Kagayku: Oh my goodness, I've updated!! Everyone feel free to pass out now...the impossible has happened! I'm sure most of you have given me up for dead, or at least the story up for dead. And yet here I am! I really love this story, I don't think I can give up on it yet, it's just hard to me to find time to do it all. Believe it or not though, I often sit in class and work on the next chapter. It's getting around to typing it all out that takes me forever. Don't hate me ; ;

I have to give a big thank you to ALL of the wonderful people who have reviewed, even after I hadn't updated in years. They really have been an inspiration to keep me going, so keep 'em coming!

My writing has changed a bit, after writing all those college papers x.x ...hopefully it's gotten better. I do have plans to go back and redo the first chapter again. Every time I read it...I'm annoyed. I really hate the way I rushed into the story in the very beginning. So I'm going to go back and add more to it! Hopefully today!

So here's the next chapter, I hope everyone enjoys it ) Don't forget to R&R! I love hearing ideas from everyone, I'm always looking for interesting new points to add in! 3

Disclaimer: SM & LotR are not mine!

"Rei…" A woman with long golden hair and somber eyes looked over her shoulder.

"The stars are trembling…their lights grow dim." She turned her dress of glowing white a sharp contrast to the green grass." Both ends of the split world are war with evil. Middle Earth lies bare to the darkness, and the hand of Sauron slowly suffocates us." She paused, "You seek a mountain of fire, but…" A mysterious smile ghosted her lips "What do you really know about this One Ring?" She pressed a finger to Rei's forehead.

Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky,
Seven for the Dwarf-lords in their halls of stone,
Nine for Mortal Men doomed to die,
One for the Dark Lord on his dark throne
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.
One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them,
One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie!

There was a flash of silver light and rush of fire throughout her body then everything went white…

Rei jerked her head up and grunted in discomfort, she blinked rapidly a few times before the raging fire before her came into focus. It wasn't anything she wasn't used to, reading the fire, but these vision were much more powerful than any normal vision. This, she decided, was a message. Sighing she stood and walked to the doorway, reveling in the feel of the cool breeze…a nice contrast to the raging hot fire inside. She glanced back, though it was much less raging now.

"Reiiiiii!!" Serena came bounding around the corner of the temple, Legolas and Amy in tow.

"Serena this temple is supposed to be a place of peace, must you scream?" Rei quirked an eyebrow

Serena pulled her lips into a cross between a frown and a pout, "Like you have room to talk big mouth"

Both girls stared at each other for a moment before breaking into grins, no words were exchanged, but the feeling of having one's best friend back was mutual.

Rei stepped outside and started walking towards the door to the living room, where all the girls used to meet after school and "study" in the past. She motioned for the group to follow and they all stepped inside. "Now what was it you wanted?"

Serena looked serious for a moment, "I think you should talk to Legolas about this woman you've been seeing in the visions. Not only might he know her, but as an elf he is sensitive to the spirits and energies like you are. And with genius Ami's help, we might be able to figure out just what is going on."

Serena didn't mention she had a hunch she knew who the elf maiden was……

Rei nodded thoughtful, mentally surprised at Serena's reasoning skills that were definitely lacking in the past. She covered a smile. "It sounds like a good idea, whatever it is we should hurry, I have a feeling that time is growing short. Not to mention we have two enemies to deal with. As if Chaos isn't bad enough on its own, but Sauron as well?" she sighed "I'm not saying we can't do it, but it's not going to be easy. We can't afford to let this battle play out like all the rest, for once let's not have any deaths. I don't want to leave you to do this one alone."

Serena nodded gravely, briefly remembering all the times she had watched her senshi die right before her eyes. "I agree, together till the end on this one." She smiled and looked to Legolas, "Do you two mind working with Rei for a bit? I have a few things to do."

Legolas nodded, "I am sure we can handle things here. If we find anything, you will be the first to know."

"Thanks" Serena grinned and jogged out the door

Rei chuckled, "She can't stay upset or serious for too long at a time, there have to be frequent periods of smiles and laughter or it just isn't Serena."

"I think I like her best that way." Ami smiled

oOo

Wandering into the backyard of the temple grounds Serena sat on an old tree swing, her legs swinging idly back and forth. Dipping her hand into her pocket she rustled around for a moment before drawing out a round object. Flipping open a thin lid she raised the object in front of her face.

A compact mirror rested on the tips of her fingers as she peered at her face in the small round surface. Her bangs were longer now, she reached up and fingered them thoughtfully. No longer the childish fringe that framed her birthmark, now they were long, falling almost to her chin. Had it really been that long since she first left and woke up in Middle Earth? She felt a pang in her chest at the thought of the other world, and realized she missed the lush greenery, and ancient forests. The sky there always seemed deeper, and the air sweeter…. Focusing back on the mirror she tugged on the silvery, golden strands.

