escape her home to make the meet at the temple. She had told them Artemis talked, and that had just made the situation worse. She wasn't sure what to do next.

For Amy, it was far worse. Her mother had been extremely angry, and now wouldn't even talk to her. She was sure her mother was blaming everything she found unpleasant on the team now, and while some of that would be correct, it was for the wrong reasons.

But the worst part wasn't family. They were all worried about school, and going out in public. Tomorrow was a Monday morning, and that meant they would have to face up to all the people they knew at school.

I'm sure that will be fun, frowned Serena. She set down her lemonade and gazed at Amy. Amy didn't cry much. She always sought the rational reason for things. Thus, it really hurt to see the utter sadness on Amy's face. She glanced out the window, at the setting sun.

"Okay," she began. "Just how do we deal with this?"

Luna gazed at her. "You're awfully calm."

"I kinda have to be," sighed Serena. "At least until me and Darien explain things to my parents."

"'Darien and I'," corrected Amy automatically, in a hollow voice.

Serena just glanced at her. "Well, we are now public. Fine. We adapt. We maintain a positive image. And I've been thinking about a little this and that. Firstly, Trista. I thought that we aren't supposed to be revealed for a while. Has the timeline been changed?"

Trista shook her head no. "Actually, it's about dead on. There have been minor variations, but that's to be expected. Remember, you make the future. Your Scout forms are revealed, but not your Princess forms. That's not supposed to happen for some time to come. So, the timeline is okay." There were more than a few startled glances at Serena's perceptiveness.

"Okay. Secondly, how do important figures handle momentous events?" Serena asked. When no one answered, she continued. "Well, I think we should do what they do. It will help the public accept the reality of the Scouts and what we stand for. We should hold a press conference!"

A few sets of eyes blinked, and a few stared. What was going on here? Serena had just had a good idea, and it made sense! This started a heated discussion on methods that went on for a long time...

* * * *

"Are you worried?" asked Darien. They were approaching her home.

Serena just nodded, biting her lip. Luna and Reeni tagged along behind them. Darien was going to handle the initial contact, and set up the conference in the morning. Tomorrow night they would tell the world about themselves. But that wasn't what concerned her. It was time for her parents to know the truth about a great many things. She dragged her feet up the walk, placed her hand on the doorknob, and turned.

They walked into the kitchen, where her mother, father, and Sammy were waiting around the table, and Sammy had just trailed off as the four of them entered.

"Serena, it's about time you got home," began her father. "You have some explaining to do."

"Do I?" she asked. "I believe so. And I know you are all probably going to be hurt that so much has been kept secret from you." She glanced up, her eyes reflecting her uncertainty. "But, it was kept from you for your own good. Otherwise, you would have been a target, much more so than you have been."

"What are you talking about?" asked Sammy.

"Oh, an incident with a pet store, with a guy who claimed Mom was his long-lost mother, etc.," sighed Serena. Reeni had taken a seat, holding Luna, and Darien leaned against the door.

"I suppose you're going to tell us that you know about all these nasty rumors going around? Are you, as Sammy tells us he believes, friends of the Sailor Scouts?" asked her mother sternly.

Serena looked up, a gleam in her eye. "Where to start? Well, probably best to just cut to the chase. You see, Sammy's wrong." She smiled inwardly at her parent's sigh of relief. "I am friends with the Scouts, but that's because I'm their leader!"

"Yeah, right," Sammy chuckled. "Can you believe that one, Reeni?"

Reeni looked down as Sammy blinked in surprise.

"Just what is going on here?" asked her father.

"Well, how about I just show you?" asked Serena, assuming her stance and raising her hand. "MOON HEAVENLY POWER!" White light swirled, bathing Serena, and enhancing her into Sailor Moon. There was utter silence. Sailor Moon pulled up a seat.

"It's time for total truth. I have been Sailor Moon for several years, now. My friends and I have saved the world numerous times. I have had many unusual adventures, much heartbreak, and much happiness. Darien here is not only my boyfriend- which I know you don't entirely accept- but also Tuxedo Mask, and my husband in the future. Our love is a matter of destiny. On to Reeni. This is going to counter the effects of Luna P, her little device that she always has with her. Reeni is Darien's and my daughter from the future. She is also Sailor Mini-Moon. When she first arrived, it was a matter of correcting time. She used Luna P to trick you. She's here now as a Scout in training," Moon trailed off as she took a breath.

