All right, ready for chapter four. I wanted to thank everyone for the
reviews again, I really appreciate it, and PLEASE keep it up. OK, I also
want to congratulate four of my friends who are expecting kids soon. Good
luck!
Now, on to the obligatory disclaimer. I do not own Sailor Moon, or DBZ, or anything else basically, so thats that.
If you missed it before and want it, my emails are stareye1701@hotmail.com and stareye@cox.net . Drop me a line, PLEASE, I love to talk with people.
On with chapter four then, read and enjoy.
CHAPTER 4: THE GREEN EYED MONSTER ATTACKS WITH HELP
Morning broke on a new day as Operation: Green Eyed Monster went into full swing. The plan was simple and very appropriate. With the help of the scouts, who had all agreed, though reluctantly in Ami's case, to help, they were going to find out, once and for all, whether Darien had any feelings for Serena. No one outside of the scouts knew Trunks was her brother, so a convenient trap was laid. Darien already suspected that they were more than friends, but his mind had jumped to a conclusion, or so was the hope, that they were beginning a relationship. Hints dropped by the Scouts and by Serena and Trunks would reinforce this notion, and hopefully inspire him to rage and jealousy. It was obvious that he still cared, especially with the rather blatant proof of Reenie. Vegeta was still fuming over that. A grandchild. However, Bulma and Bra were totally taken with the little girl, and she had volunteered to play a rather pivotal role. Darien wouldn't even know what hit him. Look out boy, the Scouts and Z Fighters are out for blood, AND ITS YOURS!
Poor Darien woke that day, oblivious to the fact that over a dozen people were scheming to make his life a living hell. He got up, and began his morning jog, as usual, hoping for a brief glance at Serena before his college day began. The beginning of his jog was normal enough, however, it was destined to be the LAST normal part of his day. On his way past the park, Darien spotted his Meatball Head. Giving her a once over, he froze. 'WOW. Since when did Serena look like THAT?!'
Serena, for her part, knew full well that she would bump into him on her way to school, she knew every part of his routine and the full route he took every morning. As such, the Scouts had taken up positions and were just waiting for a hint of him to play their roles. 'Oh, this is going to be good.' Leaning against the corner and stretching, Serena knew exactly what Darien was doing. She had purposely gone shopping the previous day, and her clothes were a lot more.interesting to a male than her normal fare. A low cut shirt showed off her chest to some advantage while a short skirt and sandals accentuated her long legs. 'He always did say I needed to wear stuff like this more.now what is he going to do with it?'
Trunks was around the corner, waiting for his cue to come around. The plan was to have Serena "wait" for him and then walk with him to school. He did not overly mind this, it gave him a chance to keep an eye on her while making sure that the idiot of a prince got to see what he was missing. Suppressing a yawn, he leaned against the brick wall behind him. Suddenly, his cue, a melodramatic sigh, was heard and he vaulted around the corner. 'Show time.'
Having taken a relatively sheltered position to avoid being seen, Darien was still admiring Serena from a distance. He definitely liked her