Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or any of the canon characters. Miyako, Cleo, Lia, Harper, and Owen, as well as a few others, are only figments that have escaped from my imagination.

Chapter Sixteen: Prom Night and Farewells

"I still can't believe you took off on us like that!" Kyle roared. Darien's letter was crumpled in his hand. "Of all the irresponsible things you could have done, my prince!"

Cleo, her face blank, had walked over, grabbed Miyako, and pulled the ebon-haired girl out of the room the moment the three of them had returned. Though, she wasn't quite as emotionless as she'd appeared. Both of her hands had been shaking when she grabbed her adopted sister.

"Would you rather he have let me go without him?" Usagi demanded. She wished she were standing above Kyle, so looking down her nose would actually have been effective. It had always been hard to intimidate someone who towered above her. Instead, she tried to call upon all the regal training she'd had under Queen Selenity.

Kyle glared at the Moon Princess. "Don't think I'm not upset about you taking off, as well. Without your Inner Senshi here, the five of us have agreed we will step in and protect you to the best of our ability. Don't think we haven't considered insisting you come along when we head off to find Jadeite. Miyako and Cleo are treading close to joining us, as well."

"Pluto's here to protect me," protested the blonde.

"And Pluto isn't always here! She has to leave to go to the Time Gate! And don't try and bring Miyako's Elemental Warriors into it! After this latest fiasco, I'm not sure I trust them, either!"

"That is enough, Kunzite!" Darien's voice had taken on a cold, sharp edge, a tone Endymion had only employed to end any argument. It was a tone she knew he hated to use.

Kyle dropped a step back, bowing his head. "As you wish, your highness."

He whirled on his heel and stalked away.

Darien dropped into a nearby chair, hanging his own head.

"You know he's trying his best. He's the head of your guard. In order to guard you, he has to be with you," sighed Usagi, dropping down by his feet. She took his right hand in both of hers. "No matter how frustrating it gets."

"He does have a point about bringing the three of you along, next time," chuckled Darien.

She grimaced. "And make ourselves an even bigger target? Besides, you know Miyako and I would want to shop and sight-see, and we wouldn't have time for that. Not and keep on target for finding Jadeite."

"At least we don't have as large an area to search as we did, the first time. Almost a third of the Southern Kingdom's gone, thanks to Beryl's attacks."

"Maybe that means you'll be back all the sooner." She laughed as he pulled her up to join him in his chair.

Miyako was still a little subdued, a few days later. She'd gotten quite a tongue-lashing from all of her Elemental Warriors, excluding Isolde, when they'd gotten back. In addition to the hour and a half long lecture she'd gotten from Kyle. Well, Molly hadn't exactly yelled. She'd just given her stern disappointment in her princess, and later, in her best friend, when she'd cornered Usagi.

Even Harper had pulled the three of them aside to yell. Of course, he'd been interrupted mid-rant when Trista had walked in. She'd pinned him with a cold gaze and he'd immediately shut up. Noland hadn't spoken a word to Darien since they'd returned from the future, though it was clear he'd sided with Kyle. Zander, on the other hand, stuck with Darien, saying he understood. Of course, he'd also spent most of a day with Isolde, the two of them arguing over the decision. With the logical outlook of Zoicite and the diplomatic perspective Azura had always seemed to have, the two of them had come to terms with the situation. After all the yelling was over, they had walked up to the trio and had calmly stated that they didn't approve of what was done, but they understood.

They'd only lost most of the weekend to their time-traveling. It had been quiet while they were gone. There had been one droid left behind, and the Shitennou had managed to handle that one. Most people soon forgot about Rini, Aki, and Takara altogether, so it saved having to explain where they'd gone.

Sarah had slipped right back in, living wherever it was she and Addy had set up, before she left. The only difference was that she willingly hung out with them, now, at school. And she was becoming a more involved student, much to the shock of her teachers. That didn't mean she'd lost her sarcasm when dealing with them, but her homework was now being turned in on time and she'd pulled everything up so that she was eligible to attend Firerose's prom. No longer running around every night to deal with droids was a welcome relief for all of them.

Like her gown for the Snowflake Ball, Usagi's dress was made by Trista. As were Miyako's, Cleo's, and Molly's. Despite the offer, Lia wasn't going. Of the guys, only Darien and Melvin would be joining them, going with Usagi and Molly. Cleo and Miyako had both offered to let Owen come with one of them, but he'd decided against it. The Snowflake Ball was enough for him for a year. And Andrew was still insisting on keeping some distance from Miyako in public. That didn't mean the two of them weren't off in the Garden every chance they got, but he wouldn't be her date to prom.

"The next dance, I promise," he'd told her.

