Ami looked around her room disgusted. Everything was immaculate. Everything in her room had a place and it was in it.

?I am so damn boring,? she said out loud.

?Really, Ami, I wouldn?t say boring. More like orderly which is more than I can say for Serena.?

Ami looked down to see Luna and Artemis at her bedroom door. Normally, she enjoyed a visit from the intellectual felines but not today. Today she wanted to make a mess and leave a mess. Today she wanted to not be bothered by being smart and dependable. She wanted, just for today, to be stupid and unreliable. She wanted to have fun without thinking of the repercussions and damn it, she wanted her boyfriend to be here.

?Luna is Serena around??

?I believe she?s over at Darien?s, why??

?I just need to talk to her.?

?Why,? Artemis said in shock, ?why would you want to TALK to her.?

?Girl stuff.?

?Boyfriend stuff,? Luna said looking at Artemis. He blushed. Ami pushed the button on their new communicator watches and contacted Serena.

?What?s up girlie,? Serena answered.

?I need to talk to you. It?s important.?

?No problem. I?ll be there in a flash,? Serena said disconnecting. Ami saw a quick flash of light and Serena just appeared next to her.

?How did you do that?? Ami asked amazed. ?I didn?t know you could teleport.?

?I can?t. It?s astral projection.?

?Since when??

?One day, I was sitting in my room and I was thinking about Darien and poof, there I was just sitting on his lap but I still felt like I was somewhere else. About 20 seconds later I could hear my mother calling me like I was still at home. Come to realize I was.?

?That is so cool. I wish I were that lucky.?

?You can probably do it too. Just really concentrate your mind on where you want to be. Wait a minute, I?ll be right back.?

Serena flashed away as quickly as she came. Within moments, she had returned.

?You wanted to talk to me about something.?

Ami looked around to see if Luna and Artemis were around. At the confirmation that they were gone she turned to Serena.

?Who are you looking for Ami??

?Those nosey cats of yours and Mina?s.?

?They were here??

?Yes.?

?Damn. Now I?m gonna hear it from Luna if she saw me astral project in.?

?Why??

?Because,? Serena said annoyed, ?as usual I would be being irresponsible.?

?Kick the damn cat.?

?Ami!?

?Sorry. I?m just really frustrated right now.?

?What?s wrong Ami,? Serena said offering a comforting arm for her friend.

?I miss Greg.?

?Aw Ami,? she said putting her arm around her friend, ?I knew it was gonna happen soon. When did you talk to him last??

?Last week. He?s very busy and he?s trying his best to be sociable.?

?This must be really hard on you though. I know how much time you guys used to spend together and I know you miss him a lot?

?I want to be with him, Serena.?

?Then go. Take a few days off and go. I?ll cover your shifts at the hospital.?

?He told me not to come, Serena. He told me to stay and he?ll see me during break. He doesn?t love me, he found someone else.?

?THAT is so NOT TRUE!?

?But...?

?But nothing. Darien said the same thing to me but when I went to visit him he was ecstatic.?

?Did you ever astral project to him??

?Once,? Serena admitted with a blush.

?Why are you blushing??

?I?m not.?

?Yeah, you are. What happened??

?Well astral projection, for all its pluses, has two major downfalls. One specifically being that you don?t necessarily know where the person is. Your concentrated thought is just on the person.?

?And!?

?And he was in the shower.?

?You?re kidding me!?

?Unfortunately not. It was very embarrassing. He made me promise not to do it again while he was away at school.?

Serena looked at Ami out of the corner of her eye. She could see the pain in her eyes. Maybe it would do her friend some good to see him for just a minute.

?Go ahead, Ami try. Just think about Greg. Concentrate on being with him right now no matter where he is.?

Ami closed her eyes and concentrated really hard. She thought about his smile and his gorgeous brown eyes that just seemed to melt her away. She thought about the touch of his hand against her face and the feel of his lips on hers. She opened her eyes and she was shocked. Ami wasn?t in her room anymore. The room she was in was dark and barely viewable. She took out her mini-light and looked around. All the furniture was a dark rich wood. There was a desk, a bureau and a bed. In the bed, she saw Greg fast asleep. She went over to him and ran her hand across his cheek. He stirred a bit but didn?t wake up. She bent downward and kissed his cheek.

?Ami,? he whispered in his sleep ad rolled over.

Ami knelt in front of his bed just looking at him. He was so handsome and so smart. She never thought she could feel this way about him. She had found his crush on her so sweet and now she didn?t know what she?d do without him in her life. All of a sudden she felt this mind-blowing headache coming on. She closed her eyes to control the pain and found herself back in her own room when she opened them. Serena was still there looking at her.

?Ami, are you okay??

?I?m fine.?

?Did something bad happen while you were there??

?No.?

?What is the matter with you Ami Mizuno??

Ami did a quick surveillance of her room before answering Serena.

?How was it your first time??

?I was sad after I left him??

?No Serena, that?s not what I?m talking about. I mean...?

?Oh,? Serena said now understanding quite clearly what she was referring to. ?It was different and unexpected,? she said remembering their first time. ?It was way past due.?

?Yes,? Serena said with a smile.

?We all knew, ya know,? Ami said looking at her, ?but neither of you would confirm our suspicions for so long we figured you had and just didn?t want to talk about it so we decided it was probably best to leave it alone.?

?Thanks. But it wasn?t when you think.?

?What??

?Just leave it be. If you really knew, you would never look at me the same again.?

?But we all decided that who ever went first would tell.?

?I can tell you some stuff about sex but not about that Ami. Trust me, it?s better this way.

?But...?

?Hold that thought, I?ll be right back,? she said and she was gone in an instant. Ami shook her head. She could concentrate enough to do this but not on other things like she should. Rei would laugh at this. She started thinking about what Serena had just said. She didn?t have sex when they thought she had. Then when did she? And what could be so weird about what happened in order for her to not want to talk about it? Rei would be having a fit right now if it were her. She would want to know when because she is positive that she was the first of them to have sex. Ami was pretty sure that Serena had done it first. She knew it deep down in her gut. Suddenly, Serena was back.

?How did it happen??

?How did what happen?? Serena countered very flustered.

?Your first time Serena!?

?Yeah well, I made my moment. He was never gonna make the first move so I did. I made myself irresistible and made sure that he was not gonna turn me down. After the incident with my bet with Mina I learned a few things. First of all, he has a lot less control than I had thought and secondly, he wanted to as much as I did. He just needed a little ?prodding? so to speak.?

?Serena!?

?Sorry.?

?Did it hurt??

?A little but I didn?t notice till morning.?

?Morning??

?Ami, this is pent up sexual tension here. It took a few hours.

?Do you think...??

?Think what, that you?re ready. Only you know when you?re ready. We were way past ready. He wanted to be prepared for emotional strain and all that other stuff. I fixed him good.?

?Serena, you?re losing me,? Ami said confused.

?I threw his preparations for emotional stress out the window. His little bit of control sort of went with it. For two weeks, every time we were alone we made love. I know it changed our relationship. It brought us closer together. We have a very strong bond now. It was for the better.?

?Why??

?Because, as I have already stated, we were overdue. We knew everything there was to know about each other except being intimate and that was driving us both insane with insecurities. Remember how we ended up in Pennsylvania??

?Right??

?Overdue. We are extremely secure now. And we have a very healthy sex life.?

?Very mature words Serena.?

?I know,? she said smiling, ?Ami, what is bringing all this on??

?What if he?s already done it? What if it happens while he?s away at school? Serena, I want it to be our first time together.?

?First of all, Greg would never do anything with another girl. Ami he?s been in love with you since before we were in Junior High. Nothing is going to change that. Forget this now; just get a good night?s sleep. Stop over Darien?s tomorrow and we?ll finish talking.? She gave Ami a hug and was gone.

*

Serena snuggled up to Darien who was holding her body on the couch, fast asleep in front of the TV. She turned a bit and stroked his face with her hand. He began to stir and tightened his grip on her. With his eyes still closed, he leaned in and kissed her neck.

?I thought you were never coming back. I was gonna hold your body hostage. Besides,? he said running hand over her stomach, ?I need my fix.?

?You?re a sex addict.?

?No, I?m addicted to you. So, what?s up with Ami??

?She misses Greg.?

?Sounds like two people we used to know. I told him this would be hard, but it?s got to be something else, you?ve been over there all afternoon.?

?What?s the matter,? Serena said in a voice like she was talking to a baby, ?does my muffin feel neglected??

?Yes.?

?I?ll make it up to you.?

Darien began kissing on Serena?s neck again. He moved to sucking and licking her earlobes very sensually. He did it the way he knew she liked it. He could see her run one leg over the other and he lowered his hands to the waistband of her skirt. He was so ready for this and she put her hands on his chest and pushed him away from her.

?WHAT??

?Do you think Greg would have sex with somebody else before Ami??

?He?s been planning for a while. It?s highly improbable.?

Darien tried to resume his previous activity. She stopped him again.

?Really??

?Yes really,? Darien said kissing her shoulders and unsnapping her bra. He began moving them down her arms and she pulled them back up. ?Am I gonna get some today??

?Darien!?

?Ser, sweet pea, you promised me, today. I?ve waited for two weeks for this weekend.?

?And you?ll still have to wait. Ami will be here tomorrow. She needs to talk.?

?Can?t it wait??

?Darien!?

?Why can?t she talk to one of the other girls??

She eyed him warily.

?Can?t she have this discussion with Luna?? Serena cut her eyes at that remark.

?One last question, AM I GETTING SOME AT ALL THIS WEEKEND??

?Highly improbable,? she said reshifting herself and rubbing against him.

?There goes my weekend.?

?Not,? she said looking him in the eyes, ?if you play your cards right.?

Darien got an excited look on his face for the first time this evening, ?You mean we might get to be alone this weekend??

?Yes.?

?Don?t tell me stories woman.?

?Scout?s honor.?

?I?m at your beck and call, Oh Glorified One.? Serena woke up alone. She hated waking up alone. There was always this emptiness that she couldn?t seem to get rid of all day. She loved the fact that he wanted to have breakfast ready for her when she woke up but she hated the empty bed.

?Darien??

?Yes sweet pea.?

There was silence on the other end of his answer. When Darien still hadn?t heard anything a few seconds later, he turned off the stove and went to the bedroom. He found her sprawled across the bed, naked. Her hair surrounded her like a glow. She was lying there looking like a goddess. She was almost too beautiful to touch. He could feel himself getting aroused just looking at her incredibly sexy body.

?Yes,? he managed to get out.

?I?m lonely in this big bed. Whatcha doing out there??

?Breakfast,? he said just barely being able to tear his eyes away from her naked body. There would be no breakfast if he didn?t get out of there fast.

?Well I?m not hungry,? Serena said rising up on her knees. ?At least not for food anyway. Come here muffin,? she said crooking her finger at him in a beckoning motion.

He moved to her like a zombie. He was mesmerized by this incredible goddess he called a girlfriend.

?What about breakfast??

?It can wait.?

Two hours later Darien found himself back in the kitchen with Serena at his side. After making love numerous times in bed and then a few more times in the shower, Serena was finally hungry for food. She was cooking and he was behind her watching.

?Why are you making so much food??

?Because Ami?s coming over, remember??

?Yeah,? he said resting his head on her shoulder.

?You are so spoiled.?

?No I?m not.?

?Yes you are. You hate sharing me with the rest of the world, admit it.?

?I have before remember. And these days it?s just with ?the girls?.?

?Why??

?Because they always need you. They need you as Sailor Moon to fight evil; they need you as their friend, as their confidant. Lita and Mina are best friends and yet they always come to you first before each other. You?re Ami?s best friend so she always comes to you and Rei will never admit it but she PREFERS to talk to you.?

?And??

?And then there?s almost no time for me. Scouts, school and work keep you so busy then they take up your time.?

?I stick to my original statement, you?re spoiled. You want me for yourself 24 hours a day. You can have me any time you want and you know it.?

?How bout now??

She gave him a look and he laughed.

?See.?

?I see nothing more than the fact that you are...? The door interrupted her. She walked over to open the door for Ami but stopped to kiss him beforehand.

?Remember, if you play our cards right.?

?I didn?t forget.?

She opened the door for Ami and ushered her friend in closing the door behind her.

?Hey Darien.?

?Hey Ami,? Darien said getting up from the table. He walked over ushering Ami to the table. ?Hungry??

?A little. Who cooked??

?Serena.?

?No thanks.?

?I heard that Ami!? Serena screamed from the bedroom.

?So,? Darien said laughing, ?what?s up??

?Nothing much, girl stuff.?

?What kind of girl stuff??

?Boy stuff.?

?Greg stuff??

?Maybe. You sure are nosy today Darien. Why is that??

?Because,? Darien said solemnly, ?it?s not often I?m graced with your appearance at my doors.?

?I?m really sorry, I didn?t know you guys were...well...?

?I didn?t say that Ami. I said you don?t come here very often. Actually, you really don?t come here at all. I see you here maybe twice a month to borrow a book or return one.?

?I guess we aren?t very close then.?

?I guess not but I really want to know what?s wrong??

?It?s personal.?

?Then I know it?s about Greg. It?s the only thing that is personal to you.?

?So??

?Ami, I?m just trying to help.?

?Well Darien, you?re not helping, you?re making me uncomfortable.?

?Why??

?Because I told you it?s personal girl stuff and your still asking me questions.?

?Well Ami, I could just call Greg and you could work it out that way.?

?You know what, I?m leaving. Tell Serena to come by when she gets out of the shower.? Ami stood and began walking towards the door. Darien jumped over the chair and blocked the door.

?Look, don?t leave. Serena will be mad at me if you go. I was trying to be helpful. Serena always tells me that sometimes it?s nice to have a guy?s point of view so I was trying to give you one but since I?m making you uncomfortable, once Serena comes back in, I?ll leave you two alone.?

Darien ushered her back to the table and offered her some breakfast for the second time.

?It?s really good and she made a lot since she knew you were coming.?

?I?ll have a little, thanks.?

?You?re welcome.? ?Hola,? Serena said walking back into the living room and sitting on the couch.

?Come on Ami,? she said motioning toward her friend, ?come in here and sit.?

Ami picked up her plate and went over to the couch where her friend sat. She turned and looked at Darien who was cleaning dishes of the table and taking them to the kitchen. He placed them in the sink and went to the door. He was putting on his shoes and jacket when Serena noticed his quick exit.

?Where are you going??

?Out.?

?Where??

?Out.?

?Darien!?

?I?m giving you some privacy.?

?We don?t need privacy, we need your help.?

?Serena, I don?t think that?s a good idea,? he said shooting a quick glance at Ami.

?I wasn?t asking.?

Darien took his coat off and slid his feet out of his shoes. He was doomed and Ami would be so uncomfortable with him there. He contemplated telling Serena then changed his mind. She would not be happy about him berating Ami. He sat in the chair opposite them.

?So.?

?So.?

?Ami!?

?Serena, I don?t really feel comfortable with Darien being here.?

?And you told him that, which is why he was leaving, right.?

Ami hung her head. Serena didn?t need confirmation she had enough. She put her hand on Ami?s shoulder.

?Think of Darien as an extension of me. Not just now, all the time. Think of him as the me that thinks like a man.? That got a giggle out of her and Darien.

?Sweet pea, I don?t think that?s a good analogy.?

?It is, now be quiet. So Ami about what we were talking about yesterday.?

?Serena I can?t do this.?

?Ami, if it were just you and I it wouldn?t matter. I would still tell Darien everything after you left. At least this way you can get some input from a male perspective.?

?What do you know Darien?? Ami questioned.

?I know that you think Greg might be intimate with someone before you and that you miss him a lot.?

?That sums it up. What do you think??

?I think you?re crazy.?

?Darien Chiba!?

?I?m sorry Serena but I?m being honest, just like I was with you.? This got a little reaction from Serena. She hung her head as a blush rushed across her face. He turned his attention back to Ami. ?You are being crazy. Greg is nuts about you. Literally. He is constantly talking about you and sighing about you and every other pathetic thing we boyfriend types do when we?re in love. He?s even worse than us because he plans his time with you. Did you know that??

Ami laughed. ?Yeah I did. Is he really that bad??

