Hiya, minna-chan!  I'm back with a new chapter for you!  *watches 
as people run screaming*  Oh come on, it's not that bad!

Just so everyone knows, I have learned a valuable lesson: Do not 
ever write at two AM because then you can't stop!  I swear, at 2 I 
decided to write for half an hour and then go to bed, but ended up 
tearing myself away from the computer at three-thirty.  Hee-hee, I 
sorta slept in late, just a little.  Hee-hee.

Anyway, here's the very much asked for chapter 18 of Final 
Awakenings!  Yea!  And, thank you everyone who has mailed me and 
sweetly *cough* asked for me to hurry and write.  If it hadn't been 
for you, I may not have written this so quickly.  Well, maybe cause 
when Nikki and Ti start to get on my case...things get scary.  Oh 
yeah, don't forget to go to mine or Ti'ana's site and read our co-
written fic!  We finally did it and...the only thing scary is our 
AN's.  ^_~

Please enjoy and mail me...please mail me!  *begging*

E-mail: stefaniecraig@hotmail.com

Website: http://home.att.net/~stef_chan/index.html

Ti'ana's Website: http://come.to/tiana

ICQ: Stef-chan, 63467432

DISCLAIMER: I own a M.A.M.O Clone, not to be associated with a Mamo-
clone.  But I also own a Mamo-clone.  However, I don't own Sailor 
Moon.  Does that make sense?  Didn't think so!

RATING: PG, mild bad guy swearing in here.  Nothing bad.

Quote of the Week: "A diamond is a chuck of coal that made good 
under pressure."  -Unknown

FINAL AWAKENINGS
CHAPTER 18

__________Forgiveness__________

Prince Diamond was in shock.  No one had ever done something so 
bold and courageous for him.  No one.  'Why would she do that for 
me?' he thought.  'Why for me?'

"Sailor Moon," Uranus began, "I know what he has done in the past 
and-"

Tuxedo Mask hurriedly ran to Sailor Moon and pulled her to him, 
checking her for bruises and finding none.  "Even with Prince Diamond, 
the past doesn't matter," he said, as though it was painful to say.  
"It's the present that counts.  Some people can change."

"Please," Sapphire begged the Outers, "he may be evil, but he's 
still my brother!  Don't kill him!"  Sapphire ran to Diamond and 
helped him up.  Diamond was still in shock and barely acknowledged 
Sapphire.

The arguing kept up for a few more moments, but Sailor Moon didn't 
budge.  The real Prince Diamond had died for her; he had cared.  She 
knew, that somewhere in there, lay Prince Diamonds real memories of 
what had happened on that day.

"He is one of the main sources of the evil!" Saturn said as she held 
her Glave up.  "We were sent here to protect you, and we must do 
what we must!"

"Why would you protect me?" Prince Diamond managed to croak out 
while looking at Sailor Moon.  "I don't understand..."

Catsy cautiously stepped forward, closer to the young Prince.  
"Prince, understand, Sailor Moon is the best thing that ever could 
have happened to this world!  She's taught us love, and kindness.  
It's so much better then the path we used to lead!"

"If you truly care for Sapphire-" Prisma started.

"-For anyone!" Birdy interrupted her older sister.

"You'll let us be!" Prisma said.  "Let your brother be!  It was 
our choice to come to this side, and no matter what, we're 
standing by it."

Avery was the last to step forward, "You have to believe us!  We 
don't want to leave this life, Prince.  Please, don't try and take 
it away."

The room was silent, even the Outers barely understood what was 
going on.  This man had once tried to take their Princess, amongst 
other things, and all of them wanted to forgive him.  Uranus shook 
her head.  'I'm not used to this type of thing.  Why does our 
Princess have to be so sweet?'

"Sisters, Sapphire, I..." Prince Diamond said as he looked at each 
of them in shock.

"You'll get nothing done if you just stand there and let them get 
away with this!" Rubeus' voice announced as he teleported into the 
room.

"Rubeus!" The Sisters exclaimed when they saw their old master.

Rubeus floated down to the ground and set down in front of Sailor 
Moon.  "This time, you aren't getting away, brat!"