Her parents shared incredulous expressions, and Sammy was shocked.

"So let me get this straight. You're the leader of the Sailor Scouts, he's your future husband and she's your future daughter? Next you'll be telling us Luna can talk!" said her father.

"Actually, I can," said Luna, jumping on the table. "I am an advisor to the Scouts."

"This is so much to absorb.. tell us more!" her mother commanded. Moon smiled. This was going to take awhile, but at least they were receptive.

* * * *

Serena got up early. This was against her habits, but she knew her friends needed her to be on time just this once. As she prepared for school, she reflected on last night. It had gone really well, once they were over their shock. They were still skeptical, but as she had filled in the gaps, they were calming to the concept. She had ended with an entreaty. "Please don't let things change around here," she had said. "This is one of the things we Scouts fight for."

Surprisingly, they had all agreed. She glanced at her watch as she finished getting dressed. Time to get going. It was likely going to be an ugly day.

* * * *

She met the others across the street from their school. Mina was bleary-eyed, and Amy extremely withdrawn. Serena was not happy with this.

"Well, my parents know. They took it better than I accepted. But I think they're just gonna resume mothering me, even as Sailor Moon. 'Everything okay, Sailor Moon? Did you hurt yourself? You really shouldn't take on Nega-creeps like that, it worries us!'" Serena mimicked. She sighed. "Well, one positive aspect of the whole situation is we don't have to hide anything anymore!"

That sudden realization brightened Amy and Mina a little, Serena saw. She glanced at a pensive Raye.

"What's wrong, Raye?"

"My parents called last night, and while I don't know the specifics, I have a feeling there's gonna be trouble," Raye said softly.

'Well, we'll all deal with whatever happens as a team! Let's get to school..." Serena trailed off. "I can't believe I just said that!"

That brightened the mood considerably, and they all took a deep breath and mentally prepared themselves for the day.

* * * *

It was just as well they did. The looks they received from everyone ranged from curious to hostile, and whispered conversation happened constantly behind their backs, led by the school snob, Nancy, and her friends. It came to a boil as Serena, Lita, Amy, Sam, and Mel sat at lunch outside, discussing the events of the morning. They had just settled down enough to eat when Lita whispered.

"Uh oh," she said, facing the rest of the courtyard. Her worried expression was suddenly matched by Sam's, who was sitting next to her.

"Don't look now, Serena, but the teachers and students are ALL coming this way," said Sam quietly. Serena glanced over her shoulder, and then got up to face theÉ well, mob, that was approaching. She felt the others stand with her. Miss Haruna was in the lead.

"Well, there are a bunch of rumors flying around, nobody's paying any attention in class, and Nancy tells me it's all your fault, Serena. What do you have to say for yourself?" she began.

"All my fault?" blinked Serena. "Why would everyone else's lack of attention and spreading rumors be my fault?"

"Because it's all centered on you! We don't need this disruption, and, er, what the heck is that?" she gasped, pointing.

The Scouts whirled to face an opening oval of crackling black energy. Serena's eyes widened. "Everyone, get back! Amy, scan it! Lita, call the others!"

Lita had just opened her communicator and Amy her computer as the first one jumped through. It was gruesomely misshapen, with long slender legs, a slender torso, and an evil face with humongous fangs, black expressionless eyes, and an inverted black moon on the forehead. Its feet spread wide, and each of the seven toes ended in small claws. The worst feature, however, was the arms and hands. They were huge, and terminated in three huge fingers with ghastly claws. It moved forward as another jumped through, then another.

"No more time for debate!" called Sam. "We gotta stop this!" By this time, there were seven of the things, and more were coming.

"The others are on their way!" called Lita. "And Sam is right!"

"All right! Let's do it!" called Serena as Amy snapped her computer closed with a grim expression. Serena raised her hand.

"MOON HEAVENLY POWER!" White energy surrounded her and transformed her into the pretty soldier, Sailor Moon.

"JUPITER COSMIC POWER!" Storm clouds gathered overhead as lightning crackled around Lita, turning her into Sailor Jupiter.

"MERCURY COSMIC POWER!" Water streamed around her, and mild mannered Amy became Sailor Mercury.

"EARTH COSMIC POWER!" called both twins at once, and sparkling streams of flowers surrounded them, revealing the twin Sailor Earths.

The beasts were on them before they could say a thing, and suddenly the Scouts were engaged hand-to-hand in a fight for their lives. Sailor Moon could slowly feel herself being separated from her friends as she dodged the blows. She wasn't sure how long they could avoid those raking claws.