?We all went to the movies right before he left and we went to see...that?s not important. What is important is that through the whole movie he said ?Do you guys know that after tonight it?s gonna be 109 days til I see Ami again.? We all groaned in annoyance. I called him a week later to see how HE was doing adjusting. I knew how hard it was for me when I was away. Do you know what he asked me??

She just looked at him, waiting.

?He asked me had I seen you and if you were okay. And I say, ?don?t you guys talk every night?? He says yes and I asked him if he had a picture and he said yes and I said what?s the problem and he said, and I quote ?the picture doesn?t say I love you.? Now he?s got it bad, right Serena??

She looked at Ami with this do-I-have-to say-anything look. Everybody knew how crazy about her he was, everyone except Ami that is.

?I showed her how to astral to him yesterday.?

?Serena,? Darien said sternly.

?I was just trying to help.?

?And I told you that I don?t even like when you do it. No matter how much better at it you are now.?

Her shoulders slumped and she looked at Ami for backup.

?She felt sorry for me Darien. I really do miss him. I thought I could handle this but I can?t. He?s half way across the world with god knows who doing god knows what.?

?Doing work by himself,? Darien offered.

?I?ve seen girls here eyeing him and I?ve heard American girls are loose,? Ami said in her own defense.

?They are but Greg is very taken, trust me.?

?Darien you don?t understand.?

?Oh, I do. Remember Allan, Seiya and Michael and what?s-his-face with the Audi.?

?Oh he was cute,? Ami said eyeing Serena. Serena gave her a cut motion from under the chin. She looked at Darien who was shooting daggers at the both of them. This was always a sore spot with them because all three guys had fallen for Serena instantly and more than enough challenges in their long distance romance. He knew all too well about those things but he also knew without a shadow of a doubt that Greg was no Serena. He was a little smarter about dealing with people. Hell, he knew something Ami didn?t. A few months after they had made it official that they were an item a girl from Greg?s past had shown up claiming that she was in love with him. It was a sweet thought remembering how quickly he put her business to rest.

?So how hot was he Ami??

?He had these... wait a minute.?

?Exactly. Greg doesn?t even notice other girls.?

?That?s when I?m around, Darien. Serena, help.?

?Sorry Ames, but he?s right. The guy is so nuts over you that I?m jealous. I still see Darien giving appreciative looks to the TV screen when we watch TV shows. I know better than to be jealous because he loves me but I still don?t like it. He just proved his point too.?

Ami stood up.

?Thanks guys. You were a lot of help. I?m sorry if I ruined your weekend.?

?Come hang out with us tomorrow,? Darien said standing with her. ?We?ll watch movies and go hang out in the park.?

?That?s not necessary...?

?I insist,? Darien said walking her to the door. ?Call if you need anything. Take it easy and trust me, no other girl comes close when it comes to Greg.? He kissed her on her cheek and closed the door behind her. He looked at Serena balled up on the couch. She was absolutely adorable curled up in her t-shirt and shorts.

?Hey you, cold??

?Umm hmm.?

He sat at the other end of the couch and motioned her with his finger. ?You think she?s gonna be okay??

?Yeah, she?s still Ami, boy or no boy. She?s going home to think what we said through and come up with an empirical chart of data and make her conclusions from there.?

?Serena!?

?She thinks too much.?

?Unlike you.?

?I feel too much,? she said twisting around to kiss him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and fell into him and the kiss.

*

Ami sat in her room listening to her Boyz II men CD.

----------
Since you?ve been gone I?ve been lonely
Longing to be with you only
Maybe there?s still a way I could find you and say
Just how I feel
---------

She turned it off. Normally she loved this CD but it wasn?t helping her with her problem. She missed Greg terribly and that song only made it worse. Then she had an idea. She lay on her bed and concentrated her thoughts on Greg and she opened her eyes. She saw him sitting at his desk doing homework. He was stretching his arms and rolling his neck when she moved behind him. He was doing calculus.

?It?s your favorite subject,? she whispered.

?Yeah but it?s not the same doing it without you.?

?I miss you.?

?I miss you too Ami.? He could always hear her voice in his head. It was always like she was right there with him no matter where. He folded his arms behind his head and closed his eyes. He thought about her smile and her laugh and what it felt like to just hold her hand. God, did he miss her like crazy. He opened his eyes to see his vision manifested before him.

?Ami!?

Without a word she just kissed him.

*

?You told me what?s-his-face with the Audi was ugly. You told me everybody else thought so too and you were just being friendly to him because you felt sorry for him.?

?So I told a little lie.?

?Little??

?Okay a medium lie.?

?Serena.?

?Alright, I lied, big. I couldn?t help it. After stupid Rei opened her big, fat mouth, I didn?t want you to be upset so I lied.?

?How could you??

?You did not see this Audi. It was a convertible TT roadster and he let me drive,? she said adding in the last part quietly. She really needed to stop doing that. She would always tell a little too much of the truth.

?He let you drive!?

?It was all very innocent.?

?Innocent my ass. And what did you have to do for this ride, drive, whatever??

?Nothing.?

?Serena.?

?I told you nothing.?

?No guy does something for a girl for nothing.?

?And all those times you used to walk me home before we started dating??

?Hidden agenda, two of them. One was keeping Andrew away from you and the other was hoping I?d get a kiss.?

?You...you...?

?You what? I was in love with you then, even if I wouldn?t admit it.?

She was glaring at him through slits in her eyes. He wasn?t affected by that look anymore. She would no more hurt him than she would one of her friends. She just didn?t like the sound of the truth. Neither did he for that matter.

?Well, what did he get in turn for your spin??

?My appreciation and dinner.?

?You went out with him??

?It wasn?t a date, it was dinner.?

?Dinner with someone who wasn?t me. Okay you know what, just come clean. Tell me everything now so I can just blow a head gasket right now.?

*

Greg closed his eyes hoping to never wake up from this dream. Her pressure on his thighs felt so real. The kiss felt so real. He was amazed that his imagination could present him this magnificent prize of feeling like he was really holding her. Then his lips felt cold and he opened his eyes expecting his vision to be gone. But she was still there.

?Hey,? she said a little shyly.

?You?re not real.?

?I?m very real Greg.?

?Okay then do something out of character.? He really wasn?t sure what was out of character for Ami because she was always in character, even when they were alone. If she knew the thoughts he used to have when they were alone, she would just lose it.

Ami immediately thought of Serena. She was out of character for Ami and for the first time ever; Ami did something she wanted to do without thinking twice. She pushed Greg?s books to the floor and sat on his desk. She hooked her feet in the chair arms and pulled it toward her.

?Kiss me.?

Greg stood up and did as he was asked. This was too much. He knew he missed Ami but having real, live manifestations was so unlike him. He came out of his thoughts when he felt a hand on his chest.

?Ami!?

?I?m real Greg. I?m right here and real.?

?How did you...??

?Ahh!? she screamed holding her head and in a flash she was gone.

Greg immediately picked up the phone and called her. The phone rang three times before she picked it up.

?Ami??

?Greg??

?Hi,? she said really low. Her head was killing her. How did Serena do this? She thought her head was going to just crack open, she was in so much pain.

?Ami, were you just in my room??

?Yes.?

?Ami, what?s wrong??

?My head is killing me.?

?You were holding your head when you left. What the hell just happened??

?I?ll show you,? she said trying to relax against the mind-shattering pain in her head. She appeared to him again.

?What the hell is going on Ami??

?Astral... astral projection,? she said before she passed out.

*

?Ami, please wake up. God, please. Ami.?

She?d been just laying there now for over an hour, not moving. He wasn?t sure what to do. He couldn?t very well call an ambulance. How would he explain how his girlfriend ended up in his room in a single sex dorm without being signed in?

?Ami, please.?

?Greg.? He could see her hands moving slightly as he responded to her calling his name.

?Ami you scared the death out of me. What happened?? he said lifting her in his arms and putting her on the bed.

?I don?t know.?

?Well you?ve been out for an hour.?

?Call Serena, she?s at Darien?s. Tell her...? she was out again without another word.

?Ami.? He got no answer. Greg hung up from his call with her and immediately called Darien?s number.

?Call back,? was what he heard as Darien answered the phone.

?Well don?t be rude,? he heard in the background.

?Darien.?

?Who is it??

?It?s Greg.?

?Hey man, how?s it going? Ami was over here today and we were talking about you.?

?Well she?s here now.?

?Here as in on your mind or here as in your room.?

?Here as in passed out and unconscious.?

?Here,? Darien said, ?phone?s for you.?

?Hello,? she said into the receiver.

?Hey Serena, this is Greg.?

?Hey Greg, what?s up??

?More like down. Ami is here and she?s unconscious.?

?What!?

?She?s unconscious.?

?How did she get there??

?She said astral projection.?

?Shit.?

?Is this a good shit??

?No Greg. If she?s unconscious you have a problem.?

?Problem??

?She?s gonna be coming in and out of consciousness for the next few hours. She?s not gonna be able to astral back for at least six hours, and that?s if your lucky. This was her first time doing it and it?s might take her a while to recover.?

?How the hell can she do this Serena??

?Because she?s royalty, Greg. It?s in her blood to have some control over things like this. How did she know she could do it, that?s my fault. I told her about it yesterday and I showed her how.?

?So this is your fault.?

?Ami is a lot more strong-willed than say Mina. If you were Ken, I?d take full responsibility but that is not the case. Ami did this herself.?

?With your help.?

?I have been home all day. When she was here earlier we talked. She?s a little upset but I thought we were able to help her work it out but I guess not.?

?And why was she upset??

?Because of you, Greg. She misses you something awful and she thinks that you?re going to fall for one of the girls at your school.?

?Don?t be ridiculous Serena. What would make her think that??

?The fact that you are surrounded by what she referred to as ?loose women?.Add on the fact that you?re so far away and she?s a little insecure.?

?About what, I love her.?

?Tell her that. I have to go.?

?Whoa, what do I do??

?Keep an eye on her.?

Greg took Serena?s advice and kept a watchful eye on Ami as he tried to get his work done. He kept going over to the bed and checking her temperature and making sure she was breathing. He was beginning to get nervous. It was no longer about getting caught but about the fact that it had been three hours since she got there and she was still unconscious. She hadn?t even moved. She just had low, shallow breathing indicating that she was still with him. He slammed his book shut. The last fifteen minutes had been useless. He couldn?t get anything done because he was so worried about her. What was making it even more difficult was the fact that he was thinking about what Serena had said to him.

He really couldn?t believe that Ami was so upset and about that. He loved her to distraction. He called her every night just to see how her day was. He couldn?t wait to call her and once he was on the phone, he never wanted to get off. He loved the sound of her voice. She was always so excited when he called. He could here it in her voice. He loved the sound of her giggle when he would tell her that he loved her and missed her. Since he?d been here thought, the one thing he missed most of all was the look in her eyes when they kissed. He?d gotten that tonight but he didn?t want it at this price.

?Mom??

He left the desk to go to her side.

?Ami.?

?Greg? What are you doing here??

?Do you know where you are??

?In my room, of course.?

?No Ami, you?re in my dorm room.?

?What! Oh.?

?You remember how you got here??

?Yeah. Do you have any aspirin, my head is exploding. What time is??

?It?s 9.?

?Shit, I gotta get home.? Ami closed her eyes and started to think about her room. She could feel herself moving like she was transporting there and she could feel Greg holding her hand at the same time. She couldn?t seem to be in one place. All of a sudden she felt like her head was literally being hit with a hammer. Tears absently started rolling down her cheeks.

?Ami, what?s wrong?? she heard Greg ask her but she couldn?t answer. She couldn?t think. The pain was unbearable.

The tears kept falling and Greg kept asking her the same question with no answer. He began wiping at her tears and kissing her cheek. She could hear him and feel his lips, but could find the energy to answer him.

?It?s okay. I?m here Ami.?

After a while she fell into the blackness again. He could tell because her tears had stopped and her breathing was shallow again. Greg sat there holding her hand while tears fell from his own eyes.

?Oh Ami what did you do to yourself? Please be okay.?

He didn?t know what to do to help her. She was so out of it and in so much pain. He picked up the phone and hit redial.

?Hello,? he heard from the other end of the receiver.

?Darien, I?m sorry for calling so late but Ami is still out of it.?

?I?ll get Serena.?

?No. I snapped at her earlier.?

?Hey, she didn?t even mention it so she?s not mad. Hold on.?

?No. Darien, did this happen to Serena??

?I really don?t know what?s going on, Greg.?

?Ami?s out. She?s been unconscious most of the day and when she was awake all she did was cry. Darien, I can?t take seeing her like this.?

?Serena was fine when she came to me. She would sometimes rub her temples a little but she was normally okay. She ever cried and she didn?t seem to be in that much pain. I really think you should talk to her.?

?Darien, please. Talk to her and call me back.?

?Okay.?

Darien hung up the phone and walked into the bedroom where Serena was. She had gone in a little earlier to take a nap. She had said she was tired so he let her go in alone. He?d been sitting on the couch catching up on some reading when Greg called. He watched her briefly from the doorway before he went in and sat on the bed. She was so damn beautiful he hated waking her up. His pressure on the bed immediately woke her up.

?Darien??

?It?s me. You okay?? he said at her instant arousal. Serena was a hard sleeper. She never woke up this easy.

?Yeah,? she said putting her head back down. ?What?s up??

?Greg just called, Ami is still out of it.?

?Shit.?

?What don?t I know about you astral projecting Serena??

?I?m fine. I?ll go get her.?

?No. Tell me what to do and I?ll call Greg.?

?She needs to be back in her body to recuperate properly Darien. I have to go get her.?

?And what about you? I couldn?t bear it if anything happened to you Serena.?

?I?ll be fine,? she said sitting up. ?I?ll be back before you know it.?

Darien watched her body shimmer a little before it fell back onto the bed. He was going to find out what was going on. He didn?t like this one bit. Her body had ever shimmered before.

*

Serena looked up at Greg.

?She?s gonna be okay. I?m going to take her home.?

?What happened Serena??

?She can?t handle it. I?m sorry, this is my fault.?

?No, you were right. When Ami gets a thought in her head there?s nothing any of us can do to stop her.?

?But I told her how. I let her think it was okay and it?s not.?

?Did this ever happen to you??

Serena was silent as she willed Ami?s unconscious body into her arms. This was going to be harder than she thought. Ami?s mind was determined to be where she was. Shit!

?Serena??

?Greg, we have a problem.?

?What??

?She doesn?t want to leave.?

?She can stay. I?ll take care of her until she?s better.?

?She can only get better in her body. She?s locked onto you Greg and she won?t let go, that?s what?s making it more painful. Normally she would have went back into her body once the headache came on.?

?Like earlier.?

?Earlier??

?Before this happened she was here then poof, she was gone.?

?How long before she came back.?

?A few minutes.?

?Ami, you moron,? Serena said frustrated. She looked at Greg. ?You have to do something for me but you are going to have to trust me completely.?

?If Ami will be okay, I?ll do anything.?

?Concentrate on Ami?s room, her things. Hold my hand and put your absolute faith in me.?

Greg took Serena?s hand and opened his mind. He could see Ami?s room in his mind and he absently took her hand in his again. He was concentrating so hard that he was shocked when this feeling of completeness washed over him. He didn?t know what had happened but within moments he was back in his room, holding Serena?s hand and Ami was gone.

?Where is she??

?Back in her body.?

?Is she going to be okay??

?She?ll be fine. Just please beg her not to ever do this again.?

Serena started to fade into light when Greg put his hand on her shoulder.

?Wait.?

?Yes.?

?What was that? That feeling that went through me.?

?It was me,? she said fading away.

*

It took Darien a while after she was gone to notice what was different about her leaving. The crystal was glowing brightly. It was glowing with an intensity he had never seen. It began as a steady glow but it started to pulse like a heart but erratically. It was pulsing quickly like the heartbeat of a panicked person.

?Serena. Serena.? He was shaking her to no avail. She wouldn?t budge or acknowledge him. ?Serena, oh God what did you?? he asked out loud tears falling down his face. He stroked her face and cried for over an hour before she started to stir.

?Serena!? He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her.

?What?s the matter with you,? she said looking at him oddly.

?You were gone for two hours.?

?I?m sorry.?

?Damn it, what happened? First I come in here and you wake up when I sit on the bed then you don?t even budge when I shake you. You always respond when I touch you when you astral project.?