"Rubeus!" Diamond yelled, "this is my mission, not-"

"Oh, I'm afraid it is my mission," Rubeus said with a chuckled.  
"You see, *Prince* Diamond, we have orders to destroy Sailor Moon, 
but you were just going to let her go, weren't you?  Let her and 
those pathetic excuses for warriors leave!"

"Who you calling pathetic, you dim-wit?!" Neo-Moon demanded.

"You, of course!" Rubeus said.  He then got a good look at who had 
yelled at him and laughed.  "Well, well, well.  If it isn't the 
rabbit.  So you're actually fighting?  Oh, this should be scream!"

"Princess," Saturn said as she held her Glave at ready, "we can 
kill this one, can't we?"  Her eyes and voice were dark as she 
looked at Rubeus.  He was strong, but they could get him.

Sailor Moon brought out her Star Wand.  "Yes."

"SILVER MOON STAR FLASH!"

The golden white light burst through the room causing Rubeus to 
scream and cover his eyes.  "Where are you, you brat?!  I'll get 
you!"

"Sisters, Sapphire, Diamond!  Get out!" Sailor Moon yelled.

With a nod, Sapphire and Prisma grabbed Diamonds arms and ran out 
of the house, shortly followed by the other three sisters.

When the blinding light finally cleared and Rubeus was able to see 
again, he turned his cold hate-filled eyes toward the twelve 
warriors.  "This is it!!" he yelled.  Power flared out wards from 
the man, engulfing him and the room.

Tuxedo Mask through his body over Sailor Moon, who had just covered 
Neo-Moon with her own body.  When the energy dissipated, the ex-
Dark Moon officers no longer had a living room.  Rubeus stood in 
the middle with all of the Soldiers around him.  "That was only a 
sample of the power I now hold!  Any who dare, come forward!"

Sailor Saturn's eyes were still cold as she stepped forward.  "I 
dare!"

"So do I!" Uranus agreed.

"Me too!" the other ten yelled as they prepared their attacks.

Neptune pulled out a hand-held mirror from nowhere.  It was 
elegantly engraved on the marble surrounding it and the surface 
didn't hold a scratch.  The Inners looked at her strangely, seeing 
that this was obviously not the time to be prepping.

Neptune didn't notice as she held the mirror out in front of her.

"SUBMARINE REFLECTION!"

Neptune aimed the mirror at Rubeus and a shower of energy came from 
it.  Rubeus hid his head, but was surprised when he felt no pain.  
Neptune, Uranus, Saturn and Pluto gasped.  "It can't be!  He doesn't 
have a weak spot?!" Neptune yelled as she clutched her mirror 
tighter.

"That's not possible!" Pluto exclaimed.

"Weak spot?" Mars asked.

"The Deep Aqua Mirror normally reveals the weak points in an enemy," 
Pluto said.  "But...there isn't a weak point in him!"

"That could be bad," Venus said to herself.

"Then I guess we have to make one!" Uranus said as she un-sheathed 
a sword.  "But let's see how well you defend against this!"

"SPACE SWORD BLASTER!"

A beam of energy came from the blade of the sword and, before Rubeus 
could blink, the blast sliced open his arm.  With a deep cry, he 
grabbed his arm and glared at the Soldier of the Wind.  "You'll 
pay!"

"You always say that," Earth muttered under her breath.

"EARTH MAGMA BOIL!"

"JUPITER THUNDER STORM!"

The two attacks combined together and raced toward Rubeus who 
teleported out of the way and went behind the soldiers.  Energy 
built up in his hands and he launched it at Uranus and Neptune, 
causing them to be thrown back into the remains of the crumbling 
walls that was once the Four Sisters house.

"Neptune!  Uranus!" Saturn cried.

"SILENCE GLAVE SURPRISE!"

The purple light erupted inside the room, and when it was over, 
Rubeus was on his knees with blood trailing down his chin and from 
other scratches that covered his body.

"I...WILL NOT LOOSE!" he screamed as he stood up again with power 
encircling him.

"NEO-MOON TIARA MAGIC!"

Sailor Neo-Moon's tiara cut Rubeus in the face and she let out a 
small cry of triumph.  "Yeah!"

Rubeus turned toward the pink haired child and glared at her.  Earth 
and Tuxedo Mask stepped in front of her.  "Oh no you don't, 
Carrot," Earth said as she held the Terra Staff at his throat.

