Serena felt a cool cloth press against her throat, trying to ease back the pain. It hurt to swallow and she still couldn't form a sound. Sensing her distress, Bardock growled, his only way of letting her know that she was safe. He didn't like the idea of training someone, but he took his job seriously and would allow no harm come to the girl other than from his training.

There were several cuts on her arms and legs, but she made no sound of protest. He frowned. Bardock was no stranger to pain, and he found it hard to believe that she wasn't crying out each time he cleaned away dirt and rock. He recalled something her twin had mentioned. "Can you speak?"

Tears had continued to fall down her pale cheeks, and for a moment he thought she didn't hear when she shook her head. Her sleep was tormented and Bardock found that she needed to have him close. It was strange, having another to depend on him. His companions were all capable and well trained fighters, qualities this girl clearly lacked.

The Grand Kai had permitted him to remain in the sanctuary of the other fighters, but like hell, he avoided contact. Bardock had no use for the other creatures, and that included their Grand Kai. "Serenity..." Startled by her Lunarian name, she looked up at him. "I will ensure that you return home. Until that time, you must focus on the threat towards your planet."

Bardock normally wouldn't have bothered with comfort or compassion, but this girl was not a Saiya-jin. "Have you had any training before now?" He gaped in shock as she shook her head. If she was indeed the friend of four Saiya-jins, why were they allowing her to fight? It bothered and angered him that a female wasn't being properly protected.

Serena watched him carefully, his eyes glowing with a murderous glow. His expression was blank, but she could feel his seething rage and contempt. She started to stand, but Bardock quickly snatched her wrist and forced her to remain seated. His gaze captured her sorrow filled eyes, trying to find the right words. "Do you wish to learn, to have the training necessary to defend against your enemies?"

She thought about his offer, wondering if it would make a difference? Serena was afraid for her friends, but had to trust in Vegeta, Kakarot and his brothers to defend Earth. She couldn't continue to withdraw, knowing that one day she would have to face her enemies. Wiping away her tears, she gave Bardock a shy smile and nodded.

Bardock could only stare in wonder. She had no fear of him, and it shocked him as nothing else could. Saiya-jins were the most feared among the universe, but he saw friendship and acceptance in her gaze. Releasing his grip, he stood and waited for her to do the same. "Serenity, if you agree, there will be no turning back. I'm Saiya-jin; training and battle is our primary nature. I don't know much about Lunarians, but what little information I had, they were pacificts. Do you trust me?"

Serenity didn't know what to expect from his offer, but she had no chance at defeating the negaverse without his help. With a heavy sigh, she nodded, praying she was making the right decision. Bardock hid his smirk. By agreeing, she had submitted her life into his hands. Slowly, he walked around her three times, studying every inch of her.

'This is hopeless.' Bardock had little to work with, but if he wanted his wish then he was willing to suffer ten years to train this kid. "We'll start with five hundred push-ups. After that, five hundred sit-ups followed by a ten mile run." Serena's eyes widened in disbelief. She had never done one push-up, let alone five hundred.

Bardock growled, closing the distance between them, his tail wrapping around her ankles to pull her down. "This is my one and only warning. I give a command, you obey immediately. As your training progresses, so will my versions of punishment."

At that moment, Serena really wished she had died. After five push-ups, Bardock had wrapped his tail around her waist, forcing her to come back up. She wanted to collapse, but he refused, often adjusting her back into the proper position. At one hundred, she felt her muscles strain. They were screaming at 250 and by the time she hit four hundred she could no longer feel them.

She thought sit-ups would be easier, but discovered how wrong she was when he applied pressure to her stomach with his foot. Serena reminded herself about the enemy, about her friends and what would happen if she failed. It gave her the determination to continue.

Bardock easily paced beside her as they ran, not surprised when she passed out five miles later. Lifting her, he brought her to the large mansion, demanding that she be fed upon waking. He would return in a few hours, smirking in amusement. Training the girl would prove to be fun.

The three senshi stared at the island in horror, Kakarot and Vegeta destroying the cruiser. They wanted no evidence of their location, nor an escape route for the senshi during their training. "What are you doing," Raye gasped, suddenly more terrified of what the Saiya-jins wanted than their enemy.

