The Guardian of the Universe

This is one of the first fics I had written. It was inspired by Sailor Moon of course *grin*. My girl Ariel has changed a lot since I created her. I hope you like it anyway!

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It is such a beautiful day, Darien thought. Hmm...I can’t wait until tonight for my date with Serena. I can’t wait to see her face when I give her the engagement ring. Darien frowned, I know we are too young, especially her, but we will get married in the future...it is our destiny. Darien smiled as he walked down the gravel path to the library.

“Ouch!”said a sweet, female voice. “Next time watch where you are going, please.”

Darien realized what had happened. Amidst his daydream, he bumped into a pretty girl. She looked his age. “I am so sorry,” Darien apologized, trying to come up with an explanation. “I guess I was too busy in thought.” He bent over to help this strangely familiar girl pick up her papers. “Have we met before?” he asked casually. He noticed a befuddled look on her face, so he looked down at the scattered papers. Dozens of sheets of music paper: lyrics, notes and all.

“No, I don’t think we have. Um...I have to run. Thanks,” she said, grabbing the pile of papers from his hand and running off in the opposite direction. Darien stood there, dumbfounded, as he saw that girl run around the corner into that crazy music place.

Oh, my God, she thought as she ran, that was him. I finally found him. After so long, I finally found my brother. She ran around the corner to her favorite place. It was not only a place where she studied some of the time, it was where she worked, performed, and practically lived. She walked into Golden Sounds with the biggest smile on her face.

“My, my, my...why if it isn’t Ariel with a smile on her face as big as the moon,” the man said.

He is so funny, Ariel thought. He always makes me laugh. “You are so funny, Glenn. You won’t believe what happened to me today,” she said, unable to contain herself from emotion. A tear shed from her dark brown eyes.

“My dear,” Glenn said gently, “ you are crying. What has happened? You are never like this.” He gave her a hug and then left his arm around her shoulder and smiled down to her.

Glenn is much more than my boss. He is such a great friend. I am so glad he let me work here until I find out more about my brother. Her thoughts were interrupted with Glenn speaking again.

“Ariel?” Glenn was getting impatient. “Honey, tell me what is the matter, my dear.”

“I found him, Glenn. I found my brother while walking here!” With that she began to cry uncontrollably. Glenn just hugged her, kissed her head, and smiled.

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Later that evening, as Darien got ready for his big date with Serena, his mind kept wandering over to that girl he bumped into. Why does she seem so familiar? I don’t understand. I am sure I’ve never met her before. His thoughts were broken as the phone rang.

“Hello?” he answered.

“Darien, I’ve missed you soooo much!” He knew that voice all too well. The voice he knew and loved so much.

“Hey, Meatball Head! How are you, my love?” Darien spoke lovingly into the telephone.

“I’m fine, muffin. I bought a new outfit to wear tonight. I can’t wait for our date,” Serena said cheerfully. Her mood changed, “It’s been a long while.”

“I know,” Darien told her apologetically. “I’ll make it up to you, I promise!” He smiled to himself. Boy is she ever gonna be surprised, he thought as he held the tiny box which contained the beautiful diamond engagement ring he bought for her.

“How was school?” Serena asked. “I knew I couldn’t wait until tonight. I actually paid attention to Miss Haruna in class and didn’t fall asleep.”

“Really? Wow! I am impressed, my princess,” Darien sounding surprised. “Well, for me at school, all was fine. Except I bumped into this girl by accident. I guess I was daydreaming because I knocked her over. For some strange reason, I felt as if knew her though. But I just couldn’t place from where. Her image has been hounding me in thought thereafter.”

“Oh? Really?” Serena felt her veins rush with blood as she bubbled close to boiling with jealousy. “Any reason why she’s been on your mind, Darien?”

“Hey Meatball Head! Hold on! Don’t be getting upset. I just said that I felt as if I met her before.” He tried to calm down. This is the last thing I need. I don’t need her to be mad or upset at all for tonight.

“You know Darien,” Serena said quietly through her silent tears, “maybe I should stay home tonight so...” Serena looked up to her ceiling in her room looking for an excuse. “...I can spend time with mom. She is home today.” Way to go, genius, Serena thought, she is ALWAYS home.

“Wait, Serena, please don’t...” Darien stopped. All he heard was the dial tone at the other end. A single lonely tear fell from his eye, to his cheek, to the rose he picked out for his princess. Oh, Serena, I love you so much.

