I can't believe I got to this point! This is it folks, the last chapter of Homicide. When I started writing this story back in 2001… yes 2001, I knew how I wanted it to end. It has taken almost 5 years to connect the dots between revisions, plot twists and various stages of inspiration. I started this journey when I had only seen bits of the 1st season and most of the R season.

Since then I have collected all 18 volumes of the Manga, 2 of 3 movies, and all 51 episodes of the live action show. If you happen to re-read this work, you will see that this story was based on the DIC dub of the 1st season. However you will also notice that I pull from the Manga and a tiny bit of the live action.

Thank you for sticking with me and wish me luck on finishing my other stories. So without any further interruptions…

Homicide: The Death of Serena

By Crystaldove

Chapter 15

Weeks had past without any new developments. Zoicite had been joined by another, more ruthless warrior, Malachite. He seemed to enjoy bloodlust as much as Zoicite did and together they caused horrific damage while they searched for the other crystals.

Unfortunately Sailor Venus wasn't able to locate the 8th carrier of the rainbow crystal. She was more surprised by an encounter she had with a little boy earlier that day.

Flash

"It took you long enough to arrive. I guess you are looking for your friend too."

Sailor Venus looked at the little boy in a dirty red hat and matching shoes, with wide eyes. "What do you mean by that? How did you know I was coming?"

"I know some things…my name is Simple and I have to tell you something of great importance that will lead you to her."

"To her… you don't mean?"

"You will know what happened really soon. You have to heal the crystal."

"Heal the crystal?"

"Yes, once you heal the crystal she will find peace."

End flash

Mina sat at central looking at the crystal. "Artemis, I think the rainbow crystals are pieces of something greater. Oh my… that's what he meant."

"Mina you don't think that's part of 'it' do you?"

"What else could this be? No wonder we haven't been able to track it. The Dark Kingdom may know more than we first thought. But I doubt they know everything."

"What about Sailor Moon?"

"It's like I said a few weeks ago, if they really had her and knowing what we've just discovered… they would have used her as a bargaining chip months ago."

"It's almost time for this to end. I will get the answers that I seek to solve this case." Monroe walked to summons desk with a list of several names. "I need for these people to meet me at this location in 2 hours. No excuses will be tolerated."

The officers nodded and set out with the summons.

November 10- 3:00

Juuban Police Department

Visitation Room

Back at the jail Ilene was detained in a holding cell until her arraignment. Against her will, her parents arrived a few days later. The meeting was anything short of pleasant. Anger that filled her heart all her

life finally came to the surface.

Flash

"Imagine my surprise to learn that my...daughter has been arrested for the murder her own kid..."

"That 'kid' is your granddaughter Tousan."

Eyes bored into her as he stepped closer to her. "Did you just interrupt me?"

"Yes I did Tousan and it felt good too. I don't have to listen to you here."

Her mother gasped and tried to calm her husband as he visibly began to shake.

"Too long Tousan did your opinion of me haunt my memories. You shouldn't be upset or surprised. All I heard when I was a child was how much of a disappointment I was and how much of a failure I was... why are you here? Didn't you expect this much of me?"

"My associates told me..."

"Oh yes, your associates, your precious associates and your business. You treated these people with more consideration than you ever did me, your own flesh and blood."

"Ilene, show your father respect!" Her mother interjected. "Your actions have greatly embarrassed him and have caused him to loose offers."

A tear steamed down Ilene's face. "I should expect as much or shall I say as less from you Kaasan. It's not like you protected me from his abuse. Common beggars got more compassion out of you than I did. Instead

of loving me you neglected me and instead of being better than you... I became you and treated my daughter like you did me."

"IKUKO, you will not blame your shortcomings on me. You were provided an environment that created stability and security..."

"NO OTOUSAN, I WAS PROVIDED AN ENVIROMENT THAT LACKED TWO LOVING PARENTS!" She screamed cutting him off. "All I had was a father that blamed EVERYTHING on me. If he didn't get a certain client it was because he had a daughter instead of a son and that stated his company wouldn't be in good hands. If it rained... the gods were upset that he had a daughter. Every wrong thing that ever happened to you was my fault."

She turned and faced her parents with angry tears. "And my dear Kaasan... the woman that should have molded me and protected me... the woman that ignored me and agreed with everything Tousan said or did." She looked at the horror that covered her mothers' features, yet her mother didn't say anything. "Yes that is the role of a dutiful wife; leave your children to the slaughter as long as your husband is happy."

Ilene looked at her mother again. "Ikuko, you father provided the best he could considering..."

"Considering he thinks of me as a burden and always have since I drew my first breath." She faced the window, raising her hands as much as her cuffs would allow. "Why didn't you just leave me at an orphanage? Then I wouldn't have disgraced the family so much."

Her father was tired of hearing her voice; he stood and forcefully turned Ilene around.

"Ikuko I provided you all the luxuries that many families envied any shortcomings you have are you own. You don't have the right to blame me for anything. You are responsible for your own destiny."