* * * *

Sailor Venus had run into a stubborn administrator. Most people at her school had already suspected, and because she was so popular she was being hailed as a hero here. This was the only stumbling block. She had to transform right in front of him to prove it, and she was still being stalled. She sighed, and interrupted his tirade.

"Do whatever you have to, but this is a matter of life and death, and I am going to help my friends, now!" With that, Venus leapt past him, through the doors, and called upon her enhanced speed to get her on her way.

I'm coming, guys, she thought.

* * * *

Sailor Mars' class had fallen silent when her communicator beeped, and she flushed as she answered it. Her day had so far been mild, due to the fact that a lot of people looked up to her anyway. The whole class had overheard Lita's panicked message, and she had transformed right there and leapt out the window. She was fast approaching the location when she spotted Venus meeting up with the Outers, Mask, Mini-Moon, Luna, and Artemis. She landed deftly on the rooftop with them, as they gazed to the school courtyard, indecision on their faces.

"What are we waiting for?" asked Mars. Then she glanced at the courtyard. Students and teachers, screaming, were pressed up against the wall, avoiding the beasts. Reporters were just arriving, and the whole yard was filled with the things. The oval was gone, but then she realized the problem. The others were down there, being swarmed, and they couldn't be seen. The rest couldn't shoot for fear of hitting their friends.

"Well," said Uranus. "All it means is hand-to-hand. Let's go!" The Scouts leapt off the building into the fray.

Moon felt the first claws rake her, and she screamed in pain as they dug in, deep. She spun and grabbed a tree, stabilizing herself.

Her scream had several immediate results.

The first was to silence the mass of people who were now just spectators. Except for Nancy, who calmed down enough to speak. "It's Serena. Naturally she would suck at being a leader or a fighter." She got several mean glares before she realized what she had just said about everyone's heroes, the Sailor Scouts.

The second was to bring the media's attention to the now badly bleeding Moon. She was barely blocking the blows now, much less dodging, and she was now in full view of the media, shooting as they were from inside the second floor.

The third was to draw more of the things towards her. She was injured, and they smelled blood.

The fourth and most important was that it pissed off the rest of the Scouts. "SAILOR MOON!" screamed Jupiter as she felt new power gathering to her. The sky overhead darkened into nasty-looking thunderstorm clouds. She sought for it, willed it to completion.

"JUPITER CHAIN LIGHTNING BURST!" The rod on her tiara rose, and lightning arced from the sky, into her, and she released it in a cataclysmic thunderclap. Lightning hit the first, then jumped around, repeatedly striking some, before the creatures turned to ash. Her attack had just killed six of the things at once. "GUYS! WE HAVE NEW POWERS!" she shouted.

Mercury also felt her increased power gathering. She saved it up, then released as she was again charged. By this time, everyone had been hurt to some degree. She allowed her anger to finish the attack.

"MERCURY FREEZING WAVE BURST!" A circle of ice energy burst from her, expanding outwards, and freezing five of the beasts into piles of ice shards.

"VENUS SHINING LOVE FORCE!" called Venus as a wall of love energy blasted from her outstretched hands, destroying the beasts it hit.

Try as they might, neither twin could come up with a new attack. They shrugged it off, and concentrated on helping their friends, who were now creating holes in the mass of creatures.

"EARTH ANGER SWARM!"

"EARTH LOVE REFRESH!"

Moon was just out of the range of the others, but she too heard Jupiter's cry and attempted to charge her new attack. She was struck again by those raking claws. She could almost feel her energy being drained with each swipe.

"MARS SEARING INFERNO!" called Mars, blasting a group of the things with a huge torrent of fire that poured from her outstretched hands.

"PINK SUGAR HEART ATTACK!" called Mini-Moon, expecting the usual. She was pleasantly surprised when the hearts began exploding, blasting the things back away from her. Mask whipped some roses, to find they had also been enhanced to the point where they now could go through the beasts and strike the ones beyond. Together, father and future daughter cleared a space around them, struggling to get to Sailor Moon.

Saturn channeled her power through the Silence Glaive. She saw it store her energy, into something she hadn't seen before. She released it in one fell swoop.

"SATURN SILENCE RUSH!" Multiple energy shapes of her glaive appeared around her, each one streaking like a missile into her targets, smashing into the enemies with the force to obliterate them. She found she could mentally control them individually.

Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto had their treasures in hand, and each channeled power into them.

Uranus drew her sword and swept it towards the enemies she chose, in a downward sweeping motion. "URANUS GALACTIC COLLISION!" A huge, fiery meteor rained out of the sky, smashing into the ground, and demolishing the beasts.

Neptune whipped her mirror around, and faced it at the horde. "NEPTUNE STUNNING TSUNAMI!" An image of a village being threatened by a wall of water miles high appeared in the mirror, and then said wave blasted out of it, right into the faces of the beasts, killing them with the force of the impact.

The Garnet Orb glittered as Pluto channeled her power. "PLUTO FINAL SAY!" The winds of time whipped around her as she gathered her energy into a ball, similar to her Deadly Scream but far larger and more potent. She let it go, and discovered that nine balls fired out, each smashing into a target, and obliterating it. The Scouts formed up, and now concentrated on using their new powers to save Moon.

She jerked away, having almost been beheaded, and realized her friends were coming for her. Their concern had made them stronger. And me, she realized, feeling power coalesce into her. She did something she hadn't done for a long time. She reached for a now glowing tiara. The beasts stepped back, hesitant. She had just come into a clearing, and was clearly visible.

"Is that all the strength she has left?" asked Mars, worried.

Moon looked awful. Huge gashes marred her side, blood streaming. She was cut all over, and her outfit was ripped in numerous places. She reached up to her tiara and took it in her hand. Another immediately replaced it.

"MOON..." she began, rearing back with her hand. She held this one a bit differently than normal. She had a firm grip on the energy, the better to whip it with as much force as possible. "TIARA.." and she began a forward throwing motion.

"Magic," whispered Molly, standing near Nancy. For some reason, she had always suspected this.. but then, Serena had been her best friend. Now Molly understood why Serena had grown distant, and had already decided not to hold it against her. "Come on, Serena- I mean Sailor Moon!"

"DEVESTATION!" finished Moon, whipping it with all her might. The glowing disc sailed directly into the mass of the reforming beast squad, nailing the one in front in the chest. Then it exploded.

The Scouts were all thrown back by the force of the blast, a dome-shape of white light rising where the disc had hit, and expanding to disintegrate the entire remaining horde of beasts. A white shockwave rattled the windows of the school, and dazed and blinded everyone. When it passed, a crater was in evidence, and Sailor Moon weakly adopted her victory stance.

"Moondusted," she whispered hoarsely before collapsing from the loss of blood. The Scouts ran to her. Saturn took her hand, and began concentrating. The flow of blood slowed, and then stopped. Saturn relaxed.

"I can't do much more," she said softly. "I don't have much energy left."

"Not surprising," said Mercury. The crowd had pressed in, as well as the reporters, and was listening tautly. "Those things had energy-draining capability. They were definitely sent by Marius to test us. I guess that means we need to get her in a hospital. I would suggest we all need a little recuperation."

"They went right after her, didn't they?" asked Pluto. Solemn nods answered her. She looked troubled.

"Next time won't be like this," said Jupiter. She was weak in the knees. They had taken a lot out of the Scouts. She clutched the tree nearby, which had surprisingly weathered the attack.

"Excuse me," said a reporter. "How are you Scouts feeling?"

Jupiter glared at him. "Get out of the way," she said coldly, glaring at him as Mask picked up Moon. Venus picked up the two cats, and as one the team leapt up to the roof of the school amid applause from the students and teachers. They ran towards the nearest hospital, hop scotching from roof to roof, as the aftermath continued and applause grew louder. Everyone was clapping.

Even Nancy.

* * * *

"And so, the Sailor Scouts, attacked while at lunch in school, have destroyed this latest incursion. We have been getting reports from the police all weekend, saying that a lot of cases are now being closed, since the Sailor Scouts have come into the open. While all the Scouts were injured to some degree, Sailor Moon seems to have been the target of this attack and suffered the most, but not before her spectacular finish, as we have seen. Word has it she was just checked in at an as yet unnamed hospital, and she is in Serious, but Stable, condition. This is Mari Yohoma, reporting from Crossroads Junior High."

Dr. Anderson quietly picked up her lunch and disposed of it as she left the cafeteria. She had had a lot of thinking to do, and she barely connected what she saw with the revelation that Amy was a Sailor Scout. She realized her reactions had been a result of her rational, day-to-day world being shattered. She really owed her daughter an apology. A talk later would settle things. She then heard her name over the PA system.