?This was different.?

?Why was the crystal glowing Serena? What the hell is going on??

?I?m tired. I?m going to shower and I?m going to bed.?

?Serena I asked you a question??

?And I told you I?m tired.?

?Your gonna keep things from me after this morning.?

?I?m not lying to you Darien. As a matter of fact, I?m going home. We?ll talk later.? Serena grabbed her purse and jacket from the closet and flew out the door.

?Serena!? was all she heard as she took off.

*

Greg called more than once to check up on Ami but she still hadn?t woken up. When her mom finally answered, he just left a message for Ami to call him when she did wake up. He didn?t get a call until the day after next.

?Ami??

?Hi,? she said a little embarrassed that her experiment didn?t work out as planned.

?How are you feeling??

?Greg, I?m fine. I?m sorry if I made you worry. It was the first time.?

?Serena, asked me to beg you to never do this again.?

?I wasn?t prepared is all.?

?Ami please...?

?What does Serena know??

?I called Darien for help.?

?Why??

?Why? Because you scared me to death, Ami. You were unconscious for hours. When you did wake up you were in so much pain. I hated seeing you like that.?

?I would have been fine.?

?Not according to Serena. She said you wouldn?t get 100% better until you were back in your body.?

Ami thought about what Greg was saying and heard the pain in his voice. She wanted to make him happy to see her not terrified.

?I?m sorry you were upset, I was just...?

?Ami this isn?t about me. Sweetheart, I was terrified I was going to lose you. You were in so much pain you were crying.?

?Oh Greg, I?m sorry,? she said tears forming now. She really felt guilty about doing this to him. She just missed him so much.

?I missed you,? she whispered.

?So I heard,? he said with a smile. ?I miss you too but please promise me you will never do this again.?

?I promise.?

?Good because you weren?t the only one in trouble.?

?What happened??

?Serena and Darien are having a big fight. To get you home she used her crystal thingy. Plus, Darien said that there?s something bothering her and she won?t talk to him about it.?

?She used the Emperial Crystal??

?Yeah. I know I?m missing something. I always was when it came to that. What is the big deal??

?The big deal is that the Crystal is dependent on her life force and vice-versa. Often times the amount of energy she puts into using the crystal wipes her out for days. It almost killed her on more than one occasion.?

?What!?

?You can?t let her know I told you. It?s supposed to be Sailor Scout info but I need to let you know that I screwed up big and if Darien hates me, I deserve it.?

?He doesn?t hate you. He was really worried about whether or not you were okay. He kept asking me if I wanted to get off the phone to check on you. I want you to know how much I appreciate what you did. You don?t know how much I missed you too but you scared the hell out of me and put both your lives in danger so please remember to keep your promise no matter how ?loose? these women are.?

Ami blushed knowing that it was Serena who told him. She knew how she had become over these last few years. She would give her life for any one of them but when they did something stupid, she let them have it. Sometimes letting them have it was to go to the source of the problem.

?I?m sorry.?

?Ami stop telling me you?re sorry and tell me how much you miss me.?

*

Darien sat outside Serena?s door as he had been for the last hour and a half. She refused to speak to him or let him in and he had forgotten his key to her apartment at home. He hardly ever used it because she was always at his place.

?Serena! Serena! Woman you had better open this door before I cause a scene out here and you end up homeless. Don?t forget your parents have said that they?re moving to America in ten months.?

She sat on the other side of the door doing everything in her power to keep from opening the door and throwing herself into his comforting arms. She just wasn?t ready to deal with this new thing that was going on with her. She especially wasn?t ready to share it with him. It was too embarrassing to mention out loud.

?Serena, I will kick this door in! Open it right now!?

She opened the door because she knew that true to his word he really would kick it in and she couldn?t afford to fix it or be evicted. He came in and closed the door behind him. He immediately walked over to her to embrace her. She stepped away from him.

?What is going on??

?I just need some time to myself, is all.?

?To do what??

?Be by myself Darien.?

?For what good reason??

?For reasons I?m not yet ready to share. Do you mind giving me some privacy??

?As a matter of fact I do.?

She looked at him with widened eyes. She had never intended to hear the words. She knew he felt that way but never imagined he would ever say them. She had always assumed that he would always try to spare her the irrational parts of his temperament but it would appear she was mistaken. Not only was he ridiculously obsessive when it came to her, he was making it as plain as day.

?Please tell me you?re joking??

?I am quite serious. I want to know what is so damn important that you need time away from me??

?It?s personal.?

?And so is this,? he said motioning between them.

?Darien, I need to figure something out. Once I do, I?ll be sure to discuss it with you but until then since I do pay rent here, I?m staying here and you are going home. You are going to go home and give me the space I need...?

?No, I?m not.?

?Well try this on for size, you damn bully, if you come over here before I ask you to come over here, I?ll temporarily strip you.?

?You can?t.?

?Oh yes I can. You know I can and I will. This is not a game you want to play Darien. Give me some time and we?ll talk about it once I sort it out.?

?You?re breaking up with me.?

?Don?t be ridiculous you paranoid buffoon. I love beyond death, I just need a little me time.?

?Is it another guy??

?Yes Darien. I?m sleeping with another guy and I just want a few days alone with him.? She could see the dark blue of his eyes turn black. His fists were clenching and unclenching. She knew she had pissed him off. ?If you leave now you won?t say or do something you?ll regret later.?

He walked past her and to the door. In his anger he didn?t even open it. He passed through it like a ghost. That was the recent plus to getting him that angry; he couldn?t cause any damage. He literally couldn?t hold himself together. A few months ago, a serious power boost started it and he still hadn?t figured out how to control it when he got this angry. She hated doing that to him because he was so damn upset that he just broke things once he got a hold of himself. The last time he got this angry they had to replace his dishes. She knew he wouldn?t he wouldn?t hurt her but the look in his eyes frightened her. The beautiful navy of his eyes would go black like bottomless pits.

She sat in the armchair and threw her legs over the chair arm. She closed her eyes trying to think about what was going on when the phone rang.

?Serena??

?Yes.?

?Hi, I?m so sorry I caused so much trouble.?

?Oh Ami it was nothing. Just please promise me you won?t do it again.?

?I already promised Greg like five times.?

?Good.?

?Is everything okay between you and Darien??

?Far from it??

?He?s mad because you used the crystal??

?Probably but more pressing matters are plaguing him.?

?What happened??

?We are having a great difference of opinion on my personal time. He thinks it should all be spent with him, which I do mind you, usually agree with, however I need some time to think a few things out.?

?Enemies??

?Sort of.?

?Serena, you shouldn?t be alone!?

?Don?t worry about it, let me do that. How are you feeling??

?I little out of it but much better. I can move again.?

?Good. I?ll come over tomorrow and we can hang out, just the two of us.?

?I?d like that.?

?Bye Ami.?

?Bye Serena.?

Serena hung up the phone from her long time friend and thought of the others. Rei and Chad had been enjoying the closeness of their new relationship and spending a lot of time alone. Andrew and Lita were often out of town up to something. She was so preoccupied with her college courses that she hadn?t had time to catch up with her. And Mina, well Mina was Mina. Molly was with Nephlyte for a few weeks. Ever since they had found each other again a few years back, her friend had been on cloud nine. She spent her time between both worlds knowing that in a few years they would have to make a choice.

She thought about Darien and what he would think when she told him what had been going on. He was right about her sleeping habits changing. The significant part of the statement would be sleeping. She was hardly getting any. The dreams were keeping her from wanting to go to sleep and waking her with a start when she did. She couldn?t keep going like this. The worst of it was the affects it was having on the crystal. The damn thing would pulsate like crazy draining what little energy she had left. One of her reasons for leaving him the other night was because she didn?t have the energy to argue with him. She had literally slept through yesterday recouping her energy from using the crystal to get Ami home. She wouldn?t have easily been able to explain that or the nosebleeds that accompany it.

She just needed a few days away from him to recoup and plan her next line of defense before things got bad. She had about two days before he would call or come back harassing her about how much he loved her and couldn?t live without her. Her one blessing in that man was that he did at least have a shred of pride.

*

Serena sat on the couch for a few hours thinking about her predicament. She couldn?t imagine where the dreams were coming from because he was dead. She had killed him with her own hands but sure enough Diamond was back. He was invading her dreams with ridiculously disturbing thoughts. She knew it wasn?t her own dreams, she only dreamed of Darien. There was no other man in her dreams and never would be.

She got up and went to the bathroom to run water for a bath. She didn?t often get these luxuries because Darien liked to shower with her. She opened the medicine cabinet and reached for the bath salts. She opened the jar and took a deep inhale. She loved the smell of them. Mina had bought them for her for her last birthday. She only used them on special occasions and she considered tonight a special occasion.

She walked into her room and reached for the most recent Nora Roberts that she had bought and the cordless. She walked back into the bathroom, shedding her clothes and putting them into the hamper. She closed the door and stood in front of the full length mirror. She looked at her naked physique and couldn?t see a flaw in sight. Her creamy complexion was still unflawed. Her breasts were still small and round. Her longs were still as long as they had always been but more noticeably so because she had gained five inches in height since she was sixteen. There still wasn?t an ounce of fat on her body but Serena noticed one thing that she hadn?t noticed before, her hips were a little wider and so were her thighs. She had curves! Honest to goodness curves.

?When the hell did that happen??

She shook her head in disbelief and reached behind her to grab her hair. She twisted it up and pinned it in a bun. It had started to grow back since she had cut it but it was still curly from the perm. It was now just below her butt. As easy as it was to manage, she missed her meatballs, which were impossible to do with her hair this length.

She stepped into the tub, book in hand and sat down. She laid her head on the wall and closed her eyes for a minute. She instantly opened them up again. She had seen Diamond?s face again. Serena took a few short breaths and opened her book and began reading.

*

?NO!? Serena screamed waking up in a cold sweat. She brought her hands to her temples and began rubbing them.

She could see what he wanted now. It was the same as before but it was different. He knew things and was using it to his advantage but she didn?t know how he knew. He couldn?t have known because he wasn?t around then but he knew. She needed to see Rei and see if she could read her or the crystal. For now, she?d be content reading her book to keep busy til morning, since she was not going to be able to sleep for the rest of the night.

Around 7, Serena finished her book and place went out to the living room to place the book on the shelf. She heard the phone ring and reached over the couch for it.

?Hello.?

?That wasn?t very nice.?

?Darien please. I?m on my way in to the shower. We?ll talk later okay.?

?You purposely made me angry.?

?You can?t control your temper. You did that to yourself.?

?Serena, please. Talk to me.?

?I can?t right now.?

She hung up the phone to avoid arguing with him and went into the bathroom and began brushing her teeth. As she brushed she walked back into her room and opened the closet door. She stood in front of her closet, brushing her teeth and trying to figure out what to wear. She settled on a sleeveless, blue sweater and her dark blue jeans and blue timberland boots. She laid her clothes on the bed and her boots on the floor in front of them and went back into the bathroom. She gargled and turned on the shower. She decided to take advantage of the opportunity that she had being up so early to wash her hair. The minute she closed her eyes under the shower she could feel his hands on her and she opened her eyes with a start. She didn?t need to turn around because she knew that no one was there. She was alone in her apartment and the hands were old, not warm like Darien?s. This was getting out of control. She discarded the idea of washing her hair and turned off the shower. She wrapped up her hair and toweled off. Serena took the time for a full body lotion and got dressed. She went into the bathroom and finished drying her hair and applied some lipstick and eye shadow. She closed the bathroom door and admired her reflection. She really did have curves! Serena laughed to herself as she checked the clock. It was 8:30. She grabbed an apple from the kitchen table, her purse and jacket from the rack and headed out the door locking it behind her.

Serena arrived at Rei?s fifteen minutes later and walked up the stairs to her apartment. Rei had moved out of the temple a year ago and she and Chad had moved into an apartment building a few blocks away from Darien?s. She stood at the door contemplating how to bring this up to Rei without making her paranoid. She knew Rei probably knew that something was up but she wasn?t sure. She knocked.

?Go away!? she heard muffled.

?It?s me, Rei.? she called from the other side of the door.

She could hear them running around in the apartment. They were extremely heavy walkers, especially Rei. She could hear her coming to the door. She could hear the locks being opened and looked at Rei?s sheepish expression.

?Hi.?

?Hey,? Serena said walking in. ?I have a problem.?

Rei closed the door behind her and motioned her to the bar that separated the kitchen from the living room.

?What?s up??

?It?s sort of Sailor Stuff.?

?Wait,? Rei said stopping Serena. She closed her eyes and concentrated her energy and put a silencing spell on the apartment. Her walls were thin and her neighbors were nosy. No matter if their boyfriends and friends knew, being Sailor Scouts was still privy info.

?Okay, what?s up??

?Look,? Serena said taking the crystal out of her purse. She couldn?t even keep it in her brooch anymore because it had grown to twice its original state. She looked at it and shook her head. It was still pulsating.

?What is that??

?The Silver Crystal.?

?No really.?

She gave Rei a look.

?What the hell happened??

?I have no idea but it?s been doing this now for two months but that?s not the worst of it.?

?What is the worst?? Rei questioned not even really wanting to know.

?Diamond is coming to me in my dreams. He?s controlling my dreams, Rei. He?s trying to rape me.?

?What!?

?It only happens when I?m about to get my period and it?s starting to get worse. Any time I close my eyes I can feel his hands touching me.?

?Can you close your eyes for me now Serena??

?I can?t Rei. I?m terrified he might actually get to do it.?

?We have to go to the temple. I need to get a reading on you and the crystal.

*

Rei and Serena arrived at the temple about an hour later. Rei went to find her grandfather because she wanted to say hello to him before she did the reading. She also wanted to forewarn him that she was going to be in there before he found himself in there accidentally.

?Hi grandpa.?

?Hi Rei,? he said running over to her and embracing her. ?Where?s Chad??

?He?s at home. Serena and I are going into the fire room. We?ll probably be in there a while. Okay??

?Okay Rei, just be careful.?

Rei nodded to her grandfather in confirmation and led Serena away to the fire room. When she entered, Rei immediately took off her shoes and Serena followed. She put on one of the robes and motioned for Serena to have a seat.

?Sit Indian-style,? she told her. Serena tried to relax. Rei had done things like this but Serena was terrified nonetheless. She hadn?t had this feeling of hopelessness in a long time. She couldn?t begin to understand what was going on and she was spinning at the idea of how to explain this to Darien. He was going to be pissed, to say the least.

?Serena, relax. I?m trying to concentrate and your apprehension is blocking me.?

?Sorry Rei. I just don?t know what?s going on.?

?What took you so long to come to me anyway??

?I thought they were nightmares until a few weeks ago I realized the damn crystal was draining me. I slept for two days straight.?

?Then Darien does know that something is up,? Rei said eyeing Serena suspiciously.

?Don?t look at me like that. I?m not working for the Negaverse nor am I under any kind of spell. How exactly do you tell your boyfriend that another man comes to you in your dreams at night and tries to rape you. Hell, I just realized that he?s trying to rape me. And to clear your suspicious mind, Darien is under the impression that I?m cheating on him. I?ve been sleeping at home.?

?With your parents??

?In my apartment Rei!?

?I thought you lived with Darien.?

?I stay with Darien. I have my own place.?

?Why??

?Because there are times when I need my own space.?

?Are you cheating on Darien??

?With who Rei??

?I don?t know, it?s just a question because ?I need my own space? is not a typical Serena response to time with Darien.?

?Well I do, sometimes. Come on Rei let?s do this. I want to see if I can get a handle on whatever it is that?s going on.?

?Okay,? Rei said eyeing her friend wearily then closing her eyes. She took a few deep breaths and began communicating with the fire. She first asked the fire about Serena. She was able to poke around in Serena?s mind a bit before she was forcefully pushed out. She almost broke her trance but was able to keep her mind focused. When she delved into the crystal, Rei was shocked at what she saw. All the youmas and villians that they had killed were trapped in the crystal but something was different.

She looked around at them all and realized that they saw her. They were looking at her but not attacking. Then one of them approached her. It was the lake daemon they had encountered not long after she found out she was a Sailor Scout. She spoke to her.

?He is collecting all the negative energy that we are releasing. He is trying to break out. He?s almost free. You must leave before he finds out you are here.?