Rubeus smiled slightly at the young girl.  "Oh Roselyn, I'm not 
that easy to get rid of."  In a swift motion, Rubeus' hand had 
connected with the Earth Princess' stomach (AN: Think Fiore vs. 
Jupiter!) and sent her flying across the room.

"Auntie Rose!" Neo-Moon cried as she ran to her aunt and made sure 
she was okay.

Tuxedo Mask glared at the man.  "You'll pay for touching my 
sister," he hissed as he pulled out his own sword.

Rubeus looked at Tuxedo Mask and then behind him at Sailor Uranus, 
who also still held her sword.  Holding out his hand, Rubeus 
willed a metal sword to appear in his hands.  "Bring it on.  It's 
not every day I get the chance to destroy the future King and 
Queen of Crystal Tokyo."

"That's one thing," Uranus started, "that won't be happening!"  She 
let out a cry as she charged at Rubeus with the Space Sword still 
out.  The two blades clashed and sparks went flying.  "I'll take 
care of this one, Prince," Uranus said through clenched teeth.  
"Keep the Princess safe!"

Pluto, who had been holding Sailor Moon back since just after 
Rubeus' burst of power, let Sailor Moon pass and run to Sailor 
Earth who still hadn't regain consciousness.

"Wake up!" Tuxedo Mask said as he shook his sister.  "Come on, Rose!
Wake up!"

"Sailor Earth, please," Sailor Moon said as she kneeled down next 
to her sister in arms.

"UGH!" Rubeus groaned as he was pushed to the ground by Sailor 
Uranus.  As the warrior came in for the kill, Rubeus transported 
behind her and sliced her back.  A trail of blood ran down Uranus' 
back as she fell to the ground with a soft thud.

"Uranus!" Neptune and Sailor Moon yelled as they both ran to her.  
"Are you okay?" Neptune asked as she held her up and a put pressure 
on the wound.

"Yes, but this one...is strong," she managed to say.

"MARS FLAME WAVE!"

"VENUS PASSION HEART!"

The two attacks collided together and hit Rubeus in the side of his 
arm.  "I'll get you!" he yelled as he attacked the two girls.

"SILENT WALL!"

Rubeus was blocked as he went for the Inners and he growled at 
the small soldier. (AN: No pun intended)

"Dead Scream."

"MERCURY ICE BEAM FREEZE!"

The Dark Moon officer slumped to the ground as the energies hit 
him, but he slowly stood.  With death written in his eyes, he stood 
and began to collect energy.

Sailor Moon watched what he was doing and stood.  He wasn't going 
to get away with attacking her friends!  Sailor Earth touched Sailor 
Moons arm and she looked at her friend who slowly stood up.  
Smiling she prepared to attack.

"SILVER MOON STAR ATTACK!"

Rubeus, too focused on the people in front of him, didn't notice 
Sailor Moon behind him.  The next moment seemed to be in slow 
motion for all in the room.  Rubeus turned and his eyes went wide.
With inhuman speed he moved out of the way, only to be hit back by 
Sailor Earth's Staff.  With a silent scream, he was gone.

The Sailor Soldiers stood and looked at each other for several 
moments before letting out the breath they had been holding and 
jumping for joy.

"Alright, Sailor Moon!  Way to go!" Venus cheered.

"You did it!" Neo-Moon exclaimed as she held her mother around the 
waist.

Sailor Moon nodded and looked at the pile of dust that was Rubeus.  
'One more down.  The end is coming nearer.'  She looked up and 
caught the faint moonlight.  'But how much longer until it comes?'

*******************************************************************

Diamond looked around the place where his brother and the four 
sisters had brought him.  It was obviously a park, the trees and 
grass were still semi-green, though spring was still a few weeks 
off.  He touched a red flower and realized what it was.  A red 
rose.  The same kind of flower that Tuxedo Mask threw.

Since they had left the store, the five ex-Dark Moon officers had 
told him why they had left and what Sailor Moon had taught them. 
But what Diamond found disturbing was that he had no recollection 
of one of the things that they told him.  About his death.  But 
something inside of him was breaking free.  Something he hadn't 
felt since he was very young.  And he liked it.