Saiya-jins were brutal fighters and she couldn't imagine wanting to train with any of them. Darien came up beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder for reassurance. He had found a nearby cave to place Sailor Venus, giving the injured senshi time to recover from her last battle. She had yet to awaken, but he wasn't surprised by the amount of blood she had lost.

"We need to talk," Darien quietly said, his eyes meeting Kakarot's and Vegeta's. They both nodded, leaving the senshi on the beach.

"Speak," Vegeta growled, hating to waste time.

"The girls need time before any of your group train them."

Kakarot started to deny the man's request, but hesitated. "We cannot afford to pamper them."

"I agree, but the girl's are far from strong enough to survive your kind of training. Unless the Saiya-jin race has changed in the last thousand years, your methods could easily kill or injure them."

"Did you have an alternative?" Vegeta demanded.

Darien smirked, transforming back into his armor, a sword at his side. "I am a seasoned fighter, well aware of how the negaverse plays and fights. Second, I know for a fact that even as a unit, those girls can't touch me. Allow me to challenge them; if you feel that they're ready to train under one of your group, then I will say nothing more on this matter."

Vegeta and Kakarot glanced at each other, turning their gaze to study the three girls shivering on the beach. Jupiter was the only one that didn't seem to care about her surroundings, her eyes filled with the same rage and sorrow from the day Turles found her. "I know for a fact that the tall one can fight."

Darien started to laugh, a challenge in his blue eyes. "Do you accept my offer? I promise, they will not win."

Vegeta nodded. They both seemed to agree with Darien, refusing to train anyone that didn't meet their standards. Raye was furious, her arms crossed in defiance. She had no desire to train, wanting to go back to her shrine. Raditz and Turles had refused to allow any of them to wander, unaffected by the fire senshi's nasty temper.

Darien had a feeling Sailor Venus had most of her memories, while the other girls did not. They had a few images, perhaps dreams, but they didn't seem to fully recognize him as the former Prince of Earth. That lack of knowledge would work to his advantage, remembering how much Raye hated being ordered around. Jupiter despised her strength being questioned, while Amy doubted her worth as senshi period.

Luna, resting beside Turles, lifted her head as Darien, Kakarot and Vegeta approached. "I want to go home!" Raye shouted.

Darien tensed, hearing Kakarot snarl. "You'll kill them," he hissed, a reminder of his promise. "Serenity will eventually remember who they are. I know this is difficult, but remember Serena is also dealing with two conflicting personalities. In battle Jekkanadar's personality is necessary, but at this time I need Kakarot!"

Vegeta glanced at the taller Saiya-jin, narrowing his eyes. Something was definitely different about Kakarot. He was more feral, as if all his human qualities had completely vanished. Vegeta slowly smirked, ready to agree to anything Darien wanted.

Kakarot slowly approached the fire senshi, watching the flash of fear in her eyes. It would be so easy to use force against them, but he had promised the human. "How many will die if you choose to return?"

Raye paled, trying to take several steps back. Kakarot didn't allow her to escape, snatching her wrist with an iron grip. She wanted to scream, but the images that slammed into her were too fast and brutal. The Negaverse would capture them one-by-one, infusing them with a dark energy that had corrupted the humans so long ago. Under the control of Beryl, they would kill their own families and friends, feeling no remorse. "Stop..." She begged.

"Luna," Kakarot demanded, "Who were the first to die on Lunaria?"

"The Sailor Senshi."

"And the last?"

"Endymion and Serenity."

Kakarot jerked Raye forward, his gaze as cold as ice; "Be thankful you're Serenity's friend. Do you have any idea what she's fighting against?" Kakarot had to force himself to breathe, trying to recall the fourteen years he had on Earth as Serena's friend, and the sixteen years racing around hunting for dragon balls with Bulma. After several silent moments, he finally released her, his expression once again blank.

"Serena was sent to hell; alive." Amy collapsed to her knees, tears threatening to fall. Kakarot took another breath, reminding himself that none of these girls had been properly trained as sailor senshi and that they were still kids. "In ten years, she'll be given back to us, if she lives. As her protectors, we need to be ready. The Negaverse is not our concern at this time."