?What is happening to the crystal?? Rei asked her.

?He is becoming too powerful and we are too weak. He must be released and killed.?

?And what if he isn?t??

?He will possess her and free himself. He will fill her with evil energy.?

?How??

?He will impregnate her.?

?But he can?t. You have to...?

She cut Rei off and grabbed her by the shoulders. ?He will do it. You must go, he?s coming.?

Rei was pushed out of the crystal and her trance ended. She opened her eyes to look at Serena who was sitting across from her looking hopeful. She didn?t know how to explain this to her friend. She was not just a friend but their leader, their future queen. She was also Serena. She was so brave but Rei saw the fear in her eyes and the fear in her mind. She knew what Serena?s fear was right now. She got up and sat next to her. Rei laid Serena?s head on her shoulder and wrapped an arm around her.

?It?s gonna be okay, Ser,? she comforted. ?I won?t let him hurt you. I promise.?

?You can?t Rei. Nobody can stop him, I can?t and I?m more powerful than you are.?

?Well I?m going to do everything in my power to try but you have to do something for me??

?What?? Serena said picking up her head to look at Rei.

?You have to tell Darien then tell him I need him to come see me. I can read him at the house. I have a small reading fire in the apartment.?

?Then why did we come here??

?Have you paid attention the size of the crystal? It looks like it?s going to explode, which it sort of might.?

?WHAT!?

?Diamond is harvesting all the evil energy left in the youmas.?

?What? Rei, make sense.?

?All the youmas are trapped in the crystal, Ser. Diamond is gathering what was left of their negative energy and he plans to use it to escape the crystal.?

?But he can?t do that!? Serena said emphatically standing up. She began pacing the fire room. ?How do you know this??

?One of them told me. She also said that if you don?t let him out, he?ll force his way out.?

?How??

?By turning you evil and impregnating you.?

*

Greg looked at the calendar and shook his head. He was going crazy waiting for break. He got to go home to Ami in a week. All he had to do was get through his finals. He was reevaluating his idea of going to school here. Massachusetts was great and who would turn down a full scholarship to MIT but this was so hard.

It had been a month since the Ami incident and they still talked every night but he could sense her discomfort. He still couldn?t understand why. She was his girl the only one he ever wanted and yet she was worried about him and another girl. She was just being insecure and silly because for as nice as some of them were, none of them was his Ami.