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Serena lay face down on her bed. “Oh, Darien. Why ? Please tell me you are not interested in this girl. Please?” she prayed. The tears flowed from her blue eyes as she buried her head in her pillow and cried.

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Darien was upset. He kept a steady pace as he neared his school. I must have not made myself clear. How could I have been such an idiot? I will give her the ring and I will make up this date, I promise you Serena! He walked briskly to the music store he saw that girl go into. I am going to find out who she is so I can get her out of my mind.

As he was thinking this, the girl passed by him, carrying a microphone and its stand. He watched her from the entrance as she placed the stand in the center of a small stage. “Ahem!” He pretended to clear his throat.

Ariel looked up and saw the same piercing blue eyes she remembered. “Um, may I help you?” she said casually, trying to hide any possible discomfort she had seeing him.

“As a matter of fact, yes,” Darien said right away. “When I bumped into you today, I got the feeling as if we had met before. Are you sure we haven’t?”

“I am sorry, but I don’t recall ever meeting you before.” I can’t believe this is him, my brother, my twin brother. Here...at the place were I work. She felt herself starting to sweat. “Look, I am kind of busy right now. If that is all, then I am gonna have to continue with my work.”

“Okay, but before I go...let me introduce myself. My name is Darien. And if you say we never met, then I am sorry for pursuing the topic. Please forgive me,” he said. I am going to get a name out of her whether she likes it or not.

“Okay then, Darien, my name is Ariel. It was a pleasure meeting you, and, uh, bumping into you earlier today. Have a nice day! Bye!” She practically threw him out of the store. You know, I sometimes wish I never came. I probably ruined his life. Ohh.....please, let me not have ruined anything for him.

Ariel continued her work. She had been watching Darien for the past few days. She had seen him and Serena together. They have always been the perfect couple. Not only do I miss Darien, I miss Serena too. She was like a sister to me. We DEFINITELY were the best of friends. Oh, Serena. Please forgive me for intruding. Tears flowed from her eyes.

“Ariel! Get ready! We are practicing the show in 5!” came a voice from the back. She knew she had to prepare to sing some of the songs for the upcoming show. She was going to practice, “Take My Breath Away.” It was indeed one of her favorite songs. Although she had several songs to perform, this was always one that made her cry.

As she sang, her emotions helped her sing one of her best practices ever. Rehearsal is almost over. I can’t wait. I just want to go to my room and cry. I am so sorry Serena. I am very sorry Darien. The practice went on.

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“Sailor Scouts come quick! I just got some major Nega-vibes at the park!” Raye shouted into the communicator. I just hope they get here in time. She watched from behind the trees as a horrid creature sucked out the energy of several helpless victims walking in the park. The park was getting darker and the lights were starting to come on. The normally beautiful park lost its tranquility with the presence of this monster. That creature looks like a cross between a giant mosquito and chimpanzee. This is definitely a disgusting-looking crea.....her thoughts interrupted with Mina and Lita’s arrival.

“What is that thing?” Mina asked as she peered over Raye’s shoulder.

“I don’t know, but it is draining all the energy from their bodies.” Lita closed her eyes as the creature took yet another helpless victim.

“We aren’t going to let this thing take anymore people, right?” Lita, Mina, and Raye turned around to see Amy and Serena arriving.

“Come on, guys! Let’s get to work. Moon Crystal Power!” Serena cried out holding her crystal to the sky. The girls followed.

“Mars Star Power!”
“Jupiter Star Power!”
“Venus Star Power!”
“Mercury Star Power!”

The scouts all transformed and confronted the horrid creature. “You take energy from people trying to relax in the park. How dare you make them try to fall into an eternal sleep? I, Sailor Moon, will stop you. In the name of the Moon, I will punish you.!”

“You think so, pretty soldier?” The creature replied. “This will be the last battle you will ever fight, Sailor Moon!” The creature used its few powers to spray an intoxicating odor in the air. The scouts were feeling dizzy, losing consciousness. They each fought to keep on their feet, but one by one, they fell to the floor. After a few minutes, all but Sailor Moon were in deep slumber.

The creature grabbed Sailor Moon forcefully, causing her to cry out in pain. “Let go of me you monster. AHH!!”