"But..." Luna started to protest. "The humans have no protection without the Sailor Senshi!"

"The Sailor Senshi are no match for the Negaverse!"

"They'll learn."

Kakarot wanted to break something or someone, still furious that Serena was beyond his reach, injured, frightened and fighting for her survival. "Luna, stop building false illusions. Serena was unprepared to face the Negaverse, and as a result she's in a place none of us can help her! If they couldn't defeat the enemy a thousand years ago, what makes you think they stand a chance now? Are you fully prepared to send these girls on a suicide mission?"

Luna lowered her head, unable to answer. "How long do we have?"

"Ten years."

"And the Negaverse?" Amy asked, fearing for her mother. Would there be anything left of Japan?

"The Negaverse has their own problems to deal with. In the mean time, I want the three of you to attack Darien."

Lita laughed; "No offense, but he doesn't look that strong."

Darien released his sword and tossed it to the ground, "Then this should be easy for you."

Lita stepped into a fighting stance, her eyes alive with the thrill for battle. Turles was immediately interested; she was different than Serena's friends, but the girl was arrogant and over confident. The human male didn't even bother to guard himself, a direct challenge.

Raye started to help Lita, but the girl's pride wouldn't allow the fire senshi's interference. She was a fighter, never having to rely on anything or anyone. It was this type of attitude that Darien wanted to correct. Without team work, these girls would meet the same fate they had the last time.

"Jupiter..." A weak voice called, "Do not fight him alone."

All eyes focused on the very pale blonde, Artemis close at her side. Lita scowled, "He won't win."

"No one here doubts your skill as a fighter. However, you have blinded yourself into thinking that you're invincible. You can't defeat him by yourself!"

Lita's eyes flashed with rage, ignoring the girl's advise. She would prove who the stronger fighter was, and it wasn't a man. Darien dodged her hands as she attacked, allowing her to take the offensive. Raye knew then that Lita would lose. They might have won if they had joined together, but the brunette was too proud and stubborn to understand. Darien wasn't even trying to hit back, not until she was gasping for air.

His movements were a blur, that even the Saiya-jins were a bit shocked. Darien was still calm, his hands aiming for Lita's head and driving her back towards the water. In a single move, she was flat on her back, a fist an inch from her nose. "Lesson number one," Darien whispered, "don't underestimate the enemy. I've been fighting for two life times, and I've seen what happens to men who walk their own path. Not one of them returned home alive."

Darien stood to his feet, helping Lita to do the same. "Until the four of you learn to fight as a unit, the Saiya-jins will not help us train. We are Serenity's protectors and at the moment, the three of you don't deserve the title."

"Serena is fighting our battle, and not once have I heard her complain. She even tried to shield the Saiya-jins. If all you want to do is return home, then that's your decision. We cannot afford to have any doubts when we make our stand against the Negaverse. Choose now, for their is no changing your mind once you decide."

Vegeta had to give the human credit; Darien was a leader and demanded total loyalty from those that followed him. If he couldn't get it; Darien would ensure that the problem was eliminated. Venus, her face etched in pain, stumbled up to him. "I made my choice two years ago; I will fight."

Amy didn't know how she could help, but the idea of losing the only friend she's ever had was terrifying. Without a second thought, she joined the blond's side. She wanted to help Venus to stand, but the senshi's head was lifted with pride, refusing to allow her pain to bring her down.

Raye remembered the time Darien and Serena had appeared at the shrine, believing in her when everyone else thought her guilty. In their eyes, she wasn't a freak, but a friend. To return home, with no knowledge of the enemy, she endangered her grandfather and those she had sworn to protect. The last to join the group was Lita.

Lita was a loner by nature, having little reason to trust anyone. Still, if it hadn't been for Turles, she would have died, her heart shattered into a thousand pieces. She thought about the training and quickly realized she would never get better fighters to train her than those on the beach. With a heavy sigh, she nodded, agreeing to stay.

Kakarot smirked, already turning away. "Not bad," he growled, "for a human. I give you two years; any longer is impossible."

Darien nodded, watching the Saiya-jins leave them. Glancing at Venus, "You should rest." She gave him a strained smile before she returned to her cave, instantly falling back asleep.