"I'm worried," Sapphire wondered aloud.  "They should have been 
here by now."

Catsy looked towards the direction of their house.  "I don't think 
we need to worry about them.  I'm more worried about our house then 
if they'll be alright!"

Birdy laughed a little.  "And after we just had the store fixed 
from the last time!"

Looking in the same direction as Catsy, Avery sighed.  "But it's 
taking so long.  And we all know that Rubeus is formidable 
opponent."

"I hope they're okay," Prisma whispered.

"It's my fault," Diamond said.  "Everything is my fault."  Memories 
were flooding his mind suddenly.  Memories of before the evil that 
had consumed him.  He hadn't loved Serenity, he had been tricked.  
By the Wiseman.  By Onyxious.  Everything that he had done, both 
recently and before, had been because of the evil influence inside 
of his body.  But he also remembered how Rubeus and Emerald, along 
with many other followers, hadn't been influenced.  They were evil 
from the beginning.

"No," a voice from behind them said.  The six whirled and faced the 
Sailor Soldiers.  Sailor Moon stepped forward, "It's Onyxious.  
Everything started in the Moon Kingdom, and it should never have 
gotten past that."

"Rubeus?" Catsy asked quietly.

"Dead," Sailor Pluto said flatly.  "He won't be bothering us 
again."

"Diamond," Sailor Moon said as she walked forward and stood before 
him, "do you remember what truly happened now?" she asked gently.

Looking up, Diamond met her gaze. "I do, Princess.  I remember what happened...back in Crystal Tokyo, and here."

"Then do you forsake the Dark Moon and anything associated with 
it?" she asked him as she reached for her locket, already knowing 
the answer.

Diamond nodded and stood up, towering over Sailor Moon.  "Good!" 
she said as she held her locket above her head.

"MOON CRYSTAL POWER!"

The others in the clearing shielded their eyes from the blinding 
light and when it was over, Sailor Moon was lying on the ground, 
unconscious.  The others rushed towards her and Tuxedo Mask picked 
her up.  Checking her pulse, and finding it quite quickly, nodded 
to everyone else.

Mercury pulled out her computer and activated her visor.  "Her 
energy level is dangerously low.  Probably from the other attacks 
she had to use earlier."  Turning off her visor, Mercury smiled.  
"She'll be alright!  Just let her rest."

Sapphire put his hand on Diamond's shoulder.  "Diamond, you okay?" 
he asked.

His brother turned to him, for once his eyes were clear and his 
dark symbol, gone.  "Yes, I...feel fine."

"Welcome to Tokyo, Diamond!" Catsy greeted.

*******************************************************************

Onyxious watched the events transpiring on Earth and banished the 
image with a wave of his hand.  "Two in one day.  I didn't think 
Diamond had it in him, and Rubeus, what a fool!  He was never 
strong enough to take on all of the Sailor's by himself!"

There was a knock on his door and then it opened.  "You wanted to 
see me, King Onyxious?" Beryl asked as she walked in and bowed 
down.

Onyxious chuckled evilly.  "Yes, Beryl.  You see, it seems that 
I've suddenly lost most of my Generals, and I need more."

"More clones?" she questioned with narrowed eyes.

Onyxious shook his head.  "Oh no, you misunderstand me, Beryl...you 
are stripped of your rank and de-promoted down to General.  I 
suggest you go and report to your superior, General Malachite, as 
soon as possible."

Beryl stood, gaping at the King.  She had been Metalia's avatar!  
She didn't deserve this!  "Why?" she asked coldly, restraining her 
anger in front of the man who would kill her without blinking.

"For excessive failures, Beryl," he explained with a chuckle.  "You 
lost all four of your generals, and you were beaten by Serenity.  
More youma have lost their lives due to your plans, then the plans 
off all of my generals combined!  I'd say that is sufficient ground 
for me to strip you of your rank."  He turned to face the woman, he 
eyes glowing red in the darkness.  "Is that understood?"

Beryl gritted her teeth and bowed.  "Of course, Master," she hissed 
as she teleported out of the room.