“No one messes with Sailor Moon! Leave her alone you beast!” Tuxedo Mask threw a red rose at the creatures arm, injuring it. Sailor Moon fell to the ground, trying to gather enough energy to move. “Sailor Moon, are you alright?”

She heard the familiar voice. She wanted to run to him. But at the same time, she wanted to run from him. How dare he think of that girl! No! “Go away Tuxedo Mask! I don’t want your help! Go to that precious girl you bumped into today.” She felt the words stab her heart. He belongs to no one else; he is supposed to be only mine...only mine! Tears streamed down her face as the creature grabbed her and threw her in the air. She felt her body crash on the ground by the tree. The pain was too much. I love you Darien, she thought as she closed her eyes.

“Sailor Moon! Nooo!!!!! I’m sorry!” Tuxedo Mask began running towards his princess, but it was too late. The creature got to him too. He resisted as much as he could but he felt his knees falter as he attempted edging closer to Sailor Moon with the creature still attached to him. I will not leave you alone, my sweet. I won’t!

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Suddenly, a rainbow swirl came spiraling down. The scouts, Sailor Moon, and Tuxedo Mask felt their energy returning. They all looked at the creature, who looked beyond the bushes, petrified. A female warrior stood there, surrounded with a rainbow colored light. She had dark brown hair that looked almost black. Her dark eyes pierce through the bright lights with tenderness.

“Universal Star Shower...FLASH!!!!” Stars came around the creature. It cried out in pain and then vanished into thin air. All the Sailor Scouts regained their energy that was lost. Tuxedo Mask reached out to Sailor Moon, who pulled away, giving him an angered look.

Sailor Mars, unable to contain herself, asked, “I am sorry if this sounds rude, but who are you?”

“I was awaiting that question. My name is the Universal Guardian. I am also known as, on Earth, as Ariel...” she started explaining.

“Ariel?” Tuxedo Mask exclaimed. “Is that really you?” His face turned pale as he looked at this warrior.

“Yes, Darien, it is I. The same girl you bumped into earlier today.” Ariel tried to keep her composure. She watched Sailor Moon, Serena, her best friend of the past, as she got up.

“You? You! How dare you try to take my boyfriend?! It seems as if he has his eyes on you since you ran into him today. Fine!” Serena exclaimed. “You have him! It doesn’t matter to me anymore anyway!” She choked out. Tears flowing freely from her eyes. She turned and ran!

“Serena! Please don’t go! Let me explain!” Ariel shouted to her. You don’t understand! You don’t remember the truth! “Oh, Serena,” Ariel whimpered. The scouts looked at her in shock.

“What is really going on here? How do you know Sailor Moon is Serena?” Sailor Venus interrupted Ariel’s train of thought. “Who are you exactly?”

“I’ll explain everything if you all let me. Tuxedo Mask, Darien, please tell me you will stay. This concerns you a great deal.” Ariel looked at her brother with pleading eyes.

“You come in and practically ruin my life. You bet I am staying. I want to hear your explanation. I LOVE SERENA WITH ALL MY HEART! I don’t want anyone trying to come between us. So start explaining!” Tuxedo Mask felt bad for screaming at this lovely girl. But he was frustrated enough that Sailor Moon left. “I am sorry, please forgive me. I just have a lot on my mind,” he said softly.

“I know you do, Darien. I know a lot about you.” Ariel looked at a small area of grass behind the trees in the park, away from the recovering victims.

“You do? How?” Darien was confused more than ever. His mind wandered for a moment, Serena, please be okay. And then he turned his attention to Ariel who was already seated with Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars, Sailor Jupiter, and Sailor Mars in a circle. What the heck, he thought, let me find out what is really going on. Tuxedo Mask joined them sitting in the circle.

“As you all know by now, my name is Ariel. I am also known as the Universal Guardian,” she began explaining, “the future queen of the Universe.” Gasps of shock spread among the scouts. Tuxedo Mask keep a steady gaze on this girl.

Ariel continued, well aware of her brother’s stare. “Dar...I mean, Tuxedo Mask, this is going to be a shock for you, but...”she paused, suddenly very emotional. “Okay, the reason you must think I am familiar to you is because” This is so hard to just blurt out, she thought as tears began streaming down her eyes, “I am your twin sister.” More gasps came from the scouts’ mouths, as well as one from Darien.