Bardock watched her sleep, sliding back her hair before he dropped his hand. Two years and the girl never ceased to amaze him. She still lacked the strength to take him on at his weakest level, but Serena could at least block and defend herself. Any traces of baby fat that she had once possessed, had long since turned into muscle.

Serena never once complained; every morning she would greet him with a smile, and before she collapsed in exhaustion at the end of the day, she held no regret. The marks on her neck had healed, but she never regained the ability to speak. Even with that knowledge, she didn't seem to mind.

It wasn't until three months ago that he noticed slight differences in her scent and aura. She appeared to be happy, but her smiles were strained and her eyes held confusion and sadness. It was at these times, Bardock would give her a week to relax.

Being dead, it was easy for him to train non-stop for years, but she was mortal. He couldn't place the same limits on her that he did himself, and she was far from the abilities the Saiya-jins possessed.

Saiya-jins were the perfect weapons. Frieza had known this, therefore, ordering there total annihilation. With each defeat, if the Saiya-jin lived, they became stronger than the enemy that had caused him injury. A few more battles like the one he had faced with Dodoria, and Bardock was positive he would have been able to kill Frieza.

The time in hell had not been a waste, Bardock constantly finding ways to increase his strength. He now had the power to defeat any Ice-jin in his path, but what good did the knowledge do him when only four of their kind remained alive. Bardock growled, trying to shut out the memories of the past, hating his failure to save his planet and race.

Bardock avoided the other fighters, their questions and curiosity about him. Only Pikkon came and went, but he never spoke, silently respecting the Saiya-jin's desire to be left alone. As she slept, he noticed a sketching pad in her hands, a gift from the Grand Kai. Picking it up, he flipped through the pages, freezing when he recognized the faces of his sons. Raditz had been a teen when he was ambushed by Dodoria, and Kakarot and Turles he had seen only in his dreams.

He couldn't believe it; Serena was friends with not only his three sons, but Prince Vegeta. How was this possible? Beneath each sketch was their name. They were all good images, but Kakarot's picture was flawless. She managed to capture every line, every muscle.

Did Serena even realize her attraction to Kakarot? Kakarot was the twin of Turles, the youngest by thirty minutes. The lab techs had said Kakarot was stubborn, refusing to make his entry into the world until he was ready. Turles had been given to Frieza along with Raditz, Vegeta and Nappa.

He stared at the picture for a long time. There was something dark about Kakarot, a power hidden beneath the smile Serena had created. She could see no evil in him, only her protector and best friend. There were other pictures, some of four girls, two of them with names and the rest when they had been children.

She had drawn a picture of several bullies, Kakarot standing over her as he kept them from hitting her again. There were tears streaking down her face, but he had managed to turn her fear into a smile. Serena was very talented, he could almost see her past through each page.

He lost track of the passage of time, unaware that she had awakened, her blue eyes silently watching as he flipped through the pad. Serena saw the sadness in his expression, a heaviness on his soul that he would never voice. She lost the hope of ever speaking, but as she trained with Bardock, she had started to tap into a different ability that had shocked her.

She could see and feel his thoughts, and at times she could with the other fighters that were occasionally close. Bardock was tired, not physically, but mentally. He had no desire to continue his existence, even in the realm of the dead. Serena hated his pain, but she didn't know how to help. She knew so little of the Saiya-jins, but what little she had learned from Bardock in the past two years, she knew they were too proud to ever admit a weakness or regret.

Not wishing to disturb his thoughts, Serena left him beneath the tree and walked through the many gardens. The other fighters would greet her, calmed by her aura. She couldn't explain the feelings she had, often dreaming of a particular Saiya-jin. He was her best friend and she often wondered if he was alive or if he missed her? More and more of her past returned to her at night, and she would awaken with tears streaming down her cheeks.

Kakarot had been a part of that past, but he had been so savage. She rubbed her arms, shivering in fear. Would he be the sweet Kakarot she remembered or Jekkanadar? Jekkanadar had loved Serenity, but there had been nothing gentle about him. She loved Kakarot, and Serena wanted her best friend, not the past. Would he love Serena, or Serenity? Serena also knew that he would never allow anyone else to have her. She remembered the look he had given her, his eyes a flaming red after the track meet. Turles had been terrified, but why? She had never even seen that look when he visited Lunarian. Then again, no other male had been stupid enough to try and interfere and take his chosen mate.