She was exotic, blue hair and all. She was super smart and super kind. Her heart went out to everybody. She was everything you could want in a girlfriend and a friend. He knew that she loved her friends to distraction. Not only did they save mankind together, they saved each other. He remembered what Serena did for Ami and breathed a sigh of relief. Ami had been keeping her promise but he?d seen Serena twice. She popped up unannounced and then stayed just prattling on about nothing.

~~~~~~~~~~~
AN: Keep in mind that there is about a 12-hour difference
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He wasn?t sure what to do. He wanted to call Darien and talk to him about it but she informed him that he already knew. Now that he was thinking about it he hadn?t heard from Darien in a while. He picked up the phone to call.

?I?m not home, leave a message,? he heard from the answering machine.

?I guess you?re busy,? Greg started after hearing the beep, ?just wanted to say hi and see what?s up. Haven?t heard from you in a while. Serena said...?

?You talked to her??

?Darien, I thought you weren?t home.?

?I?ve been home for the last week. You spoke to her??

?I saw her last week. She was here. Hey, what?s going on? She told me that you knew she was here.?

?I haven?t talked to Serena in two weeks.?

?What is going on? Ami didn?t mention you guys having a fight.?

?Were not fighting. She just won?t talk to me.?

?It can?t be that hard Darien. You guys live together.?

?No. See, she kept her apartment, the one she?s been staying in. ?

?Wow.?

?Well how does she look? Is she okay??

?Darien, what is going on?? Greg asked truly concerned. He knew that Darien felt the same way about Serena as he did about Ami. He also knew that they always seemed to have one thing or another get in the way of their relationship. He also didn?t want to tell Darien that she didn?t look so good. She looked like she hadn?t slept in the month since the thing with Ami. When he asked Ami about it, she kind of just blew it off. Serena?s eyes had lost their light and he couldn?t imagine her without it.

?Greg? Greg??

?Yeah.?

?Is she okay??

?Oh yeah,? he lied to his friend. He wanted to know what was going on before he said anything and got him upset for nothing.

?Are you sure??

?Dare, she was her usual self when I saw her last week.?

?Well could you just keep me updated? She won?t talk to me and the girls have become the opposite of the Oracle. You know ?ask and you shall know?, Greek mythology.?

?Yeah,? Greg said with enough question in his voice to prompt Darien to clarify.

?Well I ask and they?ve become the Three.?

?Three what? Is this a code??

?Speak no evil, See no evil, and hear no evil, the Three. Except in their case it?s, ?No we haven?t spoken to Serena, No we haven?t seen Serena, and no we haven?t heard from Serena?.?

?Darien you must really be bugging them.?

?I just want to know if she?s okay. I can hardly feel her anymore. I know something is going on. I need to know if she?s okay. She won?t talk to me but we?re not fighting.?

?If I hear anything, I?ll let you know. I promise.? Greg said to his friend. He planned to keep that promise too. He knew that Darien would do the same for him and he had. He hung up the phone and sat down for a minute. He thought about what could be going on that Ami would keep something like this from him. He was rewarded for his thoughts by a ringing phone.

?Hello.?

?Hey you.?

?Ami.?

?Yes, are you busy??

?Nope. You have me all to yourself.?

?Good.?

?So did Darien and Serena talk out that thing??

?What thing??

?Remember you were telling me that they were fighting about something. Oh yeah, that crystal.?

?Why are you asking me that question? That was over a month ago.?

?I know it?s just that, never mind.?

?Never mind what??

?Well, She?s been here twice, to ?talk? and I was just wondering why she would astral project here instead of hanging with you guys.?

?I don?t know,? Ami said noncommitally. She wanted to tell him the truth so badly but she couldn?t. She was sworn to secrecy until they found a plan. She hated lying to him. She felt awful.

?Ami, are you lying to me??

?Honey, you know I would never lie to you.?

?Ami.?

?Greg.?

?I can?t believe this? I never thought that you?d lie to me, Ami.?

?Lying about what??

?What is going on with Serena, Ami??

?Why do you keep saying my name??

?Don?t avoid the question, Ami?

?I?m not avoiding anything. I asked you a question.?

?I keep saying your name because I?m in shock. I never thought you would lie to me. I never thought we would lie to each other.?

?I...I...?

?You know what, let me start and finish,? Greg said actually being angry. ?I love you. And no matter how ridiculous you sound believing that I would want to be with anyone else but you, I let you be because I figure those are your feelings to have regardless of how...ridiculous they sound. I was terrified at what happened and now I can?t believe that even after Serena put her life on the line for you that you would do this to her. I thought she was your friend. I asked because I talked to Darien who told me hadn?t talked to Serena in two weeks. He sounds awful. All he wants to know is if she?s okay and you guys keep railroading him. I can expect this from Rei or Mina but from you and Lita, I?m shocked. I... I?m speechless. I have to go, Ami.?

Greg hung up the phone upset. He was mad at her and mad at himself. He couldn?t understand why he was so mad other than the fact that this was insane. He knew how much Darien loved Serena and all he wanted to know is if she was alright and they were treating him awfully. And Ami, he couldn?t believe her to be a part of this conspiracy. She was always the levelheaded one.

*

Darien sat around his apartment for the second week in a row. He called out of work and he just stayed home, waiting. Waiting for her to call or for someone to say something. He didn?t know anything other than the fact that she was alive. He looked at the picture he held in his lap of Serena.

She was beautiful as always, smiling at him as he took her picture. He wanted to hold her in his arms and tell her everything would be okay. Whatever it was, he would protect her. He would give his life for her if he had to. She was everything to him.

Having grown up with no family, he always envied her. She had everything, family, friends and the best heart in Tokyo. He remembered that he hadn?t even realized he had fallen in love with her until when Andrew decided he might have wanted more than a friendship with her. That night of Molly?s birthday party was funny but his heart was almost broken when he saw the look on her face when she realized she had kissed him. He worked so hard for her love, he wasn?t going to let it end like this.

?Oh, sweet pea, why won?t you tell me what?s going on??

Darien felt a familiar tingle and he transformed. He was Tuxedo Mask and he felt like he was being pulled.

?No,? he said out loud. ?I?m not protecting anyone else if I can?t protect her.? On its own his body began to shimmer towards the danger. Darien concentrated harder than ever to avoid the absolute shimmer. He fought against his natural instinct.

He took several deep breaths and held his concentration to avoid shimmering to the scene of some NegaVerse battle for power. He opened his eyes and looked into those of his memories.

?Mother??

*

?Hello son.?

?Mom. No this can?t be.?

?It?s me. I?ve been watching over you for quite some time now.?

?Why?? he said tears forming in his eyes. ?Why did you leave me alone??

?We didn?t want to leave you, sweetheart. We couldn?t fight anymore.?

Darien looked at her. She was more beautiful than she ever was in his dreams. He couldn?t believe that she was there at this moment, when he would need her.

?How did you know I needed you??

?You?re my son; I?ve always been here for you.? She took Serena?s picture from his hand and looked at her and smiled. She put the picture back on the end table. She knelt down in front of Darien and took his hand in hers.

?Listen to me,? she began as he looked at the ground. ?Darien please, look at me.?

He looked at her and he could see pain in her eyes.

?What?s wrong??

?I can?t tell you. What I can tell you is that I know she loves you as much as you love her. That beautiful girl is going through more than you can imagine right now...?

?Why won?t she talk to me? I can help her through this.? His tears were flowing freely now as he looked at her.

?Tell me why she?s doing this to me.?

?Oh baby,? his mother said sitting down next to him and laying his head in her lap. She stroked his hair and spoke to him.

?Sweetheart, this is something she seems to feel she needs to do alone. I?m not going to lie to you, her friends know and they are trying to help. She doesn?t want to worry you and she doesn?t want to hurt you either. She loves you so much. I?m glad that you?ve found someone with such a good heart. The thing is sweetie, you need to trust her heart. You need to just continue loving her and be there for her when she needs you because she is going to need you and you can?t hold any of this against her.?

?I knew it was another guy,? he said being comforted by her.

?I told you, it?s not what you think. You just have to trust her.?

?You?re gonna leave now?? he asked her.

?I?ll stay with you a little while. Talk to me. Tell me about Serena.?

?How do you know her name??

?I told you, I?ve been keeping my eye on you. Besides, you call her name in your sleep. I?m so glad you?ve found your family again,? she said just sitting there and enjoying her brief time with her son.

*

Ami picked up the phone for what must have been the sixth time that afternoon. She started dialing Greg?s number then hung up. She didn?t know what she would say to him. ?Sorry I lied to you?, ?Sorry I hurt your feelings?, what was she going to say to get him to understand that she had taken an oath to keep this between them. She still hadn?t found a way to stop Diamond from collecting the energy or getting out. She couldn?t even help Serena get some sleep, which you knew she wasn?t getting if you looked at her.

Serena was worn out and you could tell. She had developed bags under her eyes and her skin was paler than usual. She was irritable and her usual sunny disposition was non-existent. She fought like a woman possessed. She was the ultimate weapon during training and the one battle they had fought, it was more her than a group effort. But she wasn?t going to last like this much longer. Ami was monitoring the crystal. It was constantly pulsing now. It was literally draining Serena of what little energy she had left. They had to do something! And she needed to apologize to her boyfriend. They had always promised not to keep secrets. Ami picked up the phone for the seventh time and dialed Greg?s number, this time with no hang up.

?Greg,? she said when she heard the phone pick up.

?Hey Ami.?

?Oh hi Sam, Is Greg there??

?Well...um...no.?

?Put Greg on the phone Sam.?

?But he?s not...?

?Now!?

?I don?t really want to talk to you right now Ami.?

?You don?t have to talk to me, just listen. I?m sorry. I shouldn?t have lied to you. The truth is something is going on and Serena has sworn me to secrecy. I can?t tell you. I want to. I keep thinking that you may think of something that I haven?t but I promised her and I can?t break that promise. I?m calling because I also promised you, no lies. That?s the truth. I?m done, you can go now.?

?I?m sorry too Ami. I was being a little unreasonable. I never thought about you and how these things affect you too. Darien and Serena are your friends too. He?s in your little circle too, why can?t you tell him??

?We aren?t allowed to talk to Darien. We were specifically ordered not to mention a word of this to him.?

?I can?t do this Ami, he?s my friend and he?s really hurting.?

?He?s my friend too Greg, a lot more than I realized before and I know he?s the one that could help her through the worse part of this but I promised her and I can?t break my promise to her. She?s my leader and my friend.?

?I get that.?

?I really am sorry though. I could have handled that better.?

?Apology accepted.?

*

Greg sat on the plane tired and excited at the same time. He was so tired from his exams and this ride but he was going home. He?d get a whole month to spend at home with Ami and his friends. He never thought he?d miss the guys but he missed them almost as much as he missed Ami. She wasn?t expecting him until Friday but he got out of his Friday exam by having an A in his class and he took his Thursday exam on Monday after his regularly scheduled one. She?d definitely be surprised. So would his parents. They also weren?t expecting him till Friday. The only person who knew he was coming was coming to pick him up at the airport, Andrew. He knew he could tell Andrew because he was the only one of them that could keep a secret, unless Lita threatened him.

He opened his wallet and looked at the picture of Ami for the hundredth time since he got on the plane. He couldn?t wait to touch her again. She was everything he could have dreamed of and he was glad that they were together. They were the first of their friends to become a real item. They had being seeing each other before the others even started seeing each other. He remembered that night like it was yesterday, even though it was actually eight years ago. He asked her to go steady that night.

Who would have thought that they would be where they are today. Darien had gone to America too for college but he ended up finishing at Tokyo U because he missed Serena too much. After what had happened the night of the Masquerade Ball nobody would have believed they?d be so in love. Upon graduation, Darien began working for Konishiwa Industries as a Systems Analyst. Serena was still in school, finishing up her last year and doing an internship at the local High School. She was going to school to be a Physical Education Teacher with a minor in Physical Therapy. She was getting credit for her candy striping at the hospital.

Andrew bought the Crown Arcade from the owner and changed it around. He split the bottom level into two separate arcades with their own snack counters and turned the upstairs into a club. They frequented it often. He put age limitations on the club and the two arcades were split so young kids couldn?t play the more violent games. He was doing a great job and Lita couldn?t be prouder. She had just graduated from a cooking school two years ago and didn?t do too much. She helped Andrew at the Arcade and did a few catering jobs from home but no more than that.

Chad gave up his dreams of becoming a rock star and began seriously training as a martial artist. Last year he earned his final belt and began consulting with local directors for choreographing fight scenes. He and Rei are still together, that made Greg shake his head in amazement. That he couldn?t believe as much as they fight. They were like cats and dogs but they loved each other. You could see it in their eyes when they thought nobody was watching them. He was glad to see Rei and Serena stop being at each other?s throats. It got Ami upset and caused all kinds of disruptions in their friendship because they always took sides. He thought about Rei. She went to college and graduated a year early. She got her degree in Communications. She worked at a local radio station doing a three-hour show. They always got together to listen to her show and they called in to request stuff. She wasn?t where he thought she?d be at this point in her life but she was happy, as happy as Rei could ever be anyway.

Ken and Mina had to be the funniest couple ever. Greg laughed just thinking about those two. They were a perfect couple. He was strong and dumb and she was pretty and dumb. Not that they both weren?t intelligent. They could hold their own, when it mattered but if they didn?t have to think, they didn?t and it often led to the funniest moments in their group. They both worked and attended junior college. Neither of them saw a four year college useful. They both said, ?I barely survived high school and this is gonna be harder.? He let it go, it was a short-lived argument.

Then there was he and Ami. Both of them had waited a year before going to college and they were the youngest. He was going for Computer Engineering and Ami was fulfilling her dream of becoming a doctor. She was taking an accelerated undergraduate program at Tokyo U while doing a year of internship. She would then be transferring to St. John?s in New York to do her residency and finish with her PhD. This was his second year and he was doing an accelerated program to. He?d be finished in another year and a half. He didn?t plan on transferring like Darien but he had his moments when he considered it.

He was happy that they were all such good friends. He also liked Serena?s friend Molly. She was friends with all the girls but she was Serena?s best friend and that always made the rest of them a little jealous. He always thought that was what always caused that thing between Serena and Rei but he?d never know because they almost never fought now. Molly was great. She was like Serena with her great disposition. Molly, however, has the strangest set of circumstances. Her boyfriend was dead, but not dead. He lived in another dimension and she would visit him every now and then until about two years ago. They got married and she moved there with him. She only came back to visit every few months and could only stay three days at a time but like Serena would, she made the best of the time she was here. Her mother was shocked at first but she handled it pretty well, he thought. There was no way in hell that his daughter would be going off to live in another dimension with her husband at 22. Hell no, wouldn?t happen.

He began drifting off thinking about what it would be like when he and Ami did have children.

*

?Hey man.?

?Hey.?

Andrew hugged his friend and took one of his bags as they walked to his car. He was glad to have his friend home so they could all be together again. Darien really needed all their support right now with the girls not talking to him and Serena being so distant to him. He knew with Greg here maybe they?d be able to put a dent in the situation. He almost always won in an argument because Greg used logic. The only person to beat him was his girlfriend and Darien.

?So give me an update,? Greg said as they started moving.

?She?s still not talking to him, they are still avoiding him and he?s still miserable but better.?

?He?s back to work?? Greg asked

?Yeah.?

?Is he sleeping??

?He says yes, I say no. You tell me when you see him. Where to first?? Andrew asked.

?Hospital. I want to see Ami with my own two eyes and then I can go home. I shouldn?t be so exhausted but I am.?

?Traveling takes a lot out of you. How about tonight us guys hang out because I know we won?t see you again until like Saturday or Sunday.?

Greg laughed. ?Whatever.?

Andrew pulled up in front of the hospital and watched his friend go in through the front doors. Within moments he saw him come back out, Ami in tow. She leaned in the window on the passenger side.

?I?m going to get you for keeping this a secret.?

?Surprise.?

Ami walked around to the driver?s side of the car and leaned in giving Andrew a hug.

?You are like the best friend ever.?

?Aw shucks.?

?Oh you,? she said punching him in the arm. She ran around the car and leapt into Greg?s arms. He?d seen Serena and Mina do it so many times but for Ami it looked silly. Andrew laughed and shook his head. Only these girls could be so alike. He looked out of the corner of his eyes and he could see them kissing as they leaned against the car.

?Watch my finish,? he screamed out the window. He heard someone banging on the car. He figured it was Greg. None too soon, fifteen minutes later, they were on their way again.

?The way you were kissing, I still can?t believe that you two still haven?t had sex.?

?Way to be crude, Andrew,? Greg said looking out the window. He liked this time of year in Tokyo. It wasn?t too warm or cold.

?What, I?m making an observation.?

?Well keep it to yourself.?

?Come on Greg. We?ve been sharing our secrets, stuff the girls don?t even know about for a few years now.?

?Oh you mean like that crush you had on Serena.?

?You know what, you people need to let that go. That is old shit, yesterday?s news,? Andrew said trying to remain calm.

?I?m teasing you.?

?Well cut it out. I?m still taking flack for that with Lita. On to more important matters, when are you and Ami gonna bone.?

Greg just turned and looked at Andrew in shock. He could really be crass when he wanted to be. He?d never do it in front of Lita because she?d kick his ass but when it was just them, it was a different world. The things he would say and how he would say them sometimes were too much. He sometimes didn?t recognize him when he was like that because most of the time he was this demure guy.

?How do you do it??

?Do what??

?Be Jekyl and Hyde.?

?What? You know I?m stupid. Speak English.?

?Yeah right,? Greg said looking out the window again.

?Don?t avoid the subject man. When are you too brains gonna become one??

Greg looked at him stupefied. ?Ami and I will change the status of our physical relationship when the time is right.?

?Well don?t go waiting until you?re married because that shit is stupid. One of you needs to know what the hell you?re doing on that night. Besides, from what I hear Ami is primed.?

?What have you heard?? Greg said giving Andrew his attention.

?I thought so.?

?Well.?

?Well I heard Lita on the phone with Serena a few months back with some story about what she used to think about until they did it.?

?What?? Greg said confused.

?Back before those two before became one moving being, until recently of course, Serena used to think that Darien didn?t want to screw her. Little did she know, that was all he could talk about. Well anyway, from the gist of the conversation, Ami is on the same wavelength.?

?You have got to be kidding me,? Greg said shaking his head. He looked back out the window. They were a few miles from his parents? house. He really needed to talk to Ami and settle this once and for all. He could believe that she thought that. Maybe they could do something tonight and then talk.

?Don?t plan anything for tonight. We are all going out tonight, just us guys.?

There went his plans.

*

It was Friday afternoon and Greg was sitting around the house doing nothing. Ami had early classes and a shift at the hospital today but she said she got someone to cover half her shift for her so they could spend some time alone. He was supposed to meet her up at 7 at the hospital and they would be going back to her place on campus. She said she had a surprise for him. This was the first that they would really be able to spend some quality time together.

Wednesday night he went out with the guys. He had a great time with his friends. It was like he hadn?t been gone for almost four months. They were talking and having fun like they usually do; everybody except Darien that is. He was there and he was trying to have a good time but Greg could see that he had things on his mind. He took him aside to talk to him briefly, while the other guys got another round of drinks.

?How are you?? he had asked him.

?I?m surviving which I never thought I?d be able to say,? he answered Greg.

?She?s still not talking to you??

?Now, it?s worse. When she sees me, she actually says hi and tries to act as if we?re friends. She asks me meaningless questions about work and things I couldn?t careless about. I care about her and I want to know what?s going on.?

Greg hugged his friend.

?Just give her some time; hopefully she?ll realize that you just want to help.?

?And hopefully, she?ll still be alive by then,? Darien said turning away from Greg. ?I hope they know what they?re doing because, no respect to you or anybody else but if anything happens to her, I?m holding them responsible.?

Greg looked at Darien a little shocked. He could hear the venom in his voice but more than anything he could hear the pain. He couldn?t stand this but he couldn?t help him either. He knew about as much as he did. They walked over and joined the other guys as they returned from the bar.

?Darien, dude,? Andrew said, ?your depressing me. Could you try to have a good time??

?You seem to be having a good enough time for the both of us.? Darien got up from his seat and walked outside.

?He is starting to piss me off,? Andrew said taking a sip of his beer.

?Lay off,? Ken said giving him a look. ?This wouldn?t be easy on any of us.?

?He?s been moping like this for two months. If she wants to be a bitch then what he needs is a new girlfriend.?

Everybody looked at him and Chad was the first to do anything. He got up from his seat and walked over to Andrew. He picked him up and slammed him up against the closest wall.

?Now look,? Chad started in a cool manner, ?I know that you didn?t mean that so I?m going to let it slide but this is your only warning, don?t let it happen again.?

?Put me down!?

?And if you even say anything bad about Serena again in my presence, I?ll kick your ass.?

?Yeah whatever.?

Darien walked in on the scene and leaned in to ask Ken what was going on.

?Hey,? Ken said, ?Darien wants to know what?s up.?

Chad dropped Andrew and looked at his friend.

?Nothing. I just lost my temper for a minute. I?m going home. Darien, can you give me a ride??

?Sure,? Darien said grabbing his jacket. ?Greg you coming??

Greg looked from Andrew to Chad and stood up. ?Yeah. Later guys.?

They turned and walked out of the bar as Ken stood up. He walked over to Andrew and shook his head.

?What?? Andrew asked.

Ken kept opening his mouth to say something to his usually good-natured friend but couldn?t find the right words to say. He stopped and looked at him and walked away leaving Andrew by himself.

Andrew sat there and finished his beer. Damn his mouth. They were supposed to be having a good time but he couldn?t take it anymore. He loved both of his friends but their problems were now becoming his. He and Lita had been fighting more and more lately. She was quiet a lot and never seemed to say much to him anymore. They fought over big stuff and small stuff. Most recently he?d been sleeping on the couch to avoid her altogether. Damn him for not having his own place. Damn Serena. This was all her fault. Whatever her problem was she needed to fix it soon or this was only going to get worse because he was sleep deprived, sex deprived and he would soon be friend deprived.

*

Greg got a ride from Ken to the hospital. He would have taken the car but Ami told him she had her own car and he just needed to get a ride to meet her at the hospital. He walked off the elevator and was greeted by her smiling face. Again, she jumped into his waiting arms and kissed him passionately. Moments later, they reluctantly parted and held hands as they walked down the corridor.

?How did you know I was here?? he asked her.

?I felt you.?

?Oh.?

She led him down the hallway, talking non-stop and introducing him to new interns who had started since he had been gone. He instantly thought of one person at the sight of all the hustle and bustle.

?Is Serena here?? he asked.

?Yeah. She?s in maternity this week.?

?She?s never worked maternity before,? he said looking at Ami questionably. ?Ami, what is going on with her?? She disregarded his last question and pointed down the hall. ?Down that hall and take your first left, you?ll be there. Don?t stay long because we have to get going or I?ll end up here all night.?

?Ami...?

?If you want to see her, go now. I?ll meet you back here in a few. I?m going to get my stuff from the locker room.? She kissed his cheek and walked away before he could say anything else. He went in the direction that she had pointed in. When he turned the corner he was amazed at what he saw. Serena was standing there rocking a small baby in her arms and cooing to it. He didn?t want to disturb her so he just stood there silently, watching her. He stood there watching her and catching a glimpse of the mother that she would be one day. He began to feel guilty. He thought about Darien and realized that he should be here experiencing this moment, not him. Then as if she could hear his thoughts, she turned and looked at him.

?Oh Greg, it?s you,? she said with a sigh of relief.

He looked at her in shock. Gone was the bright, cheery Serena he?d gotten to know. In her place was this woman he didn?t think he knew. This Serena had bags under her eyes and her usually bright pallor was dull. Her usually expressive, blue eyes were tired and red with bags under them. This person standing before him was far from the Serena that he had known for almost ten years.

?Serena, my God.?

?It?s not as bad as it looks,? she said with a weary smile. She put the baby back in his bassinet and walked up to him and hugged him. It was like hugging a pole.

?How much weight have you lost?? he asked her.

?Not much really.?

?Serena.?

?Sixty pounds,? she said turning away from him. ?And I haven?t slept in over a month.?

?Serena!?

?Please don?t say anything to anybody. I avoid them so they can?t see me like this. When they?re around I wear my bigger clothes and they don?t want to touch me. I suppose they think I?ll break.?

?Serena...?

?Not now Greg. I know you?re dying to spend some time alone with Ami. Go, have a good time and we?ll talk some other time.?

?Sunday,? he said to her. ?I?ll meet you in the park at 2.?

?Don?t worry about me Greg,? she said putting her hand on one of the bassinets to steady herself. ?Just have fun with your girlfriend.?

He turned to walk back down the hallway and turned back to look at her. She was redirecting her attention to another baby.

?Sunday.? She shook her head in agreement not looking back at him.

*

Ami pulled into a parking space at her dorm and got out of the car. She handed Greg the key.

?Room 5B, second floor.?

?Where are you going?? he asked.

?I just need to grab some things from the trunk.?

?Let me do that,? he said flexing his muscles. ?That?s what having a strong man around is all about.?

?Tell me when you see one,? she said sarcastically.

?Ouch.?

?It?s okay,? she said with a smile. ?I?ll be up in a minute.?

?Okay,? he said walking toward the dorm and looking back at her. ?Last chance to get your man to do all the work.?

?I?ve got it covered,? she said with a smile.

As soon as she saw him go into the building she started pulling out the bags she had put in the trunk before going to the hospital. She had gotten some generic bags to put the stuff she had bought from Frederick?s and Spencer?s. Her talk with Serena, before the drama started, had given her a few ideas of what she could do to make this special and different for them. She packed the smaller bags into the generic bags. She took a deep breath and lifted the bags out of the trunk and closed it. She walked toward the building full of excitement, anticipation and even a little dread.

*

An hour later they were both sitting at the dining table, wiping their mouths from the meal Ami had prepared.

?That was good,? Greg said complementing her cooking. ?And may I add for like the fifth time you look awesome.?

?And for the fifth time, thanks,? she said picking up both their plates and heading for the kitchen. He got up and walked behind her. She stopped at the sink, putting the dishes in. He put his hands on the sink edge on either side of her. She turned around to move only to see that she was confined between his arms.

?I was going to put on some music,? she said not looking into his eyes. ?It can wait,? he said moving closer to her and pressing her butt up against the sink edge. ?We could relax,? she said. ?I?m very relaxed.? He moved closer to her, pressing his body against hers and lowered his lips to hers. He could already smell her perfume. He took a deep breath in and closed his eyes. This was where he wanted to be for the rest of his life, with her. His hands left the edge and moved to her waist. He pulled her into his arms as their kiss deepened. He held her tightly drinking in her scent and her lips.

Ami felt like she could be here with him, like this forever. It took everything in her to pull away from him. She looked at the ground as she took a few deep breaths to steady herself.

?Something wrong?? he asked. He tipped her face to look at his. She became flushed.

?No.?

?We?ll sit down. Go ahead and put on some music.?

She couldn?t find any other words but the one she had used. She followed his lead to the living room easily. He let go of her hand and sat down. She turned on the CD player and sat next to him.

?I...? the both of them started.

?You go first,? he said.

?I just wanted to tell you that I?m glad you?re home. I missed you something terrible.?

?I missed you too.?

?Greg,? she started.

?What??

?I love you.?

?I know that.? He took her hand in his own and made little circles with his fingers.

?Promise me that you?ll tell me anything,? she said, ?no matter how bad you think it is. No matter how much you don?t want to hurt my feelings.?

?Is this about us??

?Yes and no.?

?I get it,? he said moving in to kiss her. He planted little kisses on her cheeks and nose before resting his lips on hers. He cupped her face in his and kissed her with everything in him. He caressed her tongue with his own, drawing her into his embrace. She put her arms around his waist and reached under his shirt to touch his skin.

The feel of her hands on his skin did nothing to combat his raging emotions or passions. His mind kept replaying Andrew?s word?s about their sex life. He pulled away and looked into her eyes.

?I do get it,? he said lightly pushing her so she was lying on his lap. He stroked her hair.

?Do you??

?Yeah,? he said thinking about what Serena had said to him earlier. ?I get it. I promise.? He could feel himself getting more and more aroused but had no idea what was causing his sensations until he looked down at Ami. She was making small, light circles on his inner thigh with her fingertips.

?You really shouldn?t do that,? he said his breath catching.

?You don?t like it??

?I like it too much.?

She stood up and headed to her room. ?I?ll be right back.?

Greg took the opportunity to try to clear his head. He knew she was just being herself. Trying to enjoy their time together but he was also sure that something wasn?t right about all this...

He looked toward the direction of the door as he heard it open and lost his thought. He could see her walking toward him but his eyes couldn?t focus. All he could see was what he thought was a vision. She was wearing a long light-blue silk, spaghetti strapped thing. It wasn?t a dress, he was sure of that with the patches of lace that were strategically placed to drive a man insane.

?I bought this for you, do you like it?? she asked twirling in front of him. The lace that went straight down the sides swooshed revealing more to him than he thought he should see. He could see skin and more.

?It?s nice,? he croaked.

She put something on the table behind her and she straddled him. She began unbuttoning his shirt and he didn?t stop her. The few times when her fingers actually brushed his skin caused him to loose it, his eyes rolling back in his head briefly. She kissed him lightly, down the path she had made with his now open shirt. She began unbuttoning his pants when he pulled her to him without warning. He was kissing her like a man possessed. He took her mouth in a storm of passion.

~~~~~~~~~~~
?First, first time I looked into your eyes
I saw heaven, oh, heaven in your eyes
Everything I did before you
Wasn?t worth my mind
It should be you, you all the time?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Greg lost himself in her touch as she caressed his chest and back. She returned his passion-filled kiss, no question asked. He tried in earnest to pull the long dress up and settled for bringing the straps down, revealing what he had never imagined.