With a glare that would have made the strongest Dark Kingdom youma cower with fear she stared defiantly at her father. "No Tousan, you are responsible for all that has happened to me. Yes, I had pretty dresses to make me a trophy to parade around your precious associates, while you degraded, beat and blamed me for every failure at home. It's not my fault you didn't have a son, if Kame wanted to bless you, you would have been able to make one. Maybe I am the reason for your failures father. Maybe you aren't as blessed as you like to brag about."

"All I ever wanted were loving parents. But I got stuck with you, so I think I was punished more than anyone. My daughter is missing, people think I killed her. Why, because I treated her just like you treate me...like dirt. I love Serena; I just didn't know how to love her like she needed. I was jealous of her, Ken doted more attention on her in one day than you did the entire 18 years I was in your care!"

"I didn't care about the clothes or the luxuries you so 'graciously' afforded to me... All I wanted was a mother and father that loved me. But that was too much for you. Instead of breaking the cycle of mental and emotion abuse you extended to me, I continued it with my own daughter."

"My baby could be dead Tousan and all that matters is that I have embarrassed you. Don't you care that your granddaughter is missing?"

"If she is dead then that is one less disappointment in the family..." He wasn't able to continue his remarks due to the pain that registered on his face as Ilene slapped him.

"Don't you refer to my daughter the same way you have to me! She could be dead and all you can do is think about yourself?"

Her mother stared at her in shock and gasped loudly. Ilene looked at her and noticed that Det Monroe was standing in the doorway. Her parents looked to where her eyes were focused and stood up, bowing as the acknowledged him.

"How long have you been there Monroe?"

"Long enough, Ms Tsukino, to understand where your neglect stems from. What an interesting childhood you had; abusive father, negligent mother. No wonder you didn't know how to love Serena. I guess you're not evil after all, just neglected. So I can no longer fault you for being a horrible mother to your daughter. You are as good or in your case, as bad as your parents."

Monroe smirked and leaned against the door jam. Ilene's' mother looked away in shame, deep down she knew her daughter was right but tradition made her do what her husband dictated. With rage Ilene's father looked at him, he would not be embarrassed.

"Officer, I want to press charges for assault!"

Ilene looked at him, hands still locked in cuffs and shrugged before turning back to the window.

"Assault sir, what happened?"

"That WOMAN hit me!"

Monroe walked into the room and stood before Ilene's father. "I have been here the entire time sir; I did not witness such an event. Now you can press charges, however think of the ramifications this will caus with your associates. A child assaulting a parent; that means the child didn't have a proper upbringing... doesn't it?"

Ilene walked to a vacant chair and sat down. She didn't have the energy to fight her father or look at her mother any longer. Monroe noticed this and for once felt compassion for her.

"What I see is you degrading 'that woman', your daughter, to the point of mental exhaustion. I must ask you to leave."

"OFFICER!"

"That is Detective, sir. My name is Detective Monroe and I am the man that is investigating the disappearance and possible death of your granddaughter."

Ilene stood and walked toward the window as her parents left. She didn't try to compose herself when she began speaking to Monroe.

"Why did you stand up for me?"

"Is that a rare thing to happen to you Ilene? I thought you would be pleased. At least I know where the bitch in you stems from..." He looked at her for a response and was shocked to see her smiling. Thinking

she had finally lost it, he slowly reached for is gun. "Why are you smiling Ilene?"

"After 35 years...someone has finally acknowledged that my parents aren't as perfect as they pretend to be... Seeing the look on Tousan's face made up for every single derogatory remark he has ever made to me. You see, my father hates to be criticized... even though he dishes it out well."

"All I wanted was to be a better parent than mine parents were to me... but I was worse. At least I am an only child. My poor Serena, I isolated my daughter... my only daughter. You were right. I lashed out at you before because you were right."

Flash

"I'm telling you this because I know how it feels to live in an unloved home. How it feels to know that the person you need the most thinks of you as a waste of space, just because he couldn't find any way to deal with his grief. Both of my parents died the day I was born; my mother physically, my father emotionally. I never met that exuberant father I saw in pictures with my mother. Serena had both parents and she still grew up in a loveless home...at least my father had a 'reason' to be neglectful. She had to endure her mothers' favoritism of her brother and her absentee father 'plus' the ridicule of the outside world. I wasn't
completely unloved though, I had my maternal grandparents...they raised me and used their retirement, when my father refused to contribute anymore funds, to send me to college. They cheered for me when I graduated from the academy."

End flash

"That conversation has reverberated in my mind. Whenever I would think of Serena... I would hear my fathers' words and my heart would harden." She began to gasp as she was overcome with emotion. "I would forget that it was my daughter... I would see her as my father...and then would treat her like my father did me."

"First my parents denied me of their love... then I let that memory destroy my family. I truly am no better than them."

Monroe walked to her and hugged her. His actions shocked her into ceasing her tears.

"In any case of abuse... admitting that it occurred is the 1st step to healing. People can sugar-coat situations all they want... however the pain is still there. You were emotionally neglected and mentally abused by your parents."

"Don't forget rejected. I was rejected by them too. That's probably why my actions with Serena wouldn't faze me from time to time. It was why I saw her as an obligation versus my responsibility." She stepped out of his embrace and looked down at her cuffs. "I didn't kill my baby and I didn't want anything to happen to her. But I will accept this fate. If I was a better mother to her, she would have never run away. So I am as guilty as the person that hurt her."