She didn't know if she wanted to return. If Jekkanadar had resurfaced in Kakarot, would he try to control her completely, and could she love him like she did his other personality? Serena was so confused, her heart hurting from the fear of losing her best friend.

Something brushed against her cheek, a whisper of a shadow. Looking around, she couldn't see anyone other than the occasional fighter that waved a greeting to her. Her hair whipped around her face, a sudden wind pulling at her legs. Unable to resist, she walked in the direction it wanted, coming to a large lake that she had never seen before. It was beautiful, and completely isolated.

A pair of strong arms circled her waist, hugging her before allowing her to turn. Serena slowly lifted her eyes, gaping at the silver haired man, his silver eyes sad. He seemed familiar, but Serena had never met this man before, not in the past or the present.

"Relax, little one." Her eyes widened. She had heard that voice before, often as she slept. It was different than the other, the one that often seemed angry. This man's voice was soft and hypnotic, as if pulling her into a trance without even trying. Serena suddenly realized how alone she was, and there was no way for her to call out for help should he try anything. There was no halo over his head, indicating that he was very much a live.

"Mentally say your thoughts, little one. I will hear them as if you had spoken them aloud."

'Who are you?'

He laughed, motioning for her to sit at the edge of the lake. "I'm not surprised you don't know about Damien or myself. Perhaps I should tell you why your mother chose to never speak about us, why she found it necessary to keep your heritage a secret from the alliance."

'Damien, he's the other voice I hear.'

The man nodded, not surprised that his son was so closely connected to Serena. He sighed, knowing how difficult it was for Damien not to destroy the entire planet, eliminating the threat to his sister's life. "He's your twin of both lives, but he is not know to mortals as Damien. They have given him another name, and it wouldn't be a good idea to mention it to Luna."

'Is he evil?'

"We are neither good nor evil; however you two are unique in the bond that you share as twins. Your pain is his pain, and with your death, so does his come to pass. It already happened once and the result was an undying hatred for those that you try to protect. He doesn't understand why you sacrifice your needs for their own."

'I don't understand. Why would he hate them for something the Negaverse caused?'

"Little one, there is much more to it than just the Negaverse. Humans were easily corrupted by the Negaverse, their hearts and souls a blend of both evil and good. They wanted the power and thrill of those that suffered. Only one managed to escape the influence of Beryl's gift, and he died protecting you on Lunaria."

'Prince Enydmion.'

"Your brother never forgot it, even after everyone was re-born. He's a shadow in your mind and any and all threats he considers to both your lives he will eliminate. We are not like most Lunarians, but true immortals that never age with time. As your power grows, so does his."

"Several millennium from now, a future will be decided, one Sailor Pluto has tried to change. If the humans do not change their path, your brother will destroy them, and that includes the senshi that have sworn to protect you."

'Why? How can he make such a choice like that?'

"Little one, I may not agree with his decision, but I understand why he makes it. If you wish to protect the human race, then that is your choice. I will not interfere. The attack on the Lunarians is not the first foolish mistake humans have made, nor will it be the last. They always seek more power and ways to conquer what does not belong to them. Ask Prince Vegeta how this kind of power corrupts and what he himself has lived through. He would more than likely side with your brother on his decision."

'Not all humans are bad.'

"Try to understand Serena. He used to believe in standing back and allowing mortals to decide their own fates. But after both of your deaths, he has done nothing but to protect your life. Give him a reason not to destroy Earth; that is your task and your task alone."

'What are you?'

"The Lunarians you know are of the light, peaceful in nature. We come from the darkest parts of Lunarian, where none of your kind dare to venture. Our ways are brutal and often permanent."

'Did mother choose you?'

Her father smiled, "She didn't say no." He could see Serena's frown, not satisfied with his answer. "The question is, why do you fear the bond between Kakarot and yourself?"

Serena lowered her eyes, unable to answer. He gentle grasped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. 'I...'