Tuxedo Mask continued staring at this girl. After everyone had calmed down after the slight commotion that was being made after the news, he questioned Ariel. “How can you be my sister? My family was killed in a car accident...” He stopped, suddenly realizing that he did have another family. One that lived in the Royal Palace on Earth during that glorious time, the Silver Millennium. “Are you related to me from out past?” He noticed the tears flow down her sweet face.

Ariel nodded. He’s remembering. He is remembering! “Yes, Darien! I am your twin sister from the Silver Millennium. Do you remember? Mother and Father had twins! You and me!” The excitement was getting to be too much for her. She began taking deep breaths to control herself. “You were destined to be King of the Earth because of our father, and were to be married to Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom. That you know. But what you don’t know is that Mother also had power. She was the Queen of the Universe. When she died, I was to take her place. But since the Silver Millennium was destroyed by the Nega-force and evil Queen Beryl, I still remain as Princess until it is my time to take the throne. For now, I am the Universal Guardian. Serving to protect everyone.” Her tone became more serious. “I never meant to hurt you Darien. I really just wanted to see you. I didn’t want to get involved with your life. But after we bumped into each other, things changed. I knew you remained curious to find out who I was. I never wanted Serena to think that I was trying to get you. Heaven forbid! You are my brother! I’m sorry, Darien. I am sorry, all you guys.” With that, Ariel lost all control of herself and bent down and cried.

The scouts all looked at her and then went to her, hugging her and making her feel welcome. Darien looked at them. A smile came to his face. “Hey, you guys?” Everyone stopped and looked at the tearing Tuxedo Mask. “She is my sister! Come here, you!” He hugged his twin sister and was thinking to himself, I have more family Serena. We will all be one, big, happy family.

The other girls moved away as Tuxedo Mask stood up and took Ariel’s hand. They stayed around her. Ariel smiled at the scouts and at her brother. Her tears slowly ending. “Now we have to get this problem with Serena and me solved,” Ariel said eagerly. “Hey! I miss my best friend. And I want to get Serena and Darien made us as soon as possible.” They all nodded and hugged again.

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Serena was in her room. It had been about half an hour since she got home from the fight with Beryl’s creature. Oh! When will all this be over? I just want to live a normal life, with my boyfriend and friends. I hope Darien forgets about that girl Ariel soon, she thought. I miss you Darien! More tears came from her eyes. She was looking for a tissue when there was a knock at her door.

“Serena?” her mother called. “Someone’s here to see you. She’s here with me now.” Her mother said through the door. Serena always loved her mother, although he got scolded a lot for not doing well in school.

“Okay Mom! Just a second!” she called out. Serena wiped her tears away and opened the door. She gasped. It was Ariel. She stood there with tears streaming down her face. “What do you want?” Serena asked her.

“Serena, I want to apologize and explain myself...” Ariel began. “I may have ruined your life by accident. Please let me explain.” Ariel’s eyes pleaded through the tears.

Serena let her into her room and closed the door. “I don’t know why I let you in, but I guess I should at least listen since you troubled yourself and came to me...” she said quietly. She looked at Ariel, who remained still. “Please, sit.” Ariel sat on the floor.

“Serena...I know you can’t stand me right now. I just want to explain who I am. If you don’t believe me, that is totally up to you. But I just want to make an attempt to remake the friendship we once had,” Ariel started. She noticed that Serena had a rather perplexed look on her face.

“The friendship we once had?” Serena asked. “What’s that supposed to mean? I don’t know anything about who you are...only that you came into my life and tried to take my boyfriend!” She was getting all worked up.

“Serena, please? Let me explain.” She noticed that Serena was looking at her, waiting. “First of all, I do not want to take your boyfriend. I never did. And I am sorry it seemed that way. The reason that I don’t want Darien is because he is,” she took a deep breath, “my twin brother from our past. When we lived in the Silver Millennium.” Serena gasped, raising a hand to her mouth.

“No way! It’s not possible. I don’t remember Luna, my guardian cat, telling me that Darien had a twin sister.” Serena as getting worked up again.