Maybe I should cut them –

She tossed that idea as soon as it entered her mind. She preferred the older look, it made her feel…different somehow.

Maybe I will just have Rei layer them a bit –

She sighed resignedly and gently closed the compact, slipping it back into her pocket.

I suppose I can't avoid our current problem forever. –

Gripping the aged, but sturdy rope she leaned back and gazed up into the tree branches, swaying in the breeze.

Can it get any more confusing? No Mount Doom, Chaos and Sauron, strange dark riders, and a very mysterious dream. –

She mulled over Rei's dream for a moment - Obviously the White Witch –

"Cryptic woman" she sighed again, slightly irritated this time. – And what of Mar's fire destroying the ring? – she fumed. Rei's fire attack had done little more than cause the words to glow brighter than ever. To top it off, Frodo would let no one else touch the ring. Despite Din's gift the effect the ring had on Frodo was becoming more obvious. – I thought since we had all come into our power thing would be easier. But nothing really change at all… - she shook her head, - That's not true, I have the girl back – a smile crossed her face, - That Serenity for that. But it seems to clear, we must return to Middle Earth. No answers can be found here, and Rei's vision suggests there is much yet to be learned. I must speak to my Grandmother again - She slid down from the swing and dusted her hands on her skirt.

"Serena?"

She glanced up and smiled, "Aragorn"

He had come around the side of the temple, looking significantly cleaner and more clean cut then he had a few hours ago.

She giggled quietly, "I see the girls have introduced everyone to modern day showers."

Aragorn smiled wirily, "Indeed, I was actually the easiest of the group to convince."

Vision of Merry, Pippin, and especially Gimli, being forced into caused her giggle to escalate into a full blown laugh.

Aragorn chuckled, enjoying the sound of her laughter; after all, in times like these, times like this were rare. "So what ails you that you are out here all alone?"

"Just pondering what is to be done" she replied, all laughter forgotten.

"You? Planning? That seems very unlike you" he teased

She mock pouted and punched him playfully in the shoulder, "Hey! Be careful, the girls are starting to rub off on you." She leaned back against a nearby tree, "I think the time has come to return to Middle Earth." She stopped and glanced at the ranger to gauge his reaction.

He looked thoughtful, "What of the crystal points? I thought the next step was the purifty this Mount Fuji?"

She hesitated, "I thought of that. However, we cannot stay here and protect things forever. If we purify it now, then there is nothing to stop them from infecting it again when we leave. "

"We'll stay"

Serena glanced up, startled, "Michiru, Haruka, Setsuna?"

The three eldest scouts stood together, looking serious. Setsuna stepped forward, "You have the scouts back, which makes the threat here less intense. Take Hotaru and the inner scouts. We will remain here to keep watch."

Serena stared hard at them moment, scrutinizing their expressions. After a moment she nodded, "All right. But you'll contact us if there's any trouble you can't handle."

Setsuna smiled, "Of course Princess"

Haruka chuckled, "Not a princess anymore though is she?"

Setsuna gazed thoughtful at her now Queen, "No...I suppose she's not."

Serena gave a small smile, "heh, don't think on it so much Sets, we're all in this together, and always have been. Once upon a time there was a Moon Kingdom, now there's what's left of the Moon Court doing what they can to protect the Earth."

A strange expression crossed the outer's faces for a moment...

"I don't know if I would say that Serena." Setsuna smiled knowingly

But for Serena, she had stumbled upon a realization that things were going to change for all of them. In that moment a thousand realizations hit her at once, though in reality it took only a second. Gazing at Setsuna, for the first time in her life she felt she understood something the time keeper didn't. She was proud of her heritage, and loved her scouts dearly. But here, in this time...they were mere super heros, idiolized by the public... and while she would easily give her life to protect anyone of them...she wondered how much trouble would actually exist here if it wasn't for them. And though it was strange to say after saving the world multiple time, but in this adventure...with Aragorn, in Middle Earth, on this mission...for the first time she felt part of something truly important.

Shaking her head Serena returned the smile, "I would." her eyes softened as she turned to walk away, Aragorn in tow. She paused for a moment to look over her shoulder, "The future isn't set in stone you know..." she winked and linking arms with Aragorn, made her way towards the front of the shrine.

For a moment Setsuna stood, taken aback by Serena's expression and the sureness in her voice. For the first time, Setsuna felt almost...lost.

"What do you suppose that means?" Haruka queered, looked just as confused.

Michiru gave a secret smile, "I think it means that Serena has finally seen beyond the past..."