"Little one," he whispered, his voice calming her terror, "Jekkanadar's power, knowledge and strength are needed for the future that lies ahead. However, if it is Kakarot's gentle nature that you seek, then I think you'll not be disappointed upon your return to the mortal world. You must trust in the one you call best friend. Has he ever let you down, in the past or the present?"

Serena shook her head, her heart suddenly feeling much lighter. She had to... No, she needed to believe in her best friend, just as he needed to believe in her. Kakarot couldn't afford to protect her at all times, therefore she needed to finish her training with Bardock. Her father smiled, nodding in approval as he stood.

"You have two powers, one that can easily destroy as the other can heal and protect. It is important that you learn how and when to control and use both. Damien is close, and if you should need him, call his name."

'You never told me his other name.'

"Is it important? Your life will never be a concern in his hands. At the moment he's confused by your forgiving nature."

Without warning, she flung her arms around his waist, wishing her father could stay longer. A tear slid down her cheek, hoping that she would seem him again. "If that is your desire little one, then I will grant it."

Serena watched him fade away, a little sad that their first visit was so short. She heard Bardock approach, turning to meet him half way. He frowned, but didn't ask where she had been or why. Her recent depression seemed to suddenly have vanished, a bright smile that reached her blue eyes. Before they headed back, she gave him a hug, racing off before he could make her do five thousand push-ups. He smirked, liking the girl despite his better judgment to keep emotionally distant from her. Serena didn't care that he was a Saiya-jin, nor did she listen to the comments that labeled him a cold blooded killer.

Artemis looked at his friend, watching the Sailor Senshi rest against the cave. Physically she was recovering, but mentally she had taken a heavy blow. He worried about her, as did the dark headed boy that often checked on her. She had long ago transformed back into her civilian form, but she seldom spoke, her eyes sad and haunted.

"Mina..."

"It's alright, Artemis," she whispered, stroking his fur. Mina loved her loyal feline, wondering why he had chosen to stay with her while the others trained and fought? She gave a strained smile; that was her Artemis. From the moment they met, they had been together, even after the death of her family. She would never forget the way the Negaverse had slaughtered them. All the police had been able to find of their bodies was blood. There were no bones, nor flesh; only their screams echoing through her mind and bright red blood.

Artemis had found her wandering on the street, taking on the enemy even before she had become the famous warrior Sailor V. She had been through so much, yet she never gave up, knowing what would happen if she did. Like Darien, the one called Kakarot would often check on her, ensuring that her wounds had healed. There were signs of scarring, but he was not disappointed when she never complained about them.

Saiya-jins saw scars as a badge of courage and strength, qualities this senshi often displayed as the weeks passed. She longed to join Darien and the other girls in training, but Darien and the Saiya-jins had stubbornly kept her near the cave. Darien had managed to keep her from dying while Amy had sewn the massive wounds on her body.

If she were to train too soon, the injuries could re-open themselves. Mina studied Kakarot carefully, knowing who he was. There was something different about him though. The first day she had seen him on the beach, she could have sworn he was a lot like the Jekkanadar from the Silver Alliance, but now she wasn't so sure. There were times when he wanted to put Raye or Lita in their place, but would quickly turn around and storm off.

Darien and Kakarot would often talk, long after the others had decided to rest for the evening. Gradually, she saw the Saiya-jin lose some of his hostility, but not his fighting edge as he continued to train with his brothers and Vegeta. She saw him approach, handing her a piece of meat that had recently been cooked. "Thank you."

He knelt, checking on her legs and arms. Kakarot allowed her to clean her stomach wounds, his expression usually blank. Mina studied him; his eyes looked sadder than usual. "You miss her."

Startled, he looked at her. Other than thank you, she usually refrained from speaking to him. "Perhaps," he growled. "Another week and you should be able to join the others."

"They don't listen," she sighed. "Why must they be so damn stubborn?"

"I would ask you the same thing." Mina blushed, remembering his furious snarl a few days ago, catching her trying to carry her own trays back to the camp.

"That's different. It's one thing to rely on your friends in battle, but another when you're lying around allowing everyone else to pamper you. I hate it. The Negaverse won't give a damn if I'm injured."