“Remember that she and Artemis slowly developed their memories. Besides, they didn’t know much about me because I was rarely around you guys. I was trying to be with my one true love as well,” Ariel told them. “Anyway, the second thing that I wanted to tell you deals with what I mentioned before, the friendship we once had.” Serena looked away, but Ariel continued. She noticed Serena was brushing her hair. “Although Luna and Artemis didn’t know much about me, you and I were the best of friends. Not only because you were in love with my brother, but because we both went through the same things. You always found a way to escape to Earth to see Darien, right?” Serena nodded because she remembered. “Well, I was always finding a way to escape to the neighboring Galaxy to see my beloved.” Ariel was crying. “Serena, we both had our true loves away from us...that is what brought us together. Remember? The people in the Moon Kingdom didn’t trust the Earth, except your Mother, Queen Serenity, trusted Darien...and me.” Ariel stopped. She couldn’t continue because she was crying so much. Serena had begun painting her fingernails. Is she listening to me? Oh, Ariel thought and sighed.

Ariel stood up from the floor. “I don’t know whether or not you believe me Serena, but I never meant to ruin your life. I just wanted to see my brother, and maybe the best friend I knew and cared for very much in our past. I’ve lived these years with only one ray of light in my life...to see my brother and my best friend. I’ve lived as the Universal Guardian...protecting Earth and on my mission to find the few people who knew me. I came here, mind you, because of a vision I had that told me to come here, to your town, because my brother and my friends were here. I explained myself to the other Sailor Scouts, as well as Darien. I really think that they believe me. I don’t know if you do, but I will assure you, that I will always treasure the friendship we had, even if it was just in the past, and I will always love my brother.” She looked right at Serena, who was sitting on her bed in disbelief. “I will be on my way now, Serena. I don’t want to interrupt your life again. And I don’t want to ruin your future with Darien. I love you both very much. Now it is time for me to leave you all. Goodbye!” Ariel walked out of Serena’s room and said good-bye to Serena’s mother.

Serena was in shock. Should I believe her? I don’t know. I want to. She did seem so sincere. She saw Ariel leaving. It was already dark outside. Serena looked up at the moon. Just the sight of it comforted her. “Oh, what should I do?” she said to herself as she got up and began getting ready for bed. She lay down and closed her eyes. Maybe sleep will help me figure out what is going on. She was asleep in a matter of minutes.

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It was very early in the morning when another enemy attack came. Raye had sensed danger near her temple and had called the others to meet her there.

“It’s so early! I just want to go back to sleep!” Serena complained as she yawned.

“Come on Serena! I know it is early but we have to defeat this evil once and for all. Then maybe we can all enjoy sleeping well during the week nights. Okay?” Raye told her friend. She smiled at her. “Don’t worry...we are the Sailor Scouts! We can defeat this evil together!”

“Right!” the others agreed. No one said anything about Ariel. There were there to defeat this evil.

“Mercury Star Power!” “Mars Star Power!”
“Jupiter Star Power!”
“Venus Star Power!”
“Moon Crystal Power!”

They each transformed into their appropriate scout and were soon ready to begin their fight.

“I hope I am involved in this fight,” said a voice. Tuxedo Mask jumped down from the roof at the temple. He looked right at Sailor Moon.

“Of course, Tuxedo Mask,” she responded to him. “You are always involved...” she smiled up at her true love. He returned the smile.

“Come on guys! We have to defeat the enemy!” Sailor Venus shouted. She looked at the other scouts who each believed that things seemed fine between Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask.

“Let’s go!” Sailor Moon cried out.

They ran to the small field that was between the temple and a nearby park. They spotted another one of Queen Beryl’s horrid creatures taking the energy of not only people, but of the plants and animals in the park. They all gasped as they saw the monster throw the lifeless body of a rabbit to the side.

“Stop right there, Nega-trash! How dare you take the energy of a beautiful plant or animal! On behalf of the moon, I stand for love and justice! I’m Sailor Moon!”

“And we are the sailor scouts!” They cried out in unison. “Sailor Venus!”

“Sailor Mars!”

“And Sailor Jupiter! And we will not allow you to continue your horrid deeds!” she yelled out.

“Fine Sailor Scouts! You can try but you won’t win!” the monster yelled back.

“Shine Aqua...Illusion!” Sailor Mercury cried out, but the creature felt no effect of her power as it got hit. “What?” she gasped in horror as the creature sucked up her energy from her power.

“Ahh...who wants to be next?” The monster looked at the scouts.

“Jupiter Thunder...” Sailor Jupiter cried out.

“Venus Crescent Beam...” Sailor Venus cried out after Jupiter.

“CRASH!”

“SMASH!”