Ilene stood and walked to the door, she knocked gently to alert the guard to take her back to her cell.

"Detective Monroe." She called as she was lead out. He regarded her silently as she gave him a teary smile. "Thank you for caring for my daughter. It's good to know that strangers have more compassion for her that I did. Thank you for showing me the error of my ways."

As the detective led her out, she was surprised to see that Ken was standing against the wall. He was there to plead with his wife for any information about Serena when he heard the conversation she had with her parents. Memories fell into tumblers as he realized just how tortured Ilene was as a child.

Ken also understood that she couldn't really help how she treated Serena. Ilene was just a product of her home environment.

Startled she stood dumbfounded, even the escorting officer halted his steps.

"I... I never knew. Your parents...after all this time, things make sense. I don't know what to say."

"Don't say anything my love. You were right; I'm not the woman you married. You married a figment of my imagination; a women that came from a loving home. This is the real me, pitiful, scared and emotional." She gave him a shaky smile. "Thank you for showing me how it feels to be loved." She gave him one last tearful smile. "Take me back to my cell officer."

Dumbly the officer replied before Ken finished processing what she said. He stared at her until she was out of sight. Slowly he turned to Det. Monroe.

"What is going on? What...why did she say those things. Detective what did she mean?"

Monroe looked at him and led Ken back into the visitors' room. "Do you understand now Mr. Tsukino? What happened today has shed new light as far as your wife's suspicion in this case. I don't believe that she physically had anything to do with Serena's disappearance. I never did."

Ken looked strangely at Monroe "Then why did you accuse and have her arrested?"

"So she could admit to herself what you already discovered. She was a horrible mother to Serena. She caused added strife to the home and to her daughters' already fragile life." Monroe's eyes lightened up a bit, turning a bluish green. "I knew she favored Samuel from the moment I first visited your home. I'm glad that her abusive tendencies were the result of her troubled past versus being just a cruel woman."

"So what happens now Detective?"

"That's up to you. Can you forgive her, accept her as your wife and move on with your life?"

"I…I don't know. Serena is still out there… I don't think I can look at Ilene and not think that her actions that day sent my daughter out in the darkness. Seeing how her mother treated her, my princess probably thought that I would react the same way if she came to me for help."

"Ilene needs help Mr. Tsukino; she needs counseling as do you and Sammy. Then you will be able to start picking up the pieces of your life."

"The only thing on my mind now is my daughter. Sammy knows he is loved and has always had love… I won't be able to do anything until I have answers about my daughter." Ken looked at Monroe with fierce determination. "One way or the other… bring her home."

Hino Shrine- 4:10

Amy and Lita walked slowly to the Hino Shrine. They both received summons while they were visiting Andrew at the arcade. Their walk was slow, apprehensive and filled with questions.

"Why would Detective Monroe have us summoned here? I mean Raye is the last person that is concerned about Serena."

"I don't know either. I haven't seen or spoken to Jared in a few days." They continued up the stairs. "Amy, isn't that Darien? What is he doing here?"

Upon hearing his name Darien turned and gave a look of relief. "I guess you girls were summoned here also. That's good to know, I didn't like the aspect of being around Raye alone."

"Darien, if I was a betting girl, I would say you are scared of Raye." Lita stated laughing as Darien shrugged. "But this makes things even more confusing."

The trio walked through the main gate and was rendered quite. There having an intense mental battle were Detective Monroe and Raye.

"Why did you have me confined to the shrine grounds and why are THEY here?"

"I had them summoned here. There is something all of you need to know." Everyone looked at each other then back to Monroe. "I'm just waiting for one last person to arrive."

"Artemis something big is going to happen today." Mina stated as she looked down at her advisor. "I've been summoned to the Hino Shrine...and I'm late!"

Mina sprinted to the shrine, she arrived about five minutes after everyone else did and her curses could be heard as she sprinted up the steps. As she leaned on the inner gate she was startled by a voice.

"Ms Aino I presume?" Everyone turned and looked at her; Amy and Lita were in shock with Raye and Darien showing confusion. "Now that everyone is here, Ms Hino would you please take us somewhere we can talk in private? I have some information to share with you all and it is not for public knowledge."

Raye, more fearful than anything nodded silently and lead the detective and the others to the fire room. When not in used in prayer, the fires are kept low and the temperature of the room is very comfortable.

Monroe watched as the group filed in before standing in front of the door.

"Ok now maybe you can tell me why you've had me confined here and why you called for these people... I don't like traitors in my home!"

"Traitors? You should be the one to talk Raye... after how you treated Serena, you betrayed all of us!"

"Big words Amazon but do you really have the muscle to back up that mouth!"

Before Raye could finish her statement, Lita had lunged at her and had to be restrained by Darien with the help of Mina.

"My my my... such language from young ladies. How were you able to defeat youmas when you don't get along?"

"Sailor Moon would..." Amy began to answer the question before she fully heard it. "What did you say?"

Monroe looked at her and smiled. "You heard me correctly Amy... How did you guys defeat youmas when you're constantly fighting each other? It's a rather simple question."