"You've been fighting longer than them." It was more a statement than a question, but she also recognized a hint of respect, something Jekkanadar would have never given to anyone other than another Saiya-jin. Why was he different than she remembered?

"I didn't have a choice any more than Darien did a thousand years ago. We died instantly on Lunaria, and now they still don't know what the enemy is fully capable of. Since he was ten, every day for eight years, he watched his companions either turn or die at his feet as they fought against Queen Beryl. He never gave up, but a piece of him was always left behind each time he returned to visit."

"How old were you?"

Mina frowned, trying to think past all the death and screams. "I was twelve when they murdered my family. Artemis appeared a year later. All I could think about was wanting to kill everyone of those bastards, to not repeat the past. Humans deserve a better fate than to be controlled like mindless puppets."

Kakarot finished re-wrapping her leg and stood. Before he turned, he met her haunted gaze and felt a piece of his soul crack. She wasn't a Saiya-jin, but the girl wasn't afraid to fight anymore than Darien was. To fight against an enemy without her powers, gained his respect. "Get some rest."

"I still say you miss her," she said to his retreating back. Mina knew he heard, his tail flickering in response.

"He's changing," Artemis said.

"It's not a bad thing. He loves her, even if he refuses to admit it. Our deaths on Lunarian were not easy on him."

"How..."

"I'm not sure how I know, Artemis, only that he suffers while she's gone. Perhaps that's why he's so willing to listen to Darien. Losing a loved one has a way of breaking even the coldest of hearts."

Kakarot, two years after Serena had been taken, walked away from the others. Most of the time he loved to spar for hours, but there were times not even his battles with Vegeta and his brothers would take away the growing pain. Was she still alive? Did she even think about him? If keeping her by his side meant giving her Kakarot's personality, he would do it. Deep down he knew he could never be anything but the warrior he had been so long ago, but for her he was willing to suppress his savage instincts if nothing threatened her.

His hair ruffled in the wind, Kakarot wanting to roar his rage and sorrow. He needed Serena where he could see and protect her. She was so forgiving and trusting, that it drove him to the brink of insanity when he thought about what she could be going through.

"Serena will not be harmed."

Kakarot whirled, his fist caught in a powerful grip. He could only stare at the dark headed man in shock. The stranger smirked in amusement, releasing Kakarot's fist before he sat on a nearby boulder. "Don't worry about anyone trying to interfere. They think you're alone on the beach."

"You can do that?"

"Illusions are not that difficult. My father thought of coming, but I wanted to meet you for myself. In a way, your just as connected to her as I am. Tell me something, if she were to die, how would you react?"

"Before or after I rip out the bastard's throat?" Kakarot snarled, his black eyes bleeding to red. The stranger laughed, liking what he saw. "Who are you?"

"Answer my question first. And let's just assume that you avenged her death. How would you take it?"

"Where she goes, I go. Our bond is not physical, at least not yet, but there is a mental one. I've always known when she was hurt, and there are times when I feel her confusion and sorrow. A Saiya-jin mates for eternity, and it's impossible for us to survive the death of the other. That's why we rarely bond, but there are cases when it becomes impossible. A mental link is forged through just a glance or a touch; that's what happened the moment I stepped on that accursed rock! Serenity was terrified, yet she walked straight up to me and smiled."

The man scowled, his silver eyes glinting in disgust. "She's bad about that. No matter how dangerous or evil a person, she'll forgive them anyway! I have two things to say before I leave. Upon her return, do not hurt her! My father would just send you to another dimension; I would have you ripped apart and your soul completely destroyed with no hope of being re-born or sent to the other world. Second, talk to the brat! She's driving me insane with her constant thoughts about you!"

Kakarot smirked, trying without much success not to laugh. "How do I speak with her if she's in the land of the dead?"

"She's as strong of a telepath as yourself." Kakarot, despite all his years of training and battles, was at a loss for words. Serena's brother simply laughed. "Did you think yourself the only telepath Kakarot? It may work on your companions, but not a Lunarian of the light or the shadows. Remember what I said, or the next time we meet won't be so friendly."