For a moment, Onyxious glared at the spot the woman had occupied 
before turning to look out the window in his room.  All he could 
see was death and destruction...which he had caused.  Crystal Tokyo 
was in ruins, and it would never be able to be rebuilt, let alone 
exist, when he was through completing his mission.  He could 
clearly see the day where he had a chance to kill Queen Serenity 
and her daughter, but he had missed, because of that bastard King 
Alexander.  He could have ruled the world with Metalia by his 
side...And he would have if it hadn't been for Serenity and 
Endymion.

Endymion...

Both the King and Prince had escaped him, causing him to loose any 
chance he had at holding him for some sort of ransom or just the 
pleasure of killing him.  And he knew that Serenity was only 
holding on by a thread...it surely would have killed her too.

Onyxious slammed his hand into the plate-glass window and watched 
as the pieces fell to the ground.  Red blood ran down his hand and 
arm, but he didn't notice.  The only thing he noticed was the pale 
moon breaking out through the clouds.

"The Moon will die," he whispered, "Earth will follow...and soon...
the other nine will too.  They can't protect them forever.  Rest 
assured, Serenity will die!" he yelled out his window.

*******************************************************************

'...Serenity will die!'

King Endymion sat up with a start, breathing heavy.  He wiped the 
sweat away from his brow and lay back down.  Turning over, his arms 
went to the other side of the bed, to grasp the other sleeping 
form...who wasn't there.  Endymion looked up and then he remembered.  
Serenity wasn't there.  His love couldn't sleep in the same bed as 
he could because...

Shaking his thoughts, Endymion carefully climbed out of bed and 
put on a robe.  Opening the door, he ran down the hall until he 
found what he was looking for.  

The medical wing.

With caution, Endymion opened the door and stepped through.  His 
eyes didn't have to search long before he discovered what he was 
looking for.  His wife lay, in a coma state, on the stiff hospital 
bed.  He had tried his own healing powers until Roselyn had 
practically threatened to put him in the hospital bed next to hers 
if he didn't stop.  He chuckled at the thought of his over 
protective younger sister as he kneeled down next to Serenity.

Kissing her temple, Endymion lay his head down on the bed.  "I 
don't know why I came here, Love.  I suppose because I was dreaming 
about you."  He chuckled again and a smile appeared on his face.  
"But then again, I always have, for as long as I can remember, 
haven't I?"  He brushed his hand through her hair.

"Our daughter is in the past again.  She's taking your role as 
Sailor Moon, much like someone else already took mine.  I think 
she'll do fine, after all, the Outers are there now and Serena and 
Darien won't let anything happen to her."

Endymion's eyes filled with tears as he sat up and looked into his 
loves' face.  "Damn it, Serenity!  Can't you hear me?!  What I'm 
saying?!  I can't stand this anymore!  Being away from you, for 
even a moment, is torture!  Why can't you just give me some sign 
that you'll be okay?" he begged.  "Anything?"

"Endy..." a soft voice from behind him whispered.  Endymion turned 
around and came face to face with his sister.  Her hair was down, 
something that was very rare for her, and had Endymion been in a 
better mood, he would have started teasing her about how tangled it 
was.  "It'll be alright.  She's always come through before."  Rose 
walked up to her Queen, her best friend and squeezed her hand.  
"But right now, there are people who need you more."

Endymion nodded.  He kissed Serenity's lips softly and after giving 
his sister and hug and peck on the cheek, he walked out of the 
medical wing and down the hall.

Roselyn looked down at the sleeping queen and sighed.  "Honestly, 
Serena!  You sleep too much!" she joked lightly before walking out 
of the room.

Serenity's lips suddenly moved, whispering a small word that meant 
nothing more to her than the world. ".....endy....."

*******************************************************************

The girls finished telling the Tsukino's the story of the battle 
and braced themselves for Mr. Tsukino's reaction.

The got exactly what they were waiting for.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHE HEALED HIM?!" Kent shouted as he stood up.  
"I mean, if half of what we were told about the guy is true, 
shouldn't he rot in hell?!  He shouldn't be here and-"

Kent kept rambling on, and it would take nothing short of a miracle 
to stop him once he got started.  Ilene shook her head and walked 
out of the room, to bring the nine girls more drinks.  When she got 
back and set the drinks down in front of her daughters friends she 
decided her husband did need to be shut up.  "That is enough!" she 
yelled over him.  Kent was shocked and jumped a bit.  "Your 
daughter used very good judgement tonight and rather than let a 
person die for their sins, she gave them the chance to be forgiven!  
She made a good choice and if that man ever comes to visit, you 
will treat him like royalty!  Or you will need a tent to pitch in 
the front yard!  Am I clear?"