Haruka sighed, and raised in eyebrow in her lovers direction, "You're just as bad as she is...can't you just give a straight answer?"

"It's not something I can answer, it's only something you can find for yourself..." she turned in the direction Serena had taken, "The meeting will be starting, we should go." the smile never wavering from her face, she followed in Serena's footsteps

Haruka looked at Setsuna for an explanation, but the confused look on the woman's face made it clear they were both just as lost.

oOo

Serena walked into the room; her hair hanging loosly around her frame… everyone was sitting together in the room except for Rei, Ami, and Legolas. The planning period, Serena's worst enemy – My brain is going to explode – she sighed. Her mood was significantly brightened, however, by the secret smile Aragorn sent her direction. Things had been going well since the battle two days ago; it was nice to feel some normalcy after all the hell they had been through.

Settling down next to Aragorn and resting her head on an upraised knee she decided hold off having a talk with him until after the meeting. As much as she wanted to have time for just the two of them, it was inevitable that the upcoming battle had to come first. Her mind was still in a jumble despite many of the conflicts being resolved (at least mentally), there was still so much to consider. Ever since the beginning of this chapter of her life things had been going so fast, and while she had taken everything in stride it still was a lot to take in.

She could feel a certain maturity creeping up on her…her smiles were still bright, and her essence that was Serena remained the same…but there was a sort of refinement to it all. Of course looking back on her life as Sailor Moon the change in her poise and personality were obvious. Her grace more apparent, her fighting skills improved, and her naivety tapered off… Her adulthood was starting to show through more and more, and with it came a new and improved confidence that almost seemed foreign…

-sigh- -The planning process isn't even under way and my brain is already going to explode –

She ran her fingers through her long locks and twirled a finger through the silvery strands.

I think I will leave it down; it makes my complexion look more mature. Not to mention, Aragorn deserves someone much more elegant looking, and...

"Serena!!"

"Eh??" Serena snapped her head up only to find everyone in the room staring at her.

Makoto shook her head good naturedly, "Day dreaming again?"

Serena blushed prettily, "Erm…well you see…."

Way to go Sere…woo them with your awesome wit –

She cleared her throat, "Sorry Mako, I just got lost in thought for a moment" she smiled, "What was it you were talking about?"

Makoto grinned, "Some things never change" she chuckled, "Well, we were considering the possibility of going to Middle Earth."

Serena nodded, her expression surprisingly serious. "I agree" she glanced at Aragorn who squeezed her hand in assurance. "I...We... have already talked with the Outer scouts. Haruka, Michiru, and Setsuna have agreed to stay and keep an eye on things. The rest of us will go or return to, Middle Earth. There's really nothing we can learn here, all of the information we would need lies in Middle Earth. Chaos is after me, I'm not worried about her causing problems here. Everything she has done thus far has been in an attempt to get at me. Without the scouts on her side, and with us in another world, there's nothing for her here. I'm more worried about Sauron causing problems there. Even thought The Ring is with us, his army in Middle Earth continues to grow. I worry about the people, he's not just going to ignore those who stand against him."

The silence that settled over the room after her statement unnerved her - Geez, is it really that suprising for me to be logical -

"Not to play devil's advocate" Hotaru stood up, "But what's to stop Chaos from using the crystal points to infect this world while we're gone. Even if you're not here Sere, she still knows it would hurt you."

Serena frowned, considering the new information, "We need to lure her to Middle Earth then?"

Minako shot her a suprised look, "And bring more trouble in for the people of Middle Earth?"

"No,...but we can't keep fighting enemies in two different locations like this. We need all of our enemies in one place so to speak."

"It's not going to be that simple." The genius of the group spoke up, joining the group. "We need to deal with Chaos here. I hate to say it but I think our best bet is to send the Fellowship back to Middle Earth while we deal with Chaos here." Ami paused and looked to Gandalf for support.

"She's right" Gandalf agreed, "The Fellowship was formed to protect the Ring and Middle Earth. The scouts and Fellowship coming together was fortunate, but we must also accept that our enemies are not so much one and the same. The Fellowship is not cut out to deal with Chaos, just as the Scouts are not familiar with what it means to go to War. For now our best option is to part ways."

Serena sat frozen for a moment, a cold dread creeping up her spin, - Leave Aragorn? In the middle of all of this? Will I even get to see him again? - she looked to Aragorn, hoping for some miracle response that would make everything all right, but by the look on his face she knew she had lost.

"It's true...for the sake of keeping both worlds a little safer, It might be better for us to split up rather than taking both enemies to one place." Aragorn gave Serena a strained smile, "We can't put the people of our worlds at that kind of risk."