"A bargain. You come over and let me get a picture of you with me before prom, and I'll wait until we're back in Tokyo before asking you to go to another dance with me," she'd offered.

He'd nodded, immediately. "Just don't expect me to show up in a tux, again."

Indeed, he hadn't. It had been black dress pants and a dark purple button-up shirt that he'd worn to pose with her.

This time, she and Usagi weren't matching. Miyako wore a black dress that fell to mid-thigh, though there was a sheer skirt over the top. It sat at an empire waist, falling a couple inches longer than the black skirt in front but all the way to her feet in back. The top was black, but it faded down to purple as it neared the ground, the same color as Andrew's shirt, surely a planned outfit by Trista.

Cleo, once again, bared her back, with a high front, though this one was more of a halter-top, tying at the back of her neck, while her hair floated loosely around her shoulders. The skirt flared out at her waist, all the way to the ground, in a pale green, accented with darker green beads on her bodice.

Molly had surprised them all, with her strapless corset top and short skirt that only came a few inches above her knees, in the same aquamarine as her usual hair bow. Silver beads and sequins glittered across the bodice. Melvin muttered something about being grateful Noland had to work late at the observatory. He definitely wouldn't have let his sister go out if he'd seen it.

Once again, Darien almost swallowed his tongue as Usagi descended the steps. Her short bodice and it's off the shoulder sleeves were pale pink, shimmering in the lights. From a thin ribbon fell the rest of her gown, a pure white that grew transparent as it passed her knees. He couldn't help but be reminded of the gowns she'd worn back on the moon. Her pale pink shoes could be seen underneath the skirt. Silver thread was shot through the white, catching more beads sprinkled all over the gown. She kept her hair pulled up in a single bun and ponytail, though a small silver crown rested on her head, a small pink heart in its center, far more simplistic than the crown she'd one day wear as Neo-Queen Serenity. And, with a smile, she fiddled with the necklace she wore, the same one he'd given her last Christmas, with its three charms. The golden seal of Terra was in front, this time. Usually it was the silver star, or, on a rare occasion, the silver moon. But, tonight, it was his seal. For a moment, he wondered if there was a message with that, but he dismissed it. Even as Usagi, his princess didn't tend towards subtlety.

Sarah met them at the door to the prom. Unlike the others, she'd been forced to scrounge for a gown. She hadn't been planning on attending, which meant she hadn't bothered looking around for a gown. Of course, that meant that her gown was a rather bright pink, a color that Sarah normally wouldn't be caught dead wearing. A white belt wrapped around her hips, coming to a point. The skirt flared out from the belt. A matching bolero length jacket with ball-like sleeves and trimmed in the same white as the belt wrapped around her shoulders. Her hair, thankfully disguised once more to being purely black, was pulled up into a bun at the back of her head, while her bangs hung loose, still covering the scar down the side of her face.

Despite everything, including the tension still felt between the Elemental Warriors, it had been a wonderful night. Usagi had danced every dance with Darien, without once stepping on his feet. And she had barely even noticed all the evil glares sent her way for showing up with Darien. Though, she had to admit, she loved his Tuxedo Mask tux better than any other. Miyako and Cleo had darted around, usually dancing with each other, or with Sarah, choosing to sit out the slower dances. Not that they didn't receive several offers from high school boys barely containing their drooling. Even Molly was on the receiving end of several stares, though she had eyes only for Melvin.

-8-

It was two in the morning before Miyako, Usagi, Darien, and Cleo stumbled up the steps to their rooms in the farmhouse. But, the night wasn't quite over for Miyako. A light on the balcony had her walking outside. Andrew waited, a CD player by his feet.

"Not too worn out, are you?" He asked, hesitantly.

"For a dance with you? Never." She took his hand as he started the music.

Under the moonlight, the two of them waltzed across the balcony, never noticing the thrilled looks from Usagi and Cleo, pressed against their doors to the balcony. Of course, Usagi did have to give Darien a nudge in the ribs to stop his glaring at the pair.

Kyle had put his foot down. Miyako would not be going to this Mugen Summer Program. The invitation had arrived two mornings after the prom was over. And it had resulted in a still ongoing fight between the two almost three days later.

"Sarah's going! She got an invitation, too!"

Kyle folded his arms and glared at his adopted sister. "I don't care. I'm your legal guardian, and I say you're not going!"

"Please, Kyle! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity! I mean, it's New York City!"

"Sounds pretty suspicious to me," muttered Darien. He'd been trying to stay out of it, but both sides were constantly trying to pull him in and get him to take a side, finally forcing him to give his opinion.

"But that's precisely why I should go," argued Miyako. "Someone has to put a stop to it, if it is dangerous."

"Sarah can handle it," replied Kyle.