Kent nodded and shakily took his drink and choked it down.  
"Y-y-yes ma'am!"

Ilene smiled.  "Good!  Now, who want's pie?"

*******************************************************************

Darien brushed hair out of Serena's face as she lay in peaceful 
slumber.  She was angelic when she was asleep, even more so when 
she was awake and vibrant with laughter.  He lay down next to her 
on the bed and wrapped his arms around her waist.  Their daughter 
was in the bathroom, taking a bath because she had school the next 
day.  Darien was actually happy for sometime alone.  Having he 
future daughter in the past was great, but he always wanted time 
alone to be with his princess.  Inhaling his loves' sent, Darien 
kissed her neck tenderly.

Serena stirred and turned around, looking into his eyes.  "Is it 
morning?" she asked.

Darien laughed, "Far from it!"  He kissed her nose and laid his 
head on her shoulder.  "It's time for you to get some more rest."

Serena nodded and snuggled into Darien's arms.  "Small Lady did 
well today," she whispered.

Darien continued to stroke his hands through her hair.  "She did.  
But she needs more experience."

Serena's eyelids closed as she began to breathe deeply.  "I don't 
want her to go to a real training session, those would be too 
challenging for her so early.  She's so young..." Serena trailed 
off as sleep claimed her.

Nodding his head in agreement Darien kissed her one last time.  
"Yes, she is young.  But she's like you, she's strong and she has 
a reason to fight."  He remembered when he had briefly met King 
Onyxious and how sure he had been.  "This fight won't be easy, 
Serenity, but I believe in you," he whispered.

He knew he couldn't stay like this.  He could be with her all the 
time when they were married, but not now.  Forcing himself up, 
Darien kissed Serena's lips tenderly before going down stairs.  
He shut the door behind him when he heard the unmistakable sound 
of Kent yelling, which was soon followed by Ilene.  It was pretty 
obvious who won.

Darien sat down next to Sammy when he got down stairs.  The others 
were digging into a Lemon Marianne Pie (AN: Yummy!) that Ilene had 
set on the table and talking to each other.

"How's the Princess?" Amara asked as she passed a piece of pie to 
Darien.

"Thank you," he said as he took the pie.  "I think she's fine.  
She's out cold, but fine."

Luna, Artemis and Terren were sharing a piece of pie that Amy had 
put on the floor for them and she looked up with pie in her 
whiskers.  "She's always out cold!  I swear, the girl sleeps so 
much...but she's gotten much better.  I hope she's okay to go to 
school tomorrow," Luna said.

Rose groaned.  "We've got a huge test in history tomorrow!  I'm 
not failing it alone!  She had better come!"

"Come on," Lita said as she leaned back, "it's on Greek and 
Roman history!"

Hotaru laughed a little.  "Yeah, we should ace it, I mean, we're 
half the Gods and Goddesses on the test!"

Light laughter rang through the room before everyone went back to 
their pies and enjoyed the silence.

*******************************************************************

The final bell rang and Rose sighed with relief.  Another day of 
school done!  Suddenly a pair of arms wrapped around her waist and 
Rose gasped.  She turned around and found herself looking into a 
pair of deep green eyes.  "Tim!" she gasped.

Tim grinned and kissed her cheek.  "Were you expecting someone else?" 
he asked.  "Cause I get jealous pretty easily."

Rose giggled.  "No, no.  Not at all!" she said as she stood taller 
and kissed Tim on the lips.

"You know, students aren't allowed to do that stuff in the halls," 
a familiar voice said with a small laugh in it.

Rose broke away from Tim and saw the person who had interrupted them 
was Amara.  Standing next to her was Michelle.  "You like doing 
that, don't you, Amara?" she asked with a frown.

Michelle giggled.  "Don't mind her.  I didn't know you had a 
boyfriend, Rose."