Their powers had no effect on the creature. It once again, sucked up the energy they put to use when they called upon their powers.

“This is not going our way at all,” Sailor Moon cried out.

“Don’t lose all hope, Sailor Moon! I am sure we can all defeat this thing together,” Tuxedo Mask told her. He ran towards the monster, and jumped in the air, throwing a rose that was aimed at its head.

Sailor Mars sensed that the creature was going to grab Tuxedo Mask. “Oh no you don’t!” she cried out. “Mars Fire...IGNITE!!” Her fire distracted the nega-monster enough for Tuxedo Mask to land safely. Once again, the beast sucked up the energy from the fire power.

“This thing is sucking up all the energy we put into using our powers,” Sailor Mercury told the others as she used her mini-computer. “Oh, no!” The scouts all looked at her. “It’s going to...” But it was too late for her to finish. The enemy began sucking up all their energy.

“NO!” Sailor Moon cried. Tuxedo Mask was next to her. “What’s it doing?”

“It seems like it is taking more of their energy since it already had a taste of it when they used their powers. This thing is gonna pay!” With that, Tuxedo Mask jumped into the air again.

“Tuxedo Mask! No!” Sailor Moon cried, tears were filling her eyes. Please, Darien, be okay!

The creature turned to face the masked man in the air as it continued to suck the scouts dry of their energy. Tuxedo Mask spread his cape and several dozens of roses flew out towards the monster. The beast jumped out of the way of the incoming rose attack. The scouts were all losing their energy and began stumbling to the ground. The creature smiled at its victims, as Tuxedo Mask landed, once again, safely to the ground. He felt himself being pushed away as the creature suddenly extended an arm to grab him but instead grabbed someone else.

“Sailor Moon! NO!!!!” Tuxedo Mask realized what had happened. Sailor Moon had pushed him to safety. Now the monster had her instead and squeezed her so tightly that she was screaming in pain as it sucked her dry of her energy. How dare he try to hurt Serena like that! I’ll show him, he thought. Tuxedo Mask stood up. Just as he was about to speak, a shadow appeared from a person standing on a tree branch.

“Hey Nega-trash! How dare you hurt my friends like that!” Suddenly, the figure leaped out from the tree branch and landed in front of Tuxedo Mask. It was Ariel. She turned around and looked at her brother. “Dear Brother...I’m going to make it up to you and Serena for ruining your lives. I will leave as soon as this battle is over. I promise!” She turned and yelled at the creature. “Hey, you! Why don’t you drop them and try to get me? You seem to have dried them out of energy. Need more?”

What is she doing? Tuxedo Mask thought. She’s nuts! “Ari...um....Universal Guardian! No! Wait! It’s too dangerous! You can’t defeat it alone!” he cried out to his sister, who was already facing the monster. Tuxedo Mask noticed that it did, in fact, leave the others alone. He rushed over to Sailor Moon, who weakly opened her eyes. The others were slowly trying to gather energy to stand up.

“Tuxedo Mask...what’s happening? How did we get free from that creature?” Sailor Moon looked up into his loving eyes.

He started to tell her, “You were saved for now by...”

“AAAAHHHH!!!!!!!! Let go of me, Nega-scum!” Ariel cried out.

The scouts all looked up and saw the creature grab the female warrior. He began sucking all the energy away from her. The creature began cackling. “Ha ha! I am going to get all the energy that Queen Beryl needs.”

A weak voice spoke out. “No you won’t! You will never get this energy to Beryl. I guarantee it. Even if it costs me my life!” The scouts looked in complete shock at the speaker. It was Ariel.

“What is she thinking?” Sailor Venus asked.

Sailor Jupiter continued, “She is gonna get herself in big trouble!”

“Yeah, that creature is too strong for her to defeat on her own,” Sailor Mercury added. Sailor Mars nodded in agreement as they all stood together, with Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask, and watched in horror.

“You think so, you little nuisance? We’ll see about that! I’ll finish you off right now!” The creature began crushing her in its grasp.

“AAHHH!!! NO! NOW, I WON’T LET YOU TAKE THE ENERGY OF MY FRIENDS, MY BROTHER, AND OF THIS PLANET!” she screamed. She looked up at the sky and thought to herself, Mighty Gods and Goddesses of the Universe...lend me your strength to defeat this evil! Father! Mother! I know you have always believed in me...I am doing this for you both, my brother, and my friends! The others feared for her safety.