Lita laughed somewhat and looked at Raye whom was also confused. Darien just kept looking back and forth.

"Are you saying that the girls are the Sailor Senshi, Detective?" Darien asked as he continued to look at them.

"Why you are so surprised Darien... or shall I saw Tuxedo Mask." Heads whipped faster than humanly possible to look at Darien. "Wait, you all work together to fight evil yet you don't know each other in civilian form? Life is truly interesting. Well, let me make the introductions. Senshi meet Tuxedo Mask."

"But what about Sailor Moon… Serena… it wouldn't make sense for her friends to be Senshi and… she's Sailor Moon. Serena is Sailor Moon?" No one responded which made him very fearful. "ANSWER ME! She's Sailor Moon, isn't she and that's why I haven't seen her!"

Darien looked around to see Amy and Lita nod to his question, both unable to speak at the moment. He tried to comprehend what was going on; unsuccessful he slid to the ground but not before a tear ran down his face.

Raye looked at him then she turned back to the one called Mina. "VENUS! This blond is that bitch Venus?"

Mina looked at Raye and didn't flinch; she was more concerned with how Monroe knew who they were. Her hand was steady on her hensin wand ready to transform. "How did you know who we are Monroe?" Mina demanded. "And don't give me 'it's my job to know' bullshit either!"

"Mina..."

"Can it Mercury! No one can just guess our identities... even though we look the same, we can't distinguish each others' features until we watch each other transform. Think about it, you've been working with Tuxedo Mask for months and he never figured out who you guys were!" Gasps were heard as Monroe continued to smile. "How do you know who we are Monroe?"

"I just kept my friends close and my enemies closer." He winked as a smirk appeared on his face.

"Jared...I trusted you." Lita looked at him with tears in her eyes as betrayal was etched in her features. He looked at her and sighed.

"I trust you to Lita and I know Serena does too."

"You say that like...where is she? Where is Serena?"

Casually Monroe leaned against the door as he regarded Amy. "I was wondering when someone was going to ask about her. I mean, I am the detective assigned to her case." He made sure the door was secure before walking towards the others.

"Yes, I know where Serena is... I have always known..."

"WHAT! WE HAVE BEEN GOING THROUGH ALL OF THIS GRIEF AND YOU HAVE KNOWN

ALL THIS TIME!" Darien interjected as he jumped up and lunged at Monroe...unsuccessfully. Mina took note of this as Amy rushed to help him up.

"I'm going to try to remain as calm as I possibly can but why...why did you let us go through all of this? Why didn't you tell us anything?" She looked at him with her eyes full of tears.

Monroe bent down and helped Darien to stand. "I didn't need to tell you anything Amy... you know all that you needed to know."

Amy looked at him as she began to reflect on the past several weeks.

Flashback:

"We didn't come here to cause trouble, ma'am…"

"Funny, that's what that blond kid said."

"Why must he torment me so? All I have been was nice to him, no one understands me; I'm completely alone."

"Whoa, there's no need to cry like that, it's just a shoe. No wait, your eyes are red as strawberries…you've been crying already. What's a pretty thing like you crying for and what are you doing down here?"

"I'm not pretty; I'm ugly, lazy, immature, and dumb." She said sliding to the ground.

"Hey, take it easy on yourself; look things can't be that bad. It's slow around here now; let's go call your parents…"

"NO! I'm not supposed to leave my room, I'm already grounded; my mom will kill me!"

"Calm down, shh…ok bad idea. Well let's call one of your friends…"

"I don't have any."

"I don't believe you; you look like a very nice girl."

"If I'm so nice, why do those I try to open up to hurt me. I'm the laughing stock of my class, the ridicule of my so called friends…my father avoids me, since he's never home, my mother hates me and my little brother wishes I wasn't his sister. I'm sorry if I'm not that coordinated; I thought I would have grown out of that. Those who were close to me pitied me; I'm so weak, I can't look after myself. Even my cat is ashamed of me…and if that wasn't enough I have a college-aged tormentor that makes it his life task to continually point out all my faults. Yes I'm nice…nicely pathetic. I'm really sorry about knocking you over and messing up your shoes…I gotta go."

"Touché, hey don't try to defend her now. Maybe if you thought about her feelings then, she wouldn't have run away. What a hypocrite!"

Darien relaxed his fist and put his head down. "Did you see what direction she went in?"

"Yeah, towards the water." Cheri said over her shoulder while approaching a darkened car.

End flash.

"Serena ran off… she was distraught about what happened that day. She was upset about Darien and the fight she had with Raye. She felt as if she didn't have anyone to turn to and was last seen heading towards the water." Amy said softly while Monroe nodded which made Mina turn toward her.

"Someone was out to get her…" Lita continued. "It's possible she was being followed or someone knew she went down to the docks."

Flash

"Smith, my name is Smith; no misters no sirs."

Lita took the picture from Darien and showed it to Smith. In recognition his eyes bulged and he began to shake.

"NO, NO get away from me!" He screamed while stepping back.

"Wait please, we're her friends; we want to know if she is ok?"

"Yeah right! That's what she called that…that person!"