"Dr. Anderson, please come to the front desk. Dr. Anderson, please come to the front desk."

She sighed, and headed for an elevator. As she stepped out, her first sight was of Sailor Mercury, cut up, and bleeding slightly, leaning over the reception desk, talking to the receptionist. The rest of the Scout team was behind her, and Tuxedo Mask was holding a badly wounded Sailor Moon. The report she just heard from TV just flooded her mind. She rushed over to help.

* * * *

Before long, all of their families had arrived, and Sailor Moon was once again conscious, stable, and receiving visitors.

"Amazing," murmured Dr. Anderson. Mercury looked up. All the Scouts, having rested until refreshed by Earth-Love, were now whole and healthy looking. Moon was getting better rapidly.

"What's that?" asked Mercury. Dr. Anderson faced Mercury. She blinked as a swirl of water swept over her and realized she was once again a tired-looking Amy.

"W-well, just how fast you heal," she began uncertainly. Amy smiled. She had the attention of every family (even Raye's parents were here!) as she began.

"Well, it counterbalances the fact that every time we tangle with the negative forces, one of us could walk away seriously injured. Or even dead. And, unpleasant as it is, well, we don't like to talk about it, but we have been," trailed off Amy. The Scouts went silent as she brought up their touchiest subject.

"Have been what?" asked Raye's father sternly.

"Dead," whispered Raye, pale as a ghost.

"But, how-" gasped Mina's mother. Amy cut her off with a wave of her hand. All the scouts had released form except Moon, who was allowing herself to heal so she would be ready for the press conference in the evening.

"See, this is why Serena is our leader. Everyone makes the mistake of underestimating her. We Scouts have done it, too. But she is the only one who commands the Silver Crystal, and that ability is dependant on her heart. And we all know Serena has the biggest heart here. And when that heart of hers, that undying compassion, wills it, she can do some amazing things," said Amy quietly.

Moon sat up. Some color was returning to her cheeks. "I understand some of you find it hard to accept. A lot of people are jealous, to boot. But being a Scout isn't a game, isn't about fame. It's about defending those we love, about protecting the world from the darkness that threatens us all. And it's hard leading dual lives. This is why we wish everything to remain the same, even though our identities are now known. You see, it's a little easier fighting, knowing we're returning to a home with a happy family, who will always love us. And we now need to focus on the fact that we have to own up. That is why I must go to that conference tonight. The world must know what we stand for, that we're here for everyone."

"You guys are really something," said Sammy. "But wow, how cool were those attacks!"

The Scouts had to smile at that one, as some things were settled and plans were made for the evening.

* * * *

"Nervous?" asked Darien in Serena's ear much later as they waited backstage. The conference was being held in an auditorium because of the amount of interest in the Sailor Scouts.

"A little," confessed Serena. Actually she was terrified. Not that she would admit it.

Time.

"We are gathered here tonight to discern the truth, and to interview those who have labored behind the scenes for so long to keep us all safe. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Sailor Scouts!"

Serena boldly pushed the curtain aside, and the rest followed her onstage as their families waited backstage, cheering them on.

* * * *

"Well, now everyone knows the truth. I would like to close with this promise: Wherever dark things lurk, whenever the Negative Forces rear their ugly heads, we Scouts will be there! On that you can depend!" Serena finished three grueling hours later. The applause and cheers were thunderous. It was all they could do to escape afterwards. They and their families met at the Cherry Hill temple.

"Well, that went well," smiled Mina. Serena had done most of the talking. She was drained, and Darien was forcing her to sit and relax.

"It's a start," allowed Luna. "You Scouts really have dealt with the situation admirably."

"Good show, I must say," came a voice from the shadows. "Both the fight earlier and that press conference."

The Scouts snapped erect as they recognized that voice.

Serena spoke up. "Come out, Stryfe."

Stryfe stepped out, computer in hand. "I knew you could do it," he said.

"Why are you here?" snapped Artemis.

"Simple. You've frightened Marius, and somehow she retained planar powers. She's gone and traveled, and you're the only ones that can deal with her. Of course, this time there is no specific time frame, no Darkstrike to deal with. The short of it is, I once again need your help. This is getting old, and I'd like to be done with it once and for all."

"More plane-hopping?" asked Amy.

"Oh, no," whined Serena, reverting to type in her exhaustion. "Not again!"

TO BE CONTINUED...

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