Ariel looked at the creature and cried out, “ UNIVERSAL STAR CRYSTAL...POWER!” Suddenly, a bright, white light surrounded them both.

“NO! ARIEL!!!” Sailor Moon cried out, tears were streaming down her face. The scouts all stood, watching, as colorful stars surrounded the white light. They all felt their energy returning. Still, they all remained motionless because they feared the worst for the Universal Guardian. The light faded away and a single star, full of all the colors of the rainbow, fell to the ground.

Sailor Moon ran towards the star, falling to her knees as she neared it. She picked it up and held it to her heart. She cried out, “Ariel! I am so sorry on how I acted! Please forgive me!” Her began to cry and bent over to the ground.

Tuxedo Mask moved towards her. “Serena? I...”

Sailor Moon towards him and hugged him. “Darien! I am so sorry. I should have never gotten jealous of her. After she came to see me last night, I...”

He interrupted her. “She went to see you last night?” He had a puzzled look on his face.

“Yeah. She wanted to explain herself to me. But I barely talked. I think she must have thought that I wasn’t listening because I kept myself busy doing something else. But,” she paused for a moment. Sailor Moon looked up at her Tuxedo Mask. “After she left, when I fell asleep, I had a vision on our past. And I remembered the friendship I had with your sister, Darien. Now, she is gone, and I can’t even tell her I am sorry!” She stopped and began to cry. “Darien? I am so sorry! If you don’t want to be with me, I can understand,” she said through her tears.

Tuxedo Mask was shocked. “Hey, Meatball Head...don’t go talking like that. I am yours forever. Besides, Ariel wanted us to be together.” He started to cry also. He hugged his princess tightly. I’m not gonna let you go, Serena. Never! Ariel would never forgive me if I did, anyway. I love you Serena.

The other scouts were huddled close to each other, hugging and crying. “I can’t believe she is gone. There is not even a single trace of her or anything,” Sailor Mercury said as she looked around. They all looked at Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask, who were each crying and holding each other. Everyone was deep in thought of that night’s horrid events.

“Ahem!” Everyone looked up towards the sound. “Now don’t you all go telling me that you thought I was dead!

“ARIEL?!” everyone cried out in unison, shocked.

“How did...?” Sailor Mars started. She stopped when she saw Sailor Moon get up and walk over to Ariel.

“Hi Ariel,” Sailor Moon said quietly.

“Hey Serena,” Ariel replied. The two stood there, staring at each other, their eyes filling up with tears.

“Oh, Ariel, I’m so sorry!” They both hugged each other. “I am very truly sorry for acting the way I did. Will you please forgive me?”

“Serena? You know I will. After all, we were best friends back then,” she said. She looked up at the others, “Maybe we can all be the best of friends now too.” They all gathered around and hugged one another.

Tuxedo Mask interrupted. He was the only one not involved with the hugging. “Excuse me?” They all looked at him. “Could I please be involved with the hugging? After all, my girlfriend and my sister are there too?” They all laughed and let him in.

After several moments of tears, laughter and some talking, and after everyone transformed back to their normal selves, Ariel interrupted, “Serena? Darien? Are either one of you two tired?” They looked at her with a puzzled look on their faces. “Well, are you?”

“I’m not,” Darien said. He looked over to Serena.

“No way. There is no way I could go to sleep after all this. No, I’m not tired,” she answered.

“Good! Now I have a surprise for both of you” Ariel said cheerfully. She grinned at the two of them.

“Ariel? What are you talking about?” Darien looked at his sister.

“Let’s just say that you both need to go on a date. Darien...isn’t there something you need to, um, accomplish. Something that you were going to do earlier but couldn’t because I interrupted your plans?” Ariel asked her brother.

He walked away from Serena and over to his sister. “Ariel? How did you know that I was going to propose to Serena?”

“A twin sister knows,” she said quietly. She looked up at him and smiled. “Now you two...we need to hurry up! You are going to be late!” She hurried them.

“Ariel? What are you planning?” Raye asked Ariel as she pulled her to the side.

“Okay, we are all going to eat. Besides, I want to give Serena and Darien time to be together. You guys are all coming. I don’t care what you say and I want no arguments. But you will be with me, at another table. Okay?” Ariel smiled at them all. “Those two are in so much love and it is their destiny that they be together, right? You’ll see!”