"You saw her, tell us what happened!"

"Oh no…that person isn't coming to hurt me. You can't protect me so why should I help you?"

"…Then there was this blinding light. I ducked behind the wall and couldn't tell what the light was. I tried to see what was happening from behind the wall, but I didn't want to risk getting seen."

"Hey, who's out there? Cut off the light, I can't see! Hello? Please tell me who you are?"

"I heard her voice getting further away so I guess she was walking towards the light. I crouched on the ground and looked out. I saw her creep closer but then she fell."

"It's you…why are you here? Are you here to chew me out again? Didn't you do enough of that already today? Please turn off that light, I can't see where I'm going. What's that…what are you doing? No…please don't hurt me. I'm sorry that I'm such a failure. I'm sorry that I'm a disappointment to you. I tried…NOOOOOO PLEASE…

End flash

"It was someone that she knew… Ms H has been committed, it wasn't her." Amy stated. "Darien was cleared also after a few days."

Flash

"I know lots of things…I know that she was scared and lonely. I know that she knew the person who hurt her."

"Nobody understood her or the feelings she had. She had no one to confide in, afraid that she would be ridiculed once more."

"Don't worry about Serena…"

They both looked up towards the young child.

"She has found peace…"

End flash

"So that leaves Ms Tsukino and…"

All eyes turned toward Raye as Monroe interjected. "Actually Ms Tsukino was cleared of anything dealing with Serena's disappearance a couple of hours ago."

Darien looked at the detective. "She has been cleared of everything?"

"No, she is still guilty of mental and emotional abuse which stemmed from parental neglect. This type of charge is still relatively new, so there is still a possibility she will face those charges." He looked around at each person's face. "The one that hurt Serena is in this room."

"Raye you BITCH! What did you do to Serena?" Lita ran to her and grabbed Raye by her neck, pinning her to the wall. "How could you just lie all this time?"

"Why do you think it was me? I'm not the one that declared me as the new leader after Serena disappeared." Raye stammered out between breaths. "How much of a coincidence is it that Venus just showed up and saved everyone?"

All eyes turned to Mina as she just stared at Raye.

"Yes Raye, you have a point there. I did just show up so conveniently and with my own guardian nevertheless. However, you forgot one thing… I wasn't the one that tried to start a coup to have Serena removed as leader."

"You knew about that?" Amy asked slowly.

"Luna's private journal was actually linked to Central's computer. So I knew all about you and her opinions of you for some time. I know that Luna preferred Mars over Sailor Moon and that she would do anything to help you gain that position."

"Luna's involved in this too? I mean I thought she was but I didn't know she was actually capable."

Mina continued to look at Mars. "No. As manipulative as Luna is Amy, she didn't have the guts to do anything more than write in her journal."

"Don't listen to her Amy! So what if I'm brash and speak my mind… it doesn't make me a killer! What would I have to gain by being the leader of the Senshi?"

"The Mystical Silver Crystal." All eyes turned to Monroe in confusion.

"What is that… the Mystical Silver Crystal?"

"You've never heard about it? I've known about it for a while as have at least one of you in this room. The Mystical Silver Crystal contains vast power and the wielder of it will have the greatest power in the universe." Monroe paused a moment before continuing. "Now which one of you would gain the most by possessing it?"

"The leader of the Senshi… Sailor Moon was the leader but she resigned due to abuse from Luna and Raye. Before another leader was appointed, Sailor Venus joined us saying she was the leader in Moon's place." Amy said as she continued to think aloud.

"I'm sorry that I'm such a failure. I'm sorry that I'm a disappointment to you."

"Raye and Mina have been bickering since Mina joined us. Raye has always been against Serena, then Mina being our leader. Serena never met Mina… Sailor V was her idol. She would have mentioned that to us. So the only one that would gain anything if she was the leader… would be Raye…"

Amy walked over to Raye as she began to shrink back from Lita.

"You got rid of Serena so you could be the holder of the Mystical Silver Crystal…"

Before anyone could comprehend what was happening, Raye punched Lita and pushed Amy out of the way. She headed to the door of the fire room and was stopped by a gun being aimed in her face.

"Not so fast Raye." Mina ran to assist Lita and Amy while Darien stood ready to restrain Raye. "Did you think you could escape?"

"Nothing matters anymore Monroe…" She tilted her head to the side and smirked. "I have killed the so called strongest Senshi. I am the strongest now and the Mystical Silver Crystal will belong to me and my master." Maniacal laughter filled the room as she looked around. "Why are you so glum Darien? I kept you so occupied that you we're unable to tell Serena how you felt. I kept things going… and she thought you hated her."

"I added extra salt to her teacher's wounds which increased the resentment she felt. And I didn't have to do anything about home… well I did pick out her faults more that had Serena more…emotional than she would have been which made her mother more aggravated with her."

"I broke her spirit mentally, emotional and physically… and now I will do the same to you!"

Raye grabbed Monroe's gun and heated it until he was unable to withstand the burning and let it go. As he released the gun she kicked him, causing him to fall. She laughed and ran to the door of the fire room. When she opened it, she was surprised to see a small boy standing on the other side.

"Are you happy with yourself and proud of what you have accomplished?"