Rose looked blank before her manners set in.  "Oh!  Tim, this is 
Amara and Michelle, two friends of mine. Amara, Michelle, this is 
Tim Jameson."

Hellos were exchanged before the group lapsed into silence.  "We 
need to go, Rose.  We need to have a chat with a new friend," 
Amara said.

"New friend?  Oh!  Why?" she asked.

As they turned to walk away, Michelle called over her shoulder, "Just 
to make sure a few things are clear to him!  Bye!"

Tim turned to Rose and cocked an eyebrow.  "Friend?"

She smiled.  "Long story.  I've gotta get going.  I'll call you 
tonight!" she said as she ran off.

Tim nodded.  There was something different about her and all her 
friends, but he couldn't put his finger on it.  All of them were 
special.

*******************************************************************

Diamond stood outside the school, he had done what he wanted and 
that was all he could do.  He shook his head and turned to go 
back home.

"Why are you here?" a masculine voiced asked from the shadows.

Diamond turned and found himself face-to-face with the four Outer 
Warriors.  Sailor Uranus was the one who had spoken, and the way 
she was looking at him demanded an answer.  Diamond was more than 
willing to comply.

"I came here to give something to the Princess.  You knew I was 
coming, Sailor Warriors," Diamond explained.

Neptune folded her arms across her chest.  "Yes, but you were 
supposed to leave right away."  With everything he had done, it 
was still hard for them to believe that their Princess trusted him 
so much.  Neptune doubted she would ever get used to it.

Diamond cocked his head to one side and looked at the four women.  
"None of you trust me...do you?"

Saturn absently twirled her Glave.  "I can't say yes or no to that.
But with what you have done in the past, I don't know if I should."

He nodded.  "I can't say I blame you.  I have done nothing worth 
deserving your trust.  But I do promise this," he looked up at them 
with a smile, "Serena has helped me in more ways then you 
understand right now.  I've done terrible things to her and her 
family, but she still forgave me.  I promise that I will do what 
ever it is that I can do to help you.  If it is simply staying out 
of the way, then so be it.  But I can't thank her, any of you, 
enough for giving me a second chance.  I don't doubt I'll see you 
around.  And I hope your back is feeling better, Uranus."

The Outers stood there, in shock, at his words as he walked away.

Uranus half-smiled.  "I'm not used to this.  They believe in so 
much, but in the end, something is always sacrificed."

Neptune took Uranus's hand and squeezed it.  "I guess we'll have to 
learn," she whispered.

"I want to learn," Hotaru said as she looked after Diamond.  "If he 
can learn, then so can we!"

The darkness in Pluto's eyes melted and she smiled.  A true smile.  
She wanted to learn too.

*******************************************************************

Serena opened her locker at school and sighed.  She had passed the 
test, she knew she had!  After all, it was worth a quarter of her 
grade, so she couldn't afford to fail it!  As she put her books 
away, something white caught her eye.  Pulling at it, she found 
it to be a white rose.  Startled, Serena looked at it and soon 
discovered there was a small card attached to it.

"Hey girl!" Mina greeted as she, Lita, Rose and Amy came up behind 
her.  "Hey, someone sending you love letters?" she asked slyly as 
she caught a glimpse of the rose and card.

"Probably from Darien," Rose remarked.

Serena shook her head.  Darien only left red roses because they 
stood for undying and passionate love.  A white rose stood for 
purity and innocence.  Opening the card, Serena carefully read what 
it said and smiled.  It was very short, but that's all she needed 
to know who it was.  Mina grabbed the card from Serena's hand and 
Serena started walking away.  "Come on, guys!  I have to hurry and 
pick up Rini!" she called over her shoulder.


The four girls crowded around Mina and read what the note said.  In 
simple, hand writing were two words:

"I'm sorry."

To be continued...

Okay, so now you can stop sending me death threats!  I hope you 
enjoyed it and I promise to write more now!  Cross my heart!  And 
minna, don't forget, new Sailor Moon episodes start Monday!  Yea!  
I may not be happy with the dub voices, but I'll live with them.  
I wonder what they're going to do about Haruka and Michiru though?  
Kinda scary...

And don't forget...FEEDBACK!  FEEDBACK!  FEEDBACK!  I live for it!

Ja matta ne!

Stef-chan