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

They all walked to the music shop that Ariel worked at, Golden Sounds, and entered.

“Ariel! I have been waiting! Is everything okay? I prepared everything as you wanted,” Glenn told her as he walked up to her.

“Everything is fine, Glenn. Thank you for setting things up as I had asked. Glenn, I would like you to meet my friends. This is Mina, Lita, Raye, and Amy.” He kissed their hands.

“It’s a pleasure meeting you girls,” the kind old man said.

“Glenn, this is my brother, Darien, and his girlfriend, Serena,” Ariel introduced the couple to the owner of the shop. Glenn shook hands with Darien and kissed Serena’s hand, as well. “Glenn is the owner of Golden Sounds. He gave me a place to work and sleep while I found out who my brother is. I practice here after school everyday.” Ariel smiled at the old man. “He is like a mentor to me. He has been taking care of me.”

“Now you just need to find your destined love, and we will be set. I know he is out there. He was taken away from you. But with your determination, Ariel, and your love for the boy, you will find him sooner than you think.” The old man turned and walked away.

“Ariel? We’ll help you find him. Okay? Besides, we are all friends and friends help one another, okay?” Serena told her and smiled. The others nodded.

“I’d appreciate that. Thanks you guys! Now! Serena and Darien! You two follow me!” They couple followed Ariel to a table set for two. The tablecloth was deep blue with silver stars and moons on it. There were candles on it, as well. “Sit and enjoy!” They sat. Darien winked at his sister and smiled. She walked to the table where Glenn had told the other girls to sit. “I hope you guys all enjoy music. This is going to be a blast for us all. I guarantee it. A romantic very early morning date for them, and a fun get-together for us. What do you say?” Ariel was smiling at the girls.

“Yeah!” The girls all said in unison and smiled back at Ariel and one another.

A waiter gave out menus. He later came to take the order for the girls. One went to Darien and Serena’s table as well.

Ariel went up to the stage and picked up the microphone. “Okay, I’m sure you are all thinking this is nuts. I’ve asked the restaurant next door to us to make this special for all of us to enjoy. But since this is a music shop, it wouldn’t be complete if there wasn’t any kind of music to be enjoyed. So sit back and enjoy. The food will take a little bit to be ready. Now, I would like to dedicate this song to my twin brother, Darien, and his girlfriend, Serena. I hope you all like it.”

The music to “Take My Breath Away” began playing and Ariel stood alone on the stage, with the microphone at hand.

Watching every motion
In my foolish lover’s game
On this endless ocean
Finally lovers know no shame
Turning and returning
To some secret place inside
Watching in slow motion
As you turn to around and say

Take my breath away
Take my breath away

Watching I keep waiting
Still anticipating love
Never hesitating
To become the fated ones
Turning and returning
To some secret place to hide
Watching in slow motion
As you turn to me and say

Take my breath away
Take my breath away

Darien stood up and walked over to Serena. He reached out his hand. She accepted and he led her to the dance floor. Together they danced as Ariel continued singing.

Through the hourglass I saw you
In time you slipped away
When the mirror crashed I called you
And turned to hear you say
If only for today
I am unafraid

Take my breath away
Take my breath away

Watching every motion
In this foolish lover’s game
Haunted by the notion
Somewhere there’s a love in flames
Turning and returning
To some secret place inside
Watching in slow motion
As you turn my way and say

Take my breath away
Take my breath away

The song ended and Serena was getting ready to return to the table. Darien held her hand and told her to wait a minute. She looked puzzled but agreed.

Darien turned and looked over at Ariel on the stage. She smiled and nodded at him. Here goes, he thought. He reached into his jacket pocket and took out the little box that contained the ring he got for Serena. The other girls gasped and smiled at one another.

“Serena?” he asked as he turned around. She looked at him as he got down to one knee. His eyes filling up with tears. “Will you marry me?”he asked as he put the ring on her finger. He looked up at her.

Serena was already crying. “Darien? You know I will. I love you!” He got up and they kissed each other. The other girls got up went to them. They hugged both Serena and Darien.

Ariel came down from the stage and hugged her brother and her future sister-in-law. “Congratulations you guys! I hope this makes up for the date I ruined for both of you...”

Serena and Darien both replied in unison, “Of course it does, you silly girl!” With that, they all hugged one another and continued celebrating.

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

The End

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