Serena clenched her fist for a moment, - Just when I thought it would work out. - She stood up and look around at the strange group that built up over time... old friends and new, all here together... and yet, about to be torn apart. - I can't give up. I can't act like this is the last time I will ever see them. - "Fine. This is how we'll do it." her face hard with determination, "We send the Fellowship to Middle Earth. We will remain here and deal with Chaos... BUT!" she emphasized, silencing all of the questions she new would have come, "We will return to Middle Earth to support the Fellowship when this is done." After saying it, she realized she felt a little stronger, having something to fight towards, a reason to survive. She sent a hard look in the direction of her scouts, "Chaos is never easy. But we fight this one together till the end, and we loose no one, understand?" she glanced up, noticing Rei and the outters joining the group. "Things are going to change from this point on. There will be no sacrificing yourself for your princess or your queen. We're all going to survive this one, and we're going to do it together. AND when we're done, we will return to Middle Earth to finish this once and for all." She looked at Rei who gave her a nod of approval. "And you!" she turned to glare at the Fellowship, "Just stay alive until we get there, ok?"

"It would take more than a few smelly orcs to get rid of us!" Gimli roared

"Just so long as there's food" Pippin announced, "No offense, but if I have to go another day without a good Middle Earth meal, I think I just might starve to death"

"Right, because it's not like you ate everything in Ami's refrigerator or anything." Merry scolded, smacking him over the head

Serena grinned, her confidence returning, turning, she looked at the two Hobbits who had yet to speak, "Frodo?"

Frodo glanced up, his complexion paler than usual, and his breathing slightly labored... despite Sam's healing attempts, the Ring's effects were obvious "Yes?"

- This has to be done. For Frodo's sake... even across worlds it's obvious that Sauron's power is getting stronger. It's harder for him here. The Ring wants to go back, it's desire to return is so strong Frodo suffers even more here. Hopefully in Middle Earth, Sam's healing will have more of an effect - She bent down and kissed him on the forehead, "Stay safe, and never loose hope. You have friends here, and we'll be coming to help before you know it. Stay strong, I know lots of people would be sad if you lost to the Ring now." She glanced in Hotaru's direction and smiled, before returning to her place besides Aragorn.

There was a certain heaviness that settled over the group just then. The Fellowship had become more than just a protector of the Ring, and the Scouts had become more than just princesses who protect the earth. Something had changed overall, like a veil had been lifted, and certain amount of naivety had been lost. Perhaps for the best in the end. For this battle, even though it seemed selfish, it seemed there was so much more to fight for than just the world. What was once a cause worth dying for, suddenly became a cause worth living for. If only to have the chance to be together again, only this time basking in the glow of peace.

Despite her confidence, a sadness weighed on Serena's heart at the thought of having to watch Aragorn leave, and despite her declarations, there was still the worry of never seeing him again. And just by looking around she could tell, she wasn't the only one who felt this way... "We'll do this at dawn...Fellowship prepare to depart...scouts, prepare for battle. I suggest using this time to say goodbyes." she sighed and turned towards Aragorn. It hadn't completely sunken in yet, for anyone...she knew that. Just a few minutes ago she thought they would all be going to Middle Earth together, everything was planned for. The Outers would stay and keep watch and they could all be together. - I should have known better, my desire to not to be apart from Aragorn, and to return to Middle Earth clouded my judgement. Nothing is ever simple in these kind of fights... - she continued to gaze at Aragorn, trying to memorize every detail of his face...

- I really hate goodbyes -

Kagayaku: GAH! This was such a hard chapter, I had so many ideas, and I kept running into road blocks -.-' ...I finally decided the most logical way to deal with the Chaos battle was to have them split up. Because I couldn't just leave Middle Earth unprotected forever. So I apologize if this chapter was a little sketchy, I will be explaining a lot more in the next chapter, now that I have a heading... I'm not totally satisfied with this chapter...but...I'll run with it for now. More romance in the next chapter!! I'm finally going to bring in some individual scenes between people, and put some focus on more than just Serena and Aragorn. Also the first big battle is coming up! The next chapter will mostly be romance, goodbyes, and a departure. But the chapter after that I'm starting the battle with Chaos...at least the scouts will have to face off against Raven and Mamoru before we get to the big Fish. And the Fellowship is going to be meeting with Théoden...and Aragorn meets Eowyn...hmmmmmmmm...what kind of mass chaos can I cause with that? Hope you enjoyed this chapter nonetheless!! Sorry for the craziness. Give me some feedback and let me know what you think...

Vote: I have a few ideas I'm going over about the secret of the Ring...but let me know if you guys have any ideas. I'm always open to inspiration, and inspiration helps me write faster wink

Sorry for any typos/spelling errors...like I've said before, I edit it myself, and I'm prone to missing things )

R&R!!