Her soft skin only heightened every sensation that was going through him at that very moment. When he felt her hands touch him through his pants, he thought he was going to lose himself right there but she pulled back. She looked him in his eyes proving to him she knew what she was doing. She stood up taking his hand and leading him to the bedroom.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
?I?ll do everything and anything to please you
You know how much I need you
You?re always, always on my mind

You?re more than wonderful
More than amazing
The irreplaceable love of my life
You?re so incredible
Here in these arms tonight
The irreplaceable love of my life

Always seems like a reality
Forever don?t seem so far away
All I wanna do, all I wanna feel, all I wanna be
Is close to you
Every day is my lucky day

All I wanna do is love you
I place no one above you
I?ll tell you why

You?re more than wonderful
More than amazing
The irreplaceable love, love of my life
You?re so incredible
Here in these arms of mine
The irreplaceable love of my life?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Some time later that night, Greg turned and put his arm around Ami pulling her closer to him as she slept. She breathed his name out lightly and he kissed her hair. He closed his eyes remembering everything that they had done so few hours ago, more than once.

?I love you too,? he whispered knowing she didn?t hear him.

*

Greg awoke to the most wonderful feeling in the world. He could feel Ami behind him planting butterfly kisses down his spine. He pretended to still be asleep as he reveled in the feeling of her lips on his skin. Last night was the first time they had made love and it was unbelievable. He had never imagined that it would be like that. It was as if a damn had exploded and they were in the middle of it. He was drowning in the new sensations that surrounded him. As much as he enjoyed the small madness she was driving him to, he wanted nothing more than to take her again. He rolled over to face her. She smiled at him and he smiled back. She pulled him closer and initiated the kiss. He thought that the world as coming to an end with the feelings that he felt surging through him. There was the obvious passion, love and lust. Then there was fear, excitement, jealousy, possessiveness; there was too much. He pulled away from their kiss and held her close.

?Something wrong?? she asked.

?No.?

?I thought maybe we could...?

?Again. We?ve only slept for three hours. We?ve been going all night.? He laughed at the look on her face. ?What??

?Well, I thought that you would want to.?

?I do, just let me get a little rest first and I?ll be able to go all day if you want.?

?All day??

?You have to go to work??

?I took today off.?

?Good.? He tightened his arms around her and closed his eyes. She took a cue from him and closed her eyes too. She was bombarded by the visions of their lovemaking the night before. She peacefully rested in his arms. They awoke a few hours later aroused. They spent the day together making love, uninterrupted. No phone calls, no television, just the radio and the sounds of their ecstasy.

*

Greg and Ami woke to the sound of the phone early Sunday morning. Ami reached over to answer the phone and couldn?t find it as she searched the table.

?Greg, phone.?

?Not now,? he said pulling her close. ?Tell them to call back later.?

?No, I can?t find the phone.?

He reached behind him and felt the table for the phone. He gave it to her and wrapped his arms back around her waist.

?Hello,? she answered.

?Let me talk to Greg??

?He?s sleeping.?

?Wake him up.?

?Andrew, he?s sleeping.?

?I heard you the first time. Wake him up now. It?s important.?

?Honey, phone.?

?Just hang up. They?ll call back,? he said in a sleep-filled haze.

?It?s Andrew.?

?Definitely hang-up,? Greg said.

?Put the phone to his ear,? Andrew said to Ami. She did as she was asked.

?Greg. This is Andrew. I need your help. She?s spazzing out over here.?

?Who?s spazzing out??

?Lita.?

?You?re on your own.? He took the phone from Ami and hung up. He pulled her close to him. He wanted to smell her. She smelled like perfume, sex and sweat. ?I like the way you smell. It?s making me hot.? ?I don?t think I can again.?

He kissed her neck and heard a sigh of satisfaction escape her lips. He rubbed the palm of his hand against her nipples and listened to her moans of pleasure. He began a trail of kisses down her neck and chest to her breasts. Her breath became quicker and she moaned almost as if she were in pain. When his hand moved from her breast, she opened her closed eyes. She looked up at him questioningly. ?I thought you said you couldn?t.?

She buried her head in his chest and he laughed.

?Don?t laugh at me,? she mumbled.

?I?m not. I?m laughing because you are absolutely adorable.?

She started to get out of bed when she realized she was completely naked.

?Close your eyes,? she said to him.

?Why??

?I need to get up and I?m not dressed. My clothes are somewhere by the door.?

?And??

?Greg.?

?What?? He had this smirk on his face that elicited a look. ?Ami, we have just spent the last thirty hours making love and sleeping. I can?t believe you?re embarrassed for me to see you naked.?

She crawled out from under the sheet and stood a little sheepish. She walked around the bed looking for her nightgown and found it no where. She went to look under the bed and Greg swatted her butt. She straightened up and looked at him.

?Behave yourself.?

?You?re the one who put the temptation there.?

?That is why I wanted clothes on.? She continued to walk around finding nothing but his clothes thrown around the room. She picked up his shirt and put it on. She crawled back into bed with him. She kissed him lightly and lay on her back next to him.

?I have to be to work for twelve thirty,? she said. ?It?s seven fifteen.?

?We still have time to...?

?Is that all you?re going to think about??

?I?ll probably also think about you naked and about that noise you make when I do this.? He pressed his hand against her womanhood and stroked her, eliciting the sound he was referring to. She closed her eyes and reveled in the feel of his hands on her.

?This in not good,? she breathed.

?Your moans say differently.?

?Because I can?t seem to control myself when you touch me,? she said mustering all the strength she could to pull his hand away. ?What are you doing today??

?I?m meeting Serena around two in the park.?

?Having an affair with my friend are you?? she joked.

?Absolutely.? He began kissing her neck and caressing her breasts. He could hear her heart beat getting faster as she became aroused. His hand resumed its previous place and she moaned in pleasure.

?Just don?t make her feel this good.?

?Nah. This is only for you.?

They made love again before showering together and getting dressed. Ami offered him her car telling him all he needed to do was drop her off at work. He pulled up in front the hospital and she turned to him.

?Pick me up at 6. I?ll drop you home.?

?Or I can stay with you again.?

?I have class tomorrow. I need some sleep.?

?I promise you?ll get some sleep. I?ll even help you study.?

?I?m going to make you keep that promise.? She kissed him instantly igniting his passion. They spent the next five minutes kissing in the car. She reluctantly pulled away. ?I have to go.?

?See you later.? She just shook her head. As she moved to get out of the car, he caught her hand and kissed her cheek. ?Love you.?

?Love you too.?

*

He went to see Andrew before meeting Serena at the park. He found out that not only was Lita still mad at him, what she was mad about. As far as he could understand, she had bought him a ring that he was no longer wearing and couldn?t find. He left before finding out more. He didn?t want to be involved.

He had arrived at the park before Serena and took the time to look at the newly bloomed buds. They smelled heavenly and it just reminded him of the past two days that he and Ami had spent together. He knew from first hand talks with the guys that when you finally shared that with someone you loved it was like nothing else in this world but he had never imagined needing her all the time. He wondered if it was like this for them then and now. He saw Serena coming in the distance and waved to her. She waved back picking up her speed. She hugged him and looked at the new blossoms as well.

?You miss this big shot?? she asked with a smile.

?Yeah. I miss a lot of things. One of which is seeing two of my closest friends happy. He?s miserable without you.?

?I just need to do this by myself.? She turned her back to him.

?What are you doing by yourself??

?Dealing with my problems.?

?What problems?? Serena didn?t have problems. They all tried hard enough to make sure she didn?t have anything to worry about.

?It?s hard to explain, which is why I won?t.?

?But you?ve told the girls and not Darien. The only person I know that loves you more than any one of us could.?

?You don?t understand.? She crossed her arm over her chest and began walking aimlessly.

?Help me understand. Tell me what?s going on. Maybe I can help.?

?You?ll tell Darien.?

?I won?t.?

?Yes you will. He?ll ask and you?ll tell him everything. I need to...? She began to feel dizzy and misstepped. He caught her before she could fall. Greg sat her down on the closest bench.

?Serena, are you okay??

?I just got a little dizzy. I?m okay.? She looked into his worried eyes. ?It happens every now and then. I?m okay though.?

?Tell me what?s going on.?

She looked at the concern on his face and gave in. ?Okay but you have to promise not to tell Darien or so help me, I?ll never speak to you again.?

?Agreed.?

She retold everything she had said to the girls when she sat them down. She told him about the dreams and how Diamond would come to her. She told him about what Rei had found out and how she just stayed awake at nights reading and watching TV.

?At least it helps my vocabulary, right?? She smiled at him trying to give him some comfort with the information he now knew.

?This isn?t a joke. What if you do become evil, or pregnant? How are you going to explain being pregnant to Darien??

?I haven?t thought that far ahead.?

?What if instead of releasing himself he kills you??

?I?ve given that a lot of thought. I?m weak and I can?t depend on the crystal. It?s draining me even now when it?s not in use.?

?Maybe we can come up with...Serena?? She had just nodded off it looked like but he checked her pulse. It was weak. He listened for her breath. It was shallow. ?Serena!? He shook her and she wouldn?t respond. He took out his cell and called the hospital.

?Ami Mizuno, please.? He waited for what seemed like forever.

?Ami here.?

?She?s unconscious.?

?May I...?

?It?s me, Ami. Serena?s unconscious. Her pulse is weak. She needs medical attention. Get help.?

?She can?t come here. If they...?

?Ami I don?t care, just get her some help now. Her pulse is dropping.?

?I?m on my way.?

Ami pulled off her lab coat and grabbed her purse. She pulled her communicator out and called Rei, Lita, and Mina.

?What?s up?? she heard from all the girls almost simultaneously.

?Serena.?

?Everything okay?? Lita asked.

?She?s in the park with Greg. He said she?s unconscious,? Ami answered.

?We?ll meet you there,? Rei said grabbing her purse and heading out the door.

?I need a ride,? Ami said. ?Greg has my car.?

?I?ll be there soon,? Mina said shutting off her communicator. She grabbed her purse and headed out the door.

?Mina, where are you going?? her boss asked seeing her in the hall.

?I have to go.?

?Not without prior permission,? he said to her.

Mina turned around and continued walking toward the main entrance. She could hear him threatening to fire her if she left as she walked out the double doors and to her car. There were more important things in this world like her friend.

Serena had always been there for her. From when she had first joined the scouts to when she started feeling insecure about her relationship with Ken. She was her rock and all she was doing was returning the favor as best as she could. She wouldn?t let Serena down. She quickly drove to the hospital, picking up Ami and heading to the park.

?Did he say what happened?? she asked Ami.

?I didn?t ask. He just said her pulse was dropping and she was unconscious.?

She could see the fear on Ami?s face. They all loved Serena but Ami seemed to be the closest to her. She was always very sensitive about anything happening to Serena. This whole ordeal had been stressing her out more than the rest of them. Mina reached over and squeezed her hand.

?She?s gonna be okay, Ami. I promise.?

?Don?t,? Ami said looking out the window and shaking off Mina?s hand. ?If anything happens to her it?ll be my fault. I should have known better. I should have kept a better eye on her.?

?Ami you?re not her mother or her husband, it wasn?t your job to take care of her.?

?She took care of me,? Ami said looking at Mina. ?Anytime I needed her, she just knew and nothing stopped her from making sure I was okay.? Ami fell silent for the rest of the ride. She bolted out of the car as they pulled up to the park. They met Lita and Rei there. Greg had Serena?s head in his lap and he was rocking her.

?Is she still breathing?? Ami asked.

?Barely,? he answered.

?We need to get her somewhere safe,? Rei said.

?We can take her to my place,? Lita suggested.

?No we can?t. Remember your boyfriend is her boyfriend?s best friend,? Mina said. ?He?d call him in a heartbeat.?

?Maybe somebody should,? Greg offered. ?If...if something happens to her he?s going to blame you guys. He?s already made that very clear.?

?Excuse me,? Rei said looking at him. He could see the fire in her eyes that always appeared when she was getting angry.

?Don?t kill the messenger.? He gave her a dirty look. There were times when they did not see eye to eye on an issue. This was one of them. It was her idea to keep Darien out of the loop and he definitely did not agree.

?All he?s going to do is get all macho and think he can take this thing on. I?m not risking her life so he can play hero.?

?So instead he should be at her bedside while she lies up in a hospital. Or maybe he should take it like a man when she chooses another man over him because she?s no longer herself. Or my personal favorite option, grieve the loss of the only woman he would love.? He wanted to get in her face but Serena was on his lap. ?I don?t want to risk her life either but its damn time he knew what the hell was going on. I think its time we clear the air and come up with a solution before it?s too late.?

Rei looked at him and the fire in her eyes was so pronounced he was almost scared.

?I don?t care if she told you, that was her choice. But make no mistake in coming up against me Greg, Darien is to know nothing. That is how she wanted it and that is how it will be.?

?I agree with him,? Lita said interrupting.

?I second it,? Mina said quietly. ?I understand where you?re coming from Rei but he?s right. If...if...? She never finished her statement as tears began rolling down her cheeks. Lita pulled her friend close for a comforting hug.

?I don?t want to be responsible for his pain either,? Lita agreed. ?We can tell him not to come over for her safety but he needs to know. It?s only fair.?

?Oh and he?s going to stay away when we tell him she?s unconscious. Be real, Lita.? Ami stood there watching the three girls try to come to a truce. It didn?t seem to be working. Rei was determined to have Darien left out of the loop.

?Put her in the car,? Ami said to Greg. ?Well go to Lita?s. We?ll figure something out.?

Ami walked behind them as Greg hoisted Serena into his arms and carried her to the car. She looked at Serena?s face as her head rolled.

?Hurry up guys!? she shouted.

*

Ami sat in the back seat with Serena lying across her giving her mouth to mouth. She could see some of the color coming back into her cheeks but she was still unconscious.

?Damn it Serena, wake up!? She didn?t stir. Greg looked at her in the rear view mirror.

?She?s going to be okay.?

?Shut up,? she said angrily. ?I want everybody to stop trying to make me feel better and do something. Make her wake up.? He didn?t say anything else.

*

?When did she lose all that weight?? Lita asked as they looked at Serena?s unconscious body on the bed.

?I don?t know,? Mina said shaking her head. Serena hardly looked like herself anymore. It was the first time she really paid attention to her pallor complexion, bagged eyes and significant decrease in weight. ?I guess I didn?t want to see it.? She knelt down next to the bed and took Serena?s hand in her own. ?I am so sorry. Please wake up.?

Nothing.

Lita sat on the edge of the bed and let out a sigh. ?We just have to hope for the best.?

They sat there holding her hand, praying and giving her their energy.

*

Greg picked up the phone as Andrew walked in the door.

?What?s going on?? Andrew asked seeing Rei on one side of the room and Greg and Ami on the other. ?Where?s Lita??

?In the bedroom,? someone said.

He walked in the room and saw an orange and green glow melding together.

?What the hell?? Their concentration was broken. Lita turned to look at Andrew, revealing Serena lying on the bed. ?Why is she so still??

They just looked at him saying nothing. Andrew walked over, took Lita by the hand and pulled her into the bathroom across the hall. She wouldn?t speak. He looked into her eyes and saw the tears. ?What?s going on??

She still wouldn?t speak and they tears began to fall freely.

?Lita is she okay??

?I don?t know.?

?What happened?? he asked.

?I don?t know.?

?Lita.?

She stood there and started to really cry. He pulled her into his arms and tried to comfort her but her tears and sobs just grew worst. He kicked the door closed behind him and let her cry as much as she needed to.

?She?s gonna be okay,? he kept repeating while rubbing her back.

*

Mina sat next to the bed just giving her energy to Serena. She knew that once she had enough she?d wake up. Ami watched her from the door.

?I?ll take over,? Ami said tapping her shoulder. ?Get something to eat.?

?I?m okay.?

?Mina, you?ll drain yourself. Take a break.?

?We can do it together,? Mina said taking Ami?s hand. ?Lita left with Andrew for a while.?

?Ken?s outside. He doesn?t want to come in but he wants to see you. Just go see him for a little, please.?

Mina looked at her hugged her as she stood up. She walked out to the living room leaving Ami alone with Serena. She looked at her still surprised that they had not realized how bad things really were for her. You could tell she hadn?t been sleeping and that she wasn?t eating properly. Ami blamed herself for not picking up on it sooner. She was so wrapped up in herself that she didn?t do her job. She didn?t protect the princess, their future queen,her friend. She checked her vitals. She was okay for now, barely breathing but breathing on her own.