"Sarah hasn't transformed since her coronation. Who knows if she can even transform!" Miyako protested, a slight whine working its way into her voice.

"We've said no. That's final, Miyako." Kyle turned and walked away.

Usagi slid her own invitation back into her bag. There was no way she was telling Darien that she'd been invited, too. Despite a token protest, Trista had signed the forms. And it had been a token protest. It hadn't even taken all of three minutes before Trista informed her the forms were already signed. She would be going. She had to go. She knew it.

Darien was only back in Terrarose for a few days. She didn't want to spend all of the time fighting with him. She didn't know how long it would be before she saw him again, this time. She would wait until after she was already in New York to tell him. If it came up at all, that was.

Instead, if the topic ever came up, over the next few days, she was quick to change it. She focused on spending time with him, walking through the park, splitting banana splits at a local ice cream parlor, and just being with him. Two nights before they were to leave, he surprised her by taking her to the next city over for a fancy dinner.

"Since I may not see you for your birthday," he explained. "I figured you wouldn't mind celebrating a bit early."

She shook her head. A bit might be closer to a month early, but that didn't matter. "Not at all! Did you celebrate early with Miyako, too?" Miyako's birthday was a mere four days before her own.

"Yesterday," replied Darien. "It's strange. Six months ago, I didn't have anyone except Andrew. And then you threw that test paper at my head!"

"It's not like I knew you were behind me!" She pouted when he started laughing.

"I'm not mad about it," he managed, trying to stop chuckling. "It's just the idea that something so small could make such a big change. And how different my life's become."

"I guess so." She thought of rescuing Luna and pulling those band aids off her forehead. How different life would have been. If Beryl hadn't awakened, would she and Darien have found each other, again? She wasn't sure.

"Hey, we're here for your birthday. No need to look so gloomy." Darien gave her hand a squeeze.

"You're right. Looking gloomy is your job." She smiled, shoving away the darker thoughts. "Let's eat! I just hope you aren't expecting something like this when you get back. After all, then it'll be time to celebrate your birthday!"

"Don't remind me!" His chuckles resumed.

"Behave while we're gone," ordered Kyle. "I don't want a repeat of the last time we were out of the country." He glared at both of his sisters. "Even a whisper of something going on, you call and tell us. Understand?"

They both nodded. "We promise."

Usagi lifted herself up onto her toes as Darien bent down to kiss her. Unlike the last time, they were allowed to say farewell at the airport. Though she didn't want to let go of his hands. Why did it feel like she was always telling him good-bye these days? How many times had they said that, in their past lives? True, it had usually been her leaving, then, but still…

"Hey, I'll be back before you know it." He ran a finger down her nose. "And I'll keep the same promise as last time, a trinket from each place we stop. Alright?"

She nodded. "Be safe. The Southern Kingdom is a lot closer to Japan."

"I'll be fine. We'll find Jade and come right back. Then, we can get ready to take care of Beryl once and for all."

"Now boarding at Gate 7, Flight 614 for JFK."

The five guys waved and hurried to board their flight.

Miyako wrapped an arm around her shoulders, while Cleo squeezed the raven-haired girl on the other side. As a group, they walked to the large glass windows. They watched as the plane taxied down the runway, not leaving the window until they could no longer see the plane rising into the sky.

"You're lucky I still remember how to do this," commented Isolde, leaning against Miyako's door frame, three days later.

Miyako frowned. "What are you talking about?"

The blonde only grinned, a sparkle in her green eyes. She placed a white envelope on Miyako's bed, before she walked out the door.

Curious, she pulled open the envelope. Bright blue eyes widened as she read down the acceptance form for Mugen's Summer Program. There, at the bottom, was Kyle's signature. Except, there was no way Kyle would have ever signed it. He'd made that perfectly clear. So, how had Isolde convinced him? Or, had she convinced him?

Azura had been the diplomat, the negotiator, the peace keeper of the Elemental Warriors. But, she'd also been the only one who could… No! Isolde hadn't! Had she?

"Isolde!" Miyako raced out of the room and peered over the railing to where the blonde was sliding back on her shoes. "Thank you!"

Isolde grinned up at her. "Don't mention it! Especially not to Kyle or Zander, 'kay? I don't need my brother remembering that little skill of mine."

"You got it!"

Miyako grinned as she sealed the envelope to drop off in the mailbox. You could always count on Azura when you needed a forged signature.

And that ends Nemesis Secrets! Finally! Over a year of work, and it's done. Next up, Saturn Secrets and the appearance of the Outer Senshi! I don't know how soon I'll get the first chapter up, but don't expect it any time soon. Unless I get a rash of inspiration and a whole lot of free time...

Until the next story!

~Bookworm0913