Raye tried to push the child out of the way and found she couldn't. She also discovered that she was unable to touch him. This scared her and caused her to walk back into the room.

"SIMPLE WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?" Amy shouted as her wand was clenched tightly in her hand as she was ready to take down a fellow Senshi.

"I knew this was happening and I had to be here… right Jared or should I say Smith?"

"Smith… isn't that the name of the hobo?" Darien said after a few tense moments.

Detective Monroe stood and smirked. "I can't get anything past you." He responded in a raspier voice. Before the girls and Darien's eyes he began to contort. He shrank in size while his chestnut hair became shorter and gray. "You youngin's did all that snooping and you still don't know what really happened to Serena."

All we're in shock, even Raye was afraid. The group was in for another surprise. Slowly Smith began to grow; his features elongated and became more feminine. He continued to contort until…

"I still think I can show you how to satisfy a woman… Darien." A tall, slender woman with auburn hair and violet eyes looked at the group and smiled.

"I knew there was something about you Monroe or whatever the hell your name is when I first met you!"

"You should be the one to talk honey… We know what really happened to Serena. We know what you did."

FLASH

"I can't do anything right. I can't walk five steps without stumbling or ten without knocking someone over. Everyone is right, I ma a true disappointment; just a waste of space. Why was I ever born…I'm just a failure."

"That's a question I have asked myself plenty of times."

"Hey, who's out there? Cut off the light, I can't see! Hello? Please tell me who you are?"

"You know who I am Meatball Head."

"It's you…why are you here? Are you here to chew me out again? Didn't you do enough of that already today?"

"No, I've only just begun Serena… you see it's time for a new beginning and that means a new leader."

"Please turn off that light, I can't see where I'm going. What's that…what are you doing?"

"What else would I be doing out here? I'm tired of taking up your slack. I'm sick of everyone making excuses for you. I'm just tired of you!"

Raye cracked her knuckles and dropped the flashlight she was carrying. She transformed and began to attack.

"FIRE…"

No…please don't hurt me. I'm sorry that I'm such a failure. I'm sorry that I'm a disappointment to you. I tried…NOOOOOO PLEASE…

"SOUL… Yes! Burn you pathetic loser! All that was yours is now mine!"

End Flash

"But what you didn't know…" Cherri continued. "Is that Serena didn't perish."

"No… it's not possible! I watched her burn. I know she is dead. I'll prove it to you… you freak of nature!" Quickly Raye transformed and unleashed her attack. "FIRE SOUL"

Everything happened in an instant. Cherri and the others divided in opposite directions as her attack hit the fire proof walls. The others transformed and hesitated when Mercury shouted."

"This room absorbs fire… but our attacks may deflect and we could end up hitting each other!"

Mars spun around and laughed. "Yes 'Mercury' that will happen. So you can't touch me… but I can kill you! ALL OF YOU!" Mars raised her hands again to strike at Venus. "The Silver Crystal is mine!"

"MOON TIARA ACTION"

Everyone watched as Mars was bound by a familiar projectile. As she tried to break free she was shocked by pure energy.

"Not so fast Mars. Like Cherri told you, I'm not dead."

All eyes turned to the little boy standing in the room unfazed by what was happening. Tuxedo Mask slowly approached him while keeping his distance from Mars and looked into Simple's eyes… his crystal blue eyes. He reached out and slowly removed the dirty red cap from his head and gasped as he noticed the child had blond hair… the same shade as…

"Serena?"

"Darien what are you talking about?" Lita asked. "How can Simple be Serena?"

Simple smiled at Darien as a glow surrounded him. Slowly his hair grew as he got taller and more feminine. Cherri smiled and stood. Darien brought his hand to his mouth in disbelief as tears coursed down his face.

"Serena… you're alright, you're alive!"

"Yes Darien… I'm alive."

"SERENA" Mercury and Jupiter screamed as they ran to her. They gathered her in a tight embrace and hugged her fiercely. "Where have you been all this time? We have been looking all over for you. Why didn't you contact us?"

Serena stepped out of the hug and walked toward Mars. "Raye tried to kill me and the twins needed to see if she was working alone or was reporting to someone. So I went into hiding. But I couldn't stand to see you so upset."

"So you transformed into Simple… to comfort us?"

"Yes Amy. I wanted to let you know that I was ok. That's what I meant by finding peace."

"But I never told you about my parents… how did you know?"

"I felt your emotions. You both felt like you had failed me… like you thought you failed your parents. I was able to make a connection."

Serena walked up to Raye who was fuming silently by now. "Are you alright? I hope those bonds aren't too tight." Serena could hear commotion from the others and she held up her hand. "Are you going to answer me…Raye?"

"I SAW YOU BURN! How did you escape?"

"It's really quiet interesting."

Flash

Serena raised her arms as the attack reached her, suddenly a bright light emitted from her hands creating a shield as the flames hit. There was such intensity that Mars thought she completely incinerated Serena's body. Mars walked away, releasing her transformation as she left. She turned once to see that the flames we're beginning to die down as the 10:40 shipment arrived.