?Hey,? she heard from behind her. She turned her head to see Chad right behind her.

?You gave me a start,? she said turning back to look at Serena.

?Just checking up on you by special request.?

?You can tell him I?m sorry. I didn?t mean to snap at him,? she said. ?This is hard on me because I didn?t see it coming and I should?ve.?

?Okay Super Woman.?

?This isn?t funny, Chad.?

?Serena would laugh,? he looking over at her. ?She likes my bad jokes.? He felt arms circle his waist and a head on his shoulder.

?They?re not all bad.?

?I?m going to let you two talk,? he said kissing Rei?s cheek and turning to leave.

?Don?t go,? Rei said to him grabbing his hand. ?Maybe you can help us.? She took Mina?s place kneeling in front of the bed. Chad knelt next to her and took her hand and Ami?s. Rei took Serena?s hand and they just channeled their energy into her. They stayed until they heard a loud noise in the living room about a half hour later.

*

Greg hung up the phone not sure if he had done the right thing. He was beginning to believe that Rei was right in her assumption but he had no choice. He couldn?t let anything else happen to her and not tell him. He had promised him that if he knew anything he would tell him. He couldn?t go back on his promise. But he had listened to his breathing and he had heard the sound of his voice. He was determined to come over no matter how much he pleaded with him not to.

Greg knew that somebody had to so something and he had talked to Ami before she went to sit with Serena. They didn?t know what to do. They were unsure of how the crystal worked and what was possible without killing Serena or damaging the crystal. He?d been racking his head with any ideas that made sense. Then something hit him.

?She?s awake!? Everybody ran into the bedroom to see a very weak Serena sitting up against the headboard.

?Hey,? she said weakly. ?I can?t even get you guys to give me a hug and here you are just so happy to see me.?

?You scared us to death,? Mina said through her tears. ?Don?t do that again.?

?I don?t have much time,? Serena said breathing heavily. ?So just listen. I love you guys. You?re my family. Don?t blame yourselves for this. I should have said something sooner. Ami, I just have one favor of you, look out for Darien for me. Make sure he knows I...? She was feeling dizzy again. She closed her eyes and opened them. She couldn?t focus. Everything looked hazy. A few tears started to fall. ?Let him know I?ll always love him.? Her energy was spent. She closed her eyes again and went unconscious. The light rise and fall of her chest was all that let them know she was still alive.

Mina, Rei, Lita and Ami turned to their boyfriends and cried. Then Mina heard something.

?Did you hear that??

?No,? Ken answered.

?He?s here.? They all looked at each other.

?You?re hearing things, baby,? Ken said stroking her hair. They all heard it the second time. He was at the door screaming for someone to let him in.

?I guess someone should let him in before he gets arrested,? Andrew said being the first to move out of the room.

Lita followed him. They went and opened the door and he flew past them into the living room.

?Where is she??

?Bedroom.?

Darien tore into the bedroom and held back a choked cry as he saw her laying there. He sat on the edge of the bed and stroked her face. The tears came without his knowledge. He just sat there holding her hand and stroking her face while telling her he loved her. Mina, Ken, Rei, Chad, Ami and Greg left him alone closing the door behind them as they all retired to the living room.

Rei sat in Chad?s lap, her face in his shoulder crying. She couldn?t do anything to help her. She wouldn?t even know where to start. She could feel Chad?s hand stroking her hair. It really was a comforting gesture.

?We?re going to fix this,? he whispered to her. She just cried harder. They were all crying.

Darien looked at Serena through his tears. God, she was so still. She didn?t look anything like the Serena he had come to love. She was thin and pale. She had bags under her eyes.

?Oh Serena please don?t go.?

He didn?t get an answer. He didn?t expect one. He just wanted her to wrap her arms around his neck, kiss him and tell him how much she loved him. He couldn?t live without her. The last scare that he?d had where he even thought he might lose her had been enough. He had tried since then to make sure that she knew, no questions asked, that she was the only one for him.

?Only you,? he said out loud kissing her hand. He stood up and left he room meeting them in the living room.

?Has she...has she woken up??

?She was up for a little bit just before you came,? Greg answered.

?Well what are you doing to fix this?? he asked rhetorically.

?We don?t even know where to start,? Lita said quietly.

?You?ve had months to work on this and nobody has a clue where to start much less what to do. Well you?re all a bang up group.?

?Hey,? Ken said standing up. ?Lay off them.?

?Why? She?s...she?s in there barely breathing and they can?t do anything. I couldn?t be with her because of them and they can?t fix the problem. Nice going Scouts.?

?Look Darien,? Ken said getting in his face. ?I know this is hard on you but it?s hard on all of us. We love her too and we just want to see things get better but blaming them doesn?t help.?

?Whose idea was it that she stay away from me? Anybody. Because I?m sure that I could have found a way to help her had I been given the chance.?

?It was her idea,? he heard but he wasn?t sure who said it.

?She would never decide something like that.?

?Well she did,? Rei said facing him. ?It was her decision. We didn?t tell her anything. As a matter of fact, we told her to tell you what was going on but she was adamant that we not tell you. She made us swear to it. I kept my promise.? She looked at Greg then turned away, pressing her face back into Chad?s shoulder. She began crying again.

?She told you what?s going on?? He was looking at Greg.

?Yeah.?

?When??

?Today.?

?You made me a promise. Keeping hers was more important??

?You are only here because I called you, against everybody?s recommendation. I promised her I wouldn?t tell you and I won?t. I will tell you though that it doesn?t look good. I have seen these girls pull each other through everything and I have never seen them look so defeated, so lay off.? Greg continued to rub Ami?s back as she cried in his arms.

?Where?s the crystal?? Everybody turned and looked at him.

?What do you mean, ?where?s the crystal?? It?s in her brooch as usual,? Rei said.

?No, it?s not. She doesn?t even have her brooch on.?

?What do you want it for any way?? Rei asked.

?I?m going to try to heal her,? he answered.

?You can?t,? Mina said through her sobs.

?Why not?? he asked sarcastically.

?Because the crystal is draining her powers,? Lita explained.

?That?s impossible.?

?Well that?s what?s happening. We know because we?ve seen it happen.? Rei wouldn?t lift her head as she spoke but her words were very clear.

?Where is it??

?Nobody knows,? she said.

Darien looked at Ami. ?Where?s the crystal??

She turned to look at him. She saw his anger and thought about what they had done by leaving him out of the loop. Serena had made the right decision. Even against their protest, he wanted to use the crystal to save her. He wasn?t listening to what they were saying. She laid her head on Greg?s shoulder and looked over Mina and Lita. They agreed with her decision to say nothing.

?I know you know where it is. I?m just asking you to tell me.?

Ami ignored him and ran her fingers over a passion mark she saw on Greg?s neck. She could hear him talking at her but she continued to ignore him. She wasn?t going to justify his anger by telling him he couldn?t have it. That would make things even worse.

?I want to go home,? she said quietly.

?Okay.? Greg stood up and put his arm around her waist. He moved over to Ken. ?Let me know if there?s any change.?

?Sure.?

Greg and Ami left leaving the other three couples to deal with Darien?s rage.

*

Ami went into her room and lay on her bed facing the window. She looked at the sky as it turned different shades of red and blue signaling the start of night. She wasn?t sure where to start or what to do, all she knew is that if they didn?t find out something soon Serena could die, or worse be used as a pawn by Diamond. She couldn?t think of anything to do to make this any better. She heard the door open and felt the change in the bed pressure. She felt his arms encircled her and pull her close. She didn?t want to cry anymore, she wanted to help Serena but crying was all she could do right now. She turned and buried her face in Greg?s chest and cried, all the while he rubbed her back telling her everything would be okay. She fell asleep after an hour and Greg left her in the room.

He sat in the living room thinking about what Serena had told him about what was going on. No wonder she looked so damn terrified. He couldn?t imagine Ami having to deal with this kind of thing. But all arrows pointed to Serena who was. Serena, who you would normally never think could deal with the big issues always seemed to be the one that had to. He didn?t always agree with her methods but she always seemed to fix everything. She had a great deal of inner strength and he realized that even he had never thought about how hard it must have been for her going on like this with really no help or the support she values most. He put his head in his hands and let out a heavy sigh. He wasn?t thinking, not about her problem anyway. He was worried about Ami, worried about Serena, worried about Darien. He needed to focus on what Serena had said to him to see if he could help. He had to help her. He heard the door open behind him.

Ami walked in and sat on the chair next to him. She laid her head in his lap and said nothing.

?I know she gave it to you. You?re the only person she would trust with it.?

?I know where it is,? she admitted.

?I want to help. Show it to me.?

Ami got up and went back into her room. She came back with a small velvet bag. She gave it to him as she sat down. Greg opened the bag and turned it on its side. He slowly worked the crystal out of the bag and onto the table. What he saw amazed him.

?She wore this in that small brooch??

?Yes and no.?

?Explain.?

Ami looked away from the crystal and started speaking. ?It?s normally very small. About as big as a crystal you would wear on a necklace but for some reason, as things got worse it got bigger. She gave it to me because she just couldn?t keep it anymore. It seemed to be draining her worse when she had it.?

?She told me it would sometimes pulsate. Did you ever see it do that??

?No.?

?Did you ever see any reaction from the crystal?? He was digging for something that he could use to start some plan of action.

?Nope.?

?Ami, think really hard.?

?I don?t even remember seeing it other than when she actually used it.?

?How about when she fought? Did it do anything when an enemy was defeated??

?Not as far as I can remember.? She couldn?t remember anything but the sound of Serena?s voice saying she loved them. ?I?m sorry. You?re trying to help and I?m no help.?

?It?s okay.? He gave her a hug and a kiss. ?This is hard on all of you. I?m asking you to do something that?s very hard considering the circumstances.?

Fresh tears started to fall. ?She can?t die, she?s my best friend.?

Greg held her while she cried, thinking of who might have seen the crystal react but kept coming up blank. Then it suddenly hit him. She had told him who had seen the crystal react, Darien had.

*

Greg waited impatiently for Darien to show up. He had given him directions to Ami?s apartment on campus and told him to come now. He had stayed with Ami through the night. She would cry herself to sleep then she would awaken a few hours later. That was the scene all night. He called Andrew and Lita?s apartment to see how the girls were holding up. Consensus was not good. They were about as good as Ami and Serena was with them. There was no change. He asked about Darien and they said he had stayed all night in the room with her. He hadn?t spoken to anyone after he and Rei got into a big blow up. He yelled at her and she hit him. He hit her back and he and Chad started to go at it. Lita broke it up and told him to go away. He heard a knock.

?It?s about time,? he said opening the door and ushering him in. ?Time is not on our side here.?

?What do you want??

?When you saw the crystal pulsating that day when she brought Ami back, tell me exactly what you saw.?

?The thing was three sizes larger than it usually was. It was glowing and pulsing.?

?A fast pulse or a slow pulse?? Greg asked.

?Fast.?

?The color. When it was glowing what color was it??

?It was weird. It normally glows yellow but it was a really dark blue.?

?Like purple?? Greg was beginning to form a hypothesis. He?d thought a few things through during the night. Darien?s answers were getting his mind going. He was beginning to see a little of what was happening.

?No. I told you a really dark blue. I could tell it was blue.?

?Anything else??

?Yeah. When I tried to wake her up it started pulsing faster. The blue would fade to black then really bright yellow. When I stopped trying, it went back to the blue color.?

?I was right!? Greg was actually excited. He knew what was happening. He had the first key to the puzzle. He was seeing the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. ?Tell Andrew and Lita that Ami and I will be over in about an hour and a half.?

?What?s going on? What do you know??

?More than you.?

?I can?t believe that you would do this to me Greg. I thought we were friends.? He stood up to leave. ?You?re as bad as they are.?

?Maybe it?s because I see what they see. She loved you enough not to put you through this. You just know that you can?t seem to help her. I, along with Ami, Lita, Rei and Mina know that we can?t help her but we also know what?s happening to her. We know and can?t stop it because she won?t let us help her. But I?m going to if my theory is right. Then it won?t be so bad for me.?

?Tell me what?s going on?? Darien looked for sympathy from his friend.

?I can?t because you won?t let us fix it. You?ll want to fix it and make it worse. Your feelings are too strong right now to think clearly.?

?Is she...is she dying??

?Yeah.? Greg turned away from Darien and walked over to the window. He wouldn?t have been able to stand the look on his face. It would have been too much. He heard the door open and closed. He turned to see Ami sitting on the chair and Darien gone.

?Was he any help?? She looked at him hopefully.

?A lot actually. If what I think I know is correct then we might really be able to pull her out of this.?

?Run it by me.?

?I think that the residual energy was feeding into Serena for a while. Remember when she was going through that thing when Darien went missing for a while??

?Yeah. She was really irritable and...? She was beginning to understand a little. ?She was irritable and mean. That was when she and Rei were fighting the most. Then all of a sudden they were best friends. She was reading that book Luna gave her.?

?Right. And she learned a lot from that book. One of the things she learned was transferring energy but not in the magic way. It was a psychology book. It said something about transferring energy by putting it into other things.?

?She gave him the energy.? The realization that Serena had helped do this to herself was strange. Serena had unwittingly caused this to happen.

?Right. She put the energy into the crystal, literally. But in the process, she had to use her own energy. Since she?s already linked to the crystal it wasn?t that much but...?

?But just enough for him to connect with her.? Ami was now on the same track as her boyfriend. ?He?s feeding off her energy. He?s trying to drain her then infuse her with negative energy and what better way to do both than to rape her.?

?Rape her??

?She didn?t tell you that part did she??

?Oops. Ami she didn?t mention rape, she mentioned pregnancy but not rape. What didn?t she tell me??

?He uses the link to get in her mind. He tries to force himself on her when she?s asleep.? She looked away from him. ?It?s like when she?s unconscious he can...Greg.? She looked at him with pure horror in her eyes.

?He can?t. She has to be conscious on some level. I?ve been watching the crystal all night. It?s been inactive. She has to be using some level of energy greater than this for him to be able to...I can?t believe she just happen to leave that part out. I have to modify my plan. Get dressed so we can try to help her and fast. With this new factor in the equation, we are shorter on time than I originally thought.? He waited for her in the living room, slipping the bag with the crystal into his pocket. He was going to need this for his plan to work.

*

Mina, Rei, Lita Ami and Greg sat in the living room just looking at each other. Greg had caught them up on his theory just not the plan.

?So you are absolutely sure he can?t... well you know.? Rei was looking anywhere but at any of them. The idea of anybody violating Serena like that was - it was horrid.?

?I think so but I just need to do one short test.? He pulled the bag out of his pocket. The girls all looked at him apprehensively.

?You think it?s a good idea for that to be here?? Mina asked.

?I need to test my theory.?

?Well don?t let him see it,? Lita said looking at the bag.

?Who wants to go put him out? I need to do this as soon as possible.? Greg looked at them.

?I will.? Ami stood up and looked at them. ?No sweat.?

Greg followed her to the room. She opened the door to see Darien lying on the bed. He was holding her in his arms as if she were just sleeping.

?Darien,? she said in her quiet voice, ?I want to check Serena?s vitals make sure she?s still doing okay.?

?Fine.? He hadn?t moved from the bed.

?I need you to give me a few moments alone with her.?

?No.?

?Darien please.?

?Why can?t you do it with me here?? He just stared at her.

?Because then I?ll be nervous. Just five minutes.?

He got up slowly, resting Serena?s body on the bed lightly. He looked at her as he walked out the door behind them. ?Five minutes, and I?ll be back.?

When Greg heard the door close he took the bag out of his pocket. He opened it and lightly slid the enlarged stone onto her chest. She stirred a little then stopped. The crystal shined but no pulsing, no color change. Ami put her hand on Serena?s forehead, she was cool. She opened her eyes and looked at them. In any case, she looked like she was really just sleeping. Greg heard footsteps and quickly returned the crystal to his pocket. He sat on the bed next to Serena and held her hand, still nothing.

?Ami, try giving her some of your energy.?

?It doesn?t help.?

?Just try please.?

Ami knelt down and touched Serena?s shoulder. She concentrated on pouring her energy into Serena. Greg peaked in his pocket. Still nothing.