As quiet as he had appeared, Serena's brother was simply gone. There was no trace of a footprint or scent. It was as if the entire conversation had never taken place. Still it was worth a try. Sitting indian style, he closed his mind to everything around him, searching for the link that was his chosen mate.

For an hour he sat, and was prepared to give up when he gasped in pleasant surprise. 'Kakarot...'

He couldn't prevent the shout of triumph, all eyes on the beach turning in his direction. It was so like the friend she knew, that Serena latched onto their mental connection with stubborn determination. 'Dammit Serena, once I have you back, I'm never letting go.'

As if she were really there, she could feel a finger brush against his cheek. Shyly she wrapped him in a loving embrace, wanting him to know how much she missed his presence. He did the same, knowing how much she needed and wanted his strength. 'I long to return home, and I thank you for this gift.'

Kakarot frowned, sensing a sadness in her. 'What's wrong?'

'You may not want me so much when I return.'

He suppressed the instinctive rage, knowing she would be able to sense it. 'Serena, you're not getting rid of me. Why would you think I'd simply walk away?'

'Perhaps because I'm not strong enough to be the mate of a Saiya-jin.'

'I don't need strength, Serena! I need you! What happened? Why would you think this way? We're best friends and nothing has ever come between us before.' He knew that would keep her linked to him.

'Nephrite took away my ability to speak!' Kakarot felt the tears in her mind, and he wanted more than anything to go to her, to gently pull her close and promise her that she would never be harmed again. Now he understood why Darien said that her best friend would be needed more than a dominating future mate.

'Serena, we'll work this out. Never think that I'll let you go; I can't. You're my Lunarian.'

'You remember...' He heard the hint of fear, and he worked even harder to suppress his growing anger.

'I remember the important things. Serena, I want my best friend back. Please come home.'

'I hope you don't mind waiting. They won't let me out of here for another eight years. At least there's another Saiya-jin training me.'

He froze, his blood burning in jealousy. 'What Saiya-jin?'

Serena giggled in his mind, 'You were always so obvious. Bardock would never hurt me, at least not in the way you're thinking.'

'Promise you'll return,' he demanded gently, not wanting to frighten her.

'I will.' The connection was broken, Serena too tired to keep it. As soon as she was gone, Kakarot unleashed all his fury. At that moment, he wanted nothing more than to personally hunt the Negaverse and take them out. The senshi scattered, and Vegeta snatched Mina before the cave collapsed.

"What the hell happened?" Turles demanded, not understanding his twin's sudden burst of rage. Each Saiya-jin had one of the Senshi, the cats, or Darien, watching as the island exploded, leaving them to find another place to hide and train.

"Those bastards! For every tear she sheds, is a limb I tear off before I kill them!"

"This isn't good," Venus gasped, understanding Kakarot's fury. He was mentally hurting, Serenity's fear and pain having a huge impact on his energy level. "They've formed a mental bond."

"What are you talking about?" Raditz growled, trembling in restrained terror. Only Vegeta seemed to be unaffected, a sadistic grin spreading on his normally blank expression. He knew Kakarot had been playing them, pretending to be weaker while there never seemed to be any sign of injury on him.

An hour later, Kakarot managed to calm enough to drift over to them, his eyes an emerald green, and his black hair flickering between black and gold. It took everything he had not to fully tap out his power, "Play times over. The Negaverse will not win this game, and we will be ready when Serena returns."

"What happened?" Darien gently asked his friend. He clearly saw the pain in Kakarot's eyes, despite the rage pulsing around him.

"Serena can no longer talk."

"How will she become Sailor Moon?" Luna squeaked.

"We'll worry about that later," Kakarot growled. "The senshi must and will be trained."

The girls looked at each other, suddenly realizing how selfish most of them had been. Serena was still fighting, and all they wanted was to do things there own way. "Tell us what to do," Lita said, setting aside her pride.

"We will not let her down!" Raye agreed.

Mina smiled, finally seeing the girls coming together. "I think we finally have an understanding," she told the Saiya-jins. "Kakarot, trust in Serena the way she does you."

He nodded, taking off in search of a new training area. Making a vow, he promised to be everything Serena needed, a warrior, a friend, and later a mate. 'Don't you dare die, Serena.'