While the flames were still raging, a figure appeared behind Serena and teleported her to safety. Astonished she looked up to see a man's smiling face. Her face crumpled into tears as the ramifications of what just occurred settled in her mind.

"She tried to kill me. Raye tried to kill me…Why? What did I do to make her want to kill me?"

"You exist, that's why she wants you dead."

"Who are you?"

"I… uh we are your servants… your highness." Serena watched as the man flexed his back and out of his shadow appeared a woman. "I am Leo and this is my twin sister, Phoebe. We are your protectors in this life as we were in the last."

Serena looked at the two questionably. The man was about as tall as Darien, she guessed, and the woman was a little shorter but still taller than Lita. They both had wavy brown hair with the woman's hair having more of an auburn tint to it. She looked into their eyes blue eyes and gasped as the man's eyes changed to green and his sister's eyes changed to violet.

"Leo and Phoebe… Leo is associated with the Sun and Phoebe the moon." Serena gasped as visions filled her mind. "Just like Yin and Yang… I know you. You are my guards…my bodyguards."

The siblings smiled at each other as the reached down to help Serena up. As she stood she looked down at her hands.

"Why aren't my hands burned? How did I block her attack?"

"The power everyone is seeking isn't in a stone… you are the true power Serena. That is how you deflected Mars' attack."

Phoebe nodded. "Leo is right. The rainbow crystals are important but without you… they are nothing."

"I need to go home; I need to warn the others…"

"NO!" Both siblings shouted. "We've been watching you Serena and it's not safe for you to return. We need to determine whether or not Mars has an accomplice. For now let her think you are dead."

"What about my family and my friends?"

"You dropped your jacket when Mars had blinded you. We are going to make you disappear for a while…"

End flash

"And there you have it. I have been in hiding as my bodyguards determined who you are working with."

"Who are these guards Serena?" No sooner had Amy asked the question, Cherri sighed and her shadow elongated. From the floor rose a man wearing all black. He looked up and everyone gasped. "Detective Monroe… no you changed into her"

"We are the Eclipse, the personal bodyguards of …Sailor Moon. I'm also known as Leo and Phoebe is my sister. I can become her and she can become me when one enters the others' shadow. We don't do that much now."

Cherri shimmered and her seductive clothing was replaced by an identical white version of Leo's.

"Now I am Phoebe… it feels so good being in normal clothing. Those heels were killing me!"

Everyone was in disbelief especially Raye. Serena walked to Venus and smiled.

"Venus it is nice to meet you. Thank you for joining the others and protecting them."

"It's my duty as leader of the Senshi."

"Wait, Serena is back so shouldn't she be the leader?"

"I was never supposed to be the leader. It was thrust upon me by Luna. Venus is the Senshi's rightful leader."

"You mean I went after the wrong one!" Mars was ignored as Serena walked to Tuxedo Mask.

"I believe you have something that belongs to me."

"I do? What do I have?"

"The rainbow crystals belong to me." As she spoke she raised her hands and from out of nowhere the crystals stolen by the Dark Kingdom appeared before her. "Do I have to take them from you by force Darien?" She smirked then smiled as he retrieved his crystals from his pocket. "This is what you wanted Raye."

Mercury tossed the crystal she had to Serena and all began to spin around her. A glow began to emit from her as she raised her arms. The crystals merged forming one crystal. The Mystical Silver Crystal! Since all of Serena's concentration was on the crystal she didn't notice that her tiara had loosened enough for Mars to get free.

"THE CRYSTAL IS MINE!"

Mars charged at Serena and quicker than anyone could follow Sailor Moon's scepter appeared before Serena and the crystal attached itself to it.

"MOON HEALING ESCALATION"

Pure light surround Mars as her screams were absorbed by the room. Lita smiled as she thought Raye was getting what she deserved. She saw the concentration on Serena's face and realized that Raye should have been finished by now.

"Leo… Phoebe NOW! Grab Raye and get her out of the way!" The twins rushed forward and grabbed a semi conscious Raye while Serena was still pouring energy into her attack. "How dare you Jadeite? How dare you plant one of your youmas into Raye to do your dirty work?"

Gasps were heard from all around as Serena released the attack to reveal a sinister looking woman-like beast with fangs and elongated claws.

"How did you find out?"

"I remembered that Raye began to change after Jadeite came here in the guise of a shrine hand. From that moment Raye tried to make my life hell. Things at school and home got worse too. You placed curses on my mom and Miss H to accentuate their already sour feelings against me. You tried with Darien but he was able to resist. You didn't know he was Tuxedo Mask or about the abilities he possesses."

"I would send a message by you to your master. But I don't think the twins plan on releasing you."

Before the youma could comprehend she was surrounded by the twins who carried identical swords. Phoebe from the front cut high and Leo from the back cut low…

"MASTER!" As the words rolled out of her mouth, she was sliced and rendered into dust.

Serena breathed a sigh of relief and walked over to Raye who was looking at her with tears in her eyes.

"Serena, I'm so sorry. I did so many rotten things to you and to everyone else." Raye sobbed in between her words as Serena reached down and embraced her.

"It's alright, I don't blame you. I'm just sorry that I wasn't able to release you from that nightmare sooner. We had to give Jadeite a false sense of security that he could relay to the Dark Kingdom. They know I'm alive now so the real battle is about to begin.

November 22

Crown Fruit Parlor

"Serena it's so good to see you again. I'm so glad that you are ok!"

"It's good to be seen Andrew. Thanks for helping to look for me."

"I'll do anything for my favorite customer. So what happened to you?"

"Well after I ran away from Darien I got lost by the docks. I slipped on some cargo and fell off the docks. I hurt my head and was knocked unconscious. I drifted out due to the current and I was found by a family that was leaving Tokyo heading back to Yokohama. They fished me out and took me to their home. I was in an out of consciousness for weeks and when I woke, for a while I couldn't remember my name."

"A few missing posters found their way to Yokohama. A neighbor of the family I was staying with recognized my picture and called the police. After ensuring that I wasn't kidnapped by the Toei family I was brought back to Tokyo."

"Wow! How did your father react?"

"It was surprising. My father isn't one that usually expresses emotion. I will always remember that day."

Flash

A knock was heard on the door of the Tsukino household. Slowly Ken approached the door and looked out. Behind the door stood Detective Monroe and with him were a few squad cars. Tears filled his eyes as he knew what Monroe was about to say. Slowly he opened the door.

"Detective… I guess you have found my daughter."

"Yes Mr. Tsukino we've found Serena."

"So she's dead then…"

"No I'm not Daddy."

Ken looked at Monroe who only smiled and moved out of the way revealing that his 14 year old daughter was standing behind him.

"I told you that I would bring her home."

Ken released the tears that had filled his eyes. "Princess is that really you?"

"DADDY!" Serena ran and jumped in her fathers arms. He lifted her up and hugged her fiercely. Sammy hearing all the commotion ran from upstairs to see his sister hugging their father.

"Ser…Serena, sis is that really you?"

"Yes Sammy I'm home."

End flash

"Wow Serena that's great! But if you don't mind me asking, what happened with your mom?"

"She was released from jail. She checked herself into an institution. She had issues that I couldn't begin to understand. Daddy and Sammy go to see her and Daddy joins her in some of her counseling sessions."

"What about you? What's going on with you and your mom?"

"I don't know. She knows that I'm ok and she writes to me. She told me that she wants to be the mom I deserve. She doesn't want me to give up on her or our family."

"Have you given up on her?"

"No, she's my mother. What she did hurt me a lot but since she is trying to get better, I will give her a chance at being in my life again."

The doors to the Fruit Parlor opened revealing a smiling Darien. He walked over to Andrew and sat beside Serena.

"Hello my Princess." He leaned over and kissed her cheek and handed her rose. Serena blushed while Andrew smirked.

"So our resident 17 year old genius has finally decided to act his age."

"Leave him alone Andrew. He can't help that he is smarter at 17 than you are at 20!" Andrew gasped and smiled.

"I'll leave you 'kids' alone."

"So Serena how are you today?"

"I'm fine. We have defeated the Dark Kingdom. Leo and Phoebe are getting to know the Senshi again. We are finally together, Raye is free from Jadeite's control, we have our memories and my family is working things out." She smiled and leaned towards him for a real kiss.

"I've already experienced the worse and that means everything else can only get better!"

THE END!

You don't know how hard it was for me to wrap this up. I know someone may say that I rushed the ending but didn't we have enough flashbacks to rival an episode of 'Days of our Lives'?

Thank you to everyone that stuck with me! Sean, Ben, Meshala and everyone else. Thank you for all of your reviews, threats and emails. I really appreciated it.

I never thought I would be one of those authors that never finish a work, I'm glad I persisted.

Now for some information about the story:

Raye was written several different ways; all had her being possessed by a youma. I got this from the Side story in Vol. 11 of the Manga called 'Casablanca Memory'. In that story, one of Jadeite's female youmas tries to get revenge on Raye for the death of her master. It was sad because Raye realized she still had feelings for Jadeite, after regaining her memories of the past.

Monroe, Cherrie, Smith and Simple were all going to be forms that Serena took at first. Each aspect of one character was going to represent a desire, an emotion or a flaw in Serena. After a while I decided to make Monroe his own character… oh and if you didn't guess it, he disguised himself as Smith to give the others clues… as did Cherri in being a prostitute.

It was only today that I decided not to make Serena Cherri and to make her and Monroe twins. I've always envisioned the morphing scene since I wrote the profiles for those characters.

I tend to make Darien his real age in my works. I mean why would a 20 year old college student faun over a 14 year old?

I almost made a mistake with Zoicite. As I mentioned I have seen the anime, read the Manga and watched the live action… all of which have him/her portrayed in different ways… I almost made him a straight man before remembering that I based her off of the DIC dub and not the Manga.

At first, I wasn't going to make Ilene a suspect… however as the years progressed and we kept seeing parents inflicting pain on his/her children in the media, I changed my mind. Now the relationship between Ilene, her parents and Serena are based off of real life events. So the pain I am conveying with Ilene is how I think my mom feels with me… but that's anther story.

Lastly… why didn't I write about the final battle… you know how it ends, so why even jot it down!

Give me REVIEWS!

Dove