?Time?s up,? Darien said walking back into the room. Still holding Serena?s hand, Greg turned and looked at him. He looked back at Serena and brushed her bangs to the side. He didn?t notice it yesterday but they had grown since he saw her last. Darien sat on the other side of the bed and took her other hand in his. He kissed it and mumbled something Greg missed. Greg decided to give him some time alone before he put his plan into action. He bent over to kiss Serena?s forehead when he felt it. The damn crystal in his pocket was contracting like an overactive heart. He didn?t understand it hadn?t done anything before. He turned and looked at Darien.

?Let go of her hand.?

?What? No.?

?Darien.? Greg needed to test what he thought just happened. If this was what he thought it was, he knew why Serena stayed away.

?No.?

?Ami.?

She didn?t need him to say anything else. She called on her power ?Crystal Shine.? She had blinded him with an intense light. Darien put both his hands up to block the light. The pulsing stopped. Greg grabbed Ami?s hand and pulled her out of the room quickly, closing the door behind. He stopped in the living room and motioned for the girls to follow him. When they were completely out of earshot he began.

?It?s him.?

They looked at him confused.

?What are you talking about??

?It?s him, Ami. Darien causes the crystal to bug out. When he touched her while I was touching her, it started out bugging out.?

?Bugging out?? They all looked at him.

?It was like an overexcited heart in my pocket. I could feel the pulsing and I was feeling drained.?

?That?s why you told me to...?

?Yeah.?

?But why was it draining you?? Rei looked confused. ?Shouldn?t she have been the one being drained??

?Good question,? he answered. ?We need to do two things. Get him out of here and modify my plan so we can help her. I?m only going to assume that if she stays like this any longer that she going to end up comatose.?

?What!?

?She?ll stop breathing on her own.?

Lita looked at Mina. ?Get Chad, Ken and Andrew. He?s got to go, now.?

Mina saluted her and headed to the door. They were in her apartment.

?Okay, so the plan is?? Rei looked at him hopefully.

?You won?t like it. And the bad part is that given the new information the plan needs to be modified.?

?What was the plan??

?To get inside the crystal and kick his evil ass.?

?Was there a plan B??

?I...? He was interrupted by the sound of shouting. They walked in the direction of the noise. It was coming from the bedroom. They opened the door. There was Darien, Chad, Ken, Andrew and Mina arguing. Chad, Ken and Andrew were blocking his way to the bed and Mina was on second back up behind them.

?I told you Darien, leave on your own or get carried out.?

?And I told you I?m not leaving.?

?Take him out,? Mina was saying.

?If any of you touch me, I?ll hurt you.? Darien had one of those looks that could kill. He had it directed at his own friends.

?I thought we were buds,? Ken said looking at him.

?I?m sorry buddy, but is that your girlfriend lying on the bed dying??

Ken looked away. He wasn?t going to let him bait him into saying something he would regret.

?Darien.?

He turned his attention to the blonde senshi who had called him. ?Last chance.?

He tried to get through them but they packed together forming a shield around the bed.

?So be it.?

Mina blew him a kiss that landed on his cheek. Darien blinked a few times then fell like a ton of bricks.

?What did you do to him?? Rei looked at him and gave him a little nudge with her foot. He didn?t budge. ?Did you kill him??

?No. He?s having sweet dreams.? She smiled at Lita who smiled back.

Rei saw the exchange. ?What am I missing??

?Remember when Serena boosted us??

?Point.? Rei didn?t have time for a back-story, Serena?s life was at stake.

?Well, stuff started happening when I would blow kisses. People passing out and falling in love at first sight and...?

?Like cupid??

?Yeah.?

?Well,? she stressed as not to be interrupted again. ?I blew Lita a kiss one day and she just passed out. I couldn?t get her to wake up so I carried her heavy ass to her apartment. A few hours later I get this call and she says to me ?Thanks for the sweet dreams?. Being me I asked her what she was talking about. She told me that she was having explicit dreams about her and Andrew. I in my shock says ?That wasn?t me?. But, yes, it was all me. As a test I did it on Ken when he came home. I?ll leave out the rest.? Ken?s face turned deep red.

?Lovely.?

?Okay you guys,? Ami said interrupting. ?Focus, we need a plan.He won?t be out forever.?

?A few hours.?

?Let?s go,? Rei said ushering everybody out. Ken, Chad and Andrew picked up Darien and carried him to Mina and Ken?s apartment. Rei, Mina, Lita, Ami and Greg went to the living room. They had a plan to modify.

*

Greg told them his plan. They looked at him in shock.

?You planned all this by yourself??

?Yeah.?

?I?m impressed,? Rei said, ?No wonder Ami loves you so much. You?re almost as smart as she is.?

?Smarter.? Ami said putting her arm through his. ?And absolutely adorable.?

They all groaned.

?Hey Lita, where?d that ring come from? I?ve never seen it before.? Mina took her hand and examined the ring on her hand. It was a beautiful silver band with jade stones.

?It was a gift.? She tried to pull her hand away.

?I?m still looking,? Mina said yanking her hand her way. She looked at Lita and smiled. ?You?re engaged.?

?No!? Rei and Ami moved to get a look at her ring. It was a really fancy ring to be a ?gift? like she said it was.

?No. It was just a gift. I?ve had it for a while but I just never felt like wearing it.?

?He proposed to you that long ago and you didn?t tell me. I?m supposed to be your best friend.? Mina looked at her crushed.

?It?s not an engagement ring.?

?Right and Serena?s just sleeping. I can?t believe you wouldn?t tell us that you guys were engaged. We live downstairs.?

?Focus people; best friend in mortal danger remember?? Greg said trying to redirect their attentions.

?You?re lucky we?re in a crisis or you?d be unconscious.? Mina glared at her friend then looked at Greg. ?So you said we need to amend the plan??

?Yeah. I?m not sure why but when the crystal reacted to Darien, it started to drain me.?

?Okay so we can?t teleport you into the crystal then who goes in?? They looked at each other.

?There?s something else.?

?What now?? Rei hated this. She couldn?t wait for it to all be over and for Serena to be okay. If she were here it wouldn?t be hard to do this. They?d think of something.

?If one of you is going in then we need to... I don?t know how to put this... it seems necessary given the circumstances...?

?Spit it out!? Rei yelled.

?We have to, so to speak, kill Serena.? He cringed at his own words.

?WHAT!?

?She has to stop breathing. She can?t be connected to the crystal or he?ll be able to use her against you.?

?How?d you figure that out?? Rei was very skeptical of this plan.

?When you guys were giving her that power before, she woke up for a little while. If you were inside the crystal it only seems to make sense that she would become conscious because you were directly powering the crystal.?

?I get it,? Mina said. They all looked at her in shock. ?Hey, I may be a bit of an airhead but I?m not stupid. It?s simple, like jump starting a car but instead of being on the other end of the jumper cables we are inside the battery.? They looked at her then looked down.

?You need a new job,? Lita said playing with the ring on her finger. ?The real question is who?s going in and who?s staying out.?

?I?m going in,? Rei raised her hand. ?I am so kickin? his ass.?

?Me too,? Ami chimed in. ?He?s going the fuck down.?

All eyes opened wide. Ami never cursed.

?I?m going to,? Mina added in. ?Well, let?s get this show on the road.? They all stood up and went into the bedroom. The girls transformed and held hands as they teleported into the crystal. Greg put the crystal on the dresser and kept a damn close eye on it. He kept the other eye on Lita. He was expecting her to go in. He was surprised at the turn of events. It seemed as if she were scared of going into the crystal.

?Lita, you okay??

?Yeah,? she said flashing teeth in a phony smile, ?just prng for everything to work out.?

?Me too.?

*

Rei looked around once they were inside. Something was different. It didn?t look the same as it did the day that she was in it from the fire.

?Something?s not right,? she said to Mina and Ami.

?I know. I can feel it,? Mina said stretching her neck from side to side. ?It?s bothering me.?

?It?s the concentrated power,? Ami said walking and surveying their surroundings. ?Normally we feel the crystal?s power from the outside but now we?re inside and it?s a little too much.?

?You okay Ami??

?Yeah.?

?Then why do you look like your puppy died??

?Over there,? she said pointing to a hill. They could see someone on the hill. They squinted but couldn?t make out the person.

?Do you know who it is?? Rei asked.

?Can?t you tell??

?No.?

?Look again.?

Rei and Mina squinted and formed an umbrella over their eyes with their hands. They continued looking.

?Holy shit,? Rei said taking down her hands. ?It?s Serena.?

*

?I can?t help you.?

?Serena, you can?t let him beat you.? Rei couldn?t believe it was really her. But she was inside the crystal with them.

?He can?t beat me, I don?t exist,? the look-alike said to her.

?Mina, talk to her.?

?Serena.?

?It?s starting,? the look-alike said pointing to the darkening sky. ?He?s going to get Serena and I can?t help her.?

?Stop talking about yourself in the third person,? Ami said also growing agitated.

?We are two different people. Can?t you see it??

?Look, we are in here to fight for your life and you are going to help.?

?I can?t.?

?Ami, scan her.?

Ami pressed her earring and her visor came out. Her new holographic computer appeared before her and she set the scan. She looked at the results.

?She?s not real.?

?Ami, I can touch her.? Mina pinched the look-alike. ?See.?

?Yeah but she?s not real.?

?Maybe it?s broken.?

?Her machine is not broken, Rei. I am Serena?s old self. I?m a klutz, a bad very fighter and afraid of everything.?

?Serena was not a bad fighter,? Rei said defending her, ?she just took longer to get used to the idea of it all. She had a lot of responsibility at fourteen.?

?And that?s when I cam here,? the look-alike said. ?I had no place there so I stay here most of the time.?

?And where do you go the rest of the time?? Ami asked.

?I mingle but she won?t let me. She?s making me stay here because she won?t let go and she knows I?m scared to.?

?You?re what?s been keeping her barely breathing.?

?Yup.?

Mina and Rei looked at each other then at Ami. ?What??

?She?s Serena?s essence, the only thing left. That?s why everything is gone.?

?He took it all,? the look alike said, ?he?s coming for me. He?s going to use me to...?

?Yeah, we know.?

?So you see I can?t help her.?

?Yeah well we can,? Rei said channeling her fire. ?Back up.?

The look-alike started to move. ?Not you, you stay put.? Rei encircled her in the fire. ?That should keep her for a while. He can?t get through that.?

?Let?s find out.?

They were face to face with Diamond.

*

?Bring it on,? Rei said still channeling her fire. She formed a fire ball. She blew on it. It flew towards Diamond and went around him.

?Good aim,? Mina said sarcastically.

?I?ve got a plan. Just trust me.?

?Ladies, it?s been to long,? Diamond said looking at them and the wall of fire. ?I?m sorry but I have to pick up something.? He tried to get through Rei?s fire but he couldn?t. He took a deep breath and tried again. He still couldn?t get through.

?Neat trick, how?d you do that??

?Like this. Ami, scream.?

?Ice, Wind Scream!? Ami executed her attack then looked at her friends. ?Duck!?

Shards of ice started blowing toward them hitting Diamond in the back and propelling him forward. He was thrown to the floor. The shards encircled him like a mini tornado ripping at his clothes and flesh. A few shards made significant puncture marks.

?Make it stop, Ami. One of your damn shards just ripped my skirt.?

?Alright.? Ami crossed her hands over each other and separated them. The wind and ice shards died immediately.

?That was so cool,? Mina said.

?Yes, cool and destructive. Chad is going to have a fit when he sees this.?

Diamond lay on the ground barely moving. He wasn?t going to give up. He was too close to what he wanted. He tried to get up and Mina put her heeled foot on his back.He tried to reach behind him for her foot when she dug her heel into his spine.

?Slow your roll partna.?

?Mina!? they all said in shock.

?That?s what Ken?s friend, Tyson says all the time.?

Diamond still tried to move and Mina continued to dig her heel into his back, this time under his shoulder blade.

?Shit,? they heard Diamond hiss.

?I?m sorry did that hurt?? He tried to move again. Mina dug her foot in more and bent over grabbing his leg. She pulled it back and heard the bone snap. ?Now I know that hurt.? She could hear his whimpering and bent down close to his face. ?You suck. You didn?t even put up a good fight. Well this is your last fight, Baiser de la Mort.? She blew him a kiss.

A strange fluid began to surround his head area and as they tried to get a closer look it began to catch fire. The fire started on his back in the spot where Mina had initially dug her heel into his spine. Before they knew it, his whole body was on fire and within seconds, all that was left was a pile of ashes.

?What did you do?? Rei looked at her in shock.

?Nothing much, I just gave him a kiss,? she said noncommittally.

Rei and Ami looked at each other. Rei closed her eyes and took a breath.

?It?s gone. That feeling is gone.?

?I know,? Mina said walking away.

?Where are you going?? Rei jogged to catch up with her.

?Aren?t you forgetting something Rei?? She pointed to her wall of fire.

?Oh.? Rei let out a breath like she was putting out a candle. The wall disappeared. Ami linked arms with the look alike Serena and followed Mina and Rei.

?You destroyed him,? the look alike said.

?She did it,? Rei said pointing at Mina. ?I am innocent.?

?I heard that!?

*

They had rounded up all the other past youmas and got them in one place.

?My work here is done,? Mina said backing away from the group of ex-enemies.

?This is ridiculous. I take back that thing I said about him being smart.? Ami looked at Rei and made a face.

?Hey not all good work is fun.?

?I?ll try to remember that,? Rei said dryly.

?Let?s just do it and get it over with,? Ami said walking to one end of the group.

?Free these spirits, Make them whole, Let this prison be no more.? They said it three times and watched as the spirits grew pale and dissipated.

?Awesome work girls,? Mina said linking arms with them both and started walking away. The Serena they were leaving behind watched as the once brown grass returned to green and the sky turned to the same blue as her eyes. The white clouds replaced the stormy looking ones and the sun shone again. She watched as they began to fade into the distance as they teleported out of the crystal.

Epilogue

Serena woke up a few hours later to the faces of all her friends. She smiled, happy to have the opportunity to be with them again. She saw Darien out the corner of her eye away from the rest of them.

?Why are you over there??

They looked at each other unsure of what she was talking about.

?Darien.?

Darien walked over to the bed and knelt down next to it. He took her hand in his and kissed it. He kissed her eyes, her nose and cheeks finally kissing her lips.

?Darien.?

?I thought I?d never those eyes again,? he said. Tears had begun forming in his eyes.

?Darien, never forget that I love you. I would do anything for you, anything to keep you safe. This was my decision and I was doing what I thought was right.?

?I know they influenced...? She cut him off.

?Nobody influences my decisions Darien. I?m 24 years old and doing what I want. I made the decision not to tell you what was going on with me. They begged and pleaded with me to involve you. Rei was your biggest advocate. All she kept saying was, ?If it were Chad, he?d want to kill everybody. He needs to know I?m okay at all times.' I knew the risks involved when I made my decision and I would do it again if a situation like this ever arose again. My main job in this life is to love you. Loving you means protecting you and if I can keep anything in this world from harming you, even me; I?ll do it in a heartbeat.?

?What happened?? he asked. ?What was going on that you had to keep from me??

?I?m not going to tell you. Let?s just say that no good deed goes unpunished.? She could see her friends? faces. They still didn?t agree with her but she was not backing down on this. He didn?t need to know. She didn?t want him to know. All he needed to know is that she was safe. ?All you need to know is that I?m safe and here with you. That and I?ve decided to give up my apartment and move in with you.?

?Really??

?Yeah really.?

?When do we move??

?We?? Chad questioned.

?Considering the events of the past few months and the fact that you will always know about this and I won?t, yes we.?

?No problem,? Ken said.

?Yeah, just confirming,? Andrew said. With his arms around Lita he backed up towards the door.

?Where are you guys going?? Serena asked. ?Did I miss anything??

Mina grabbed Lita?s hand and put it in the air with the ring facing out.

?Lita?s engaged!? She ran out of the room with Lita on her heels. Everyone else was laughing.

?Is that true?? Serena asked Andrew. He began turning bright red and looking down at the ground.

?It?s true,? Greg said looking at him. ?Haven?t we learned today?s valuable lesson, it?s not nice to keep secrets from loved ones.?

Andrew glared at let out an inaudible yes. There were so many congratulations going around that nobody noticed Darien and Serena making up for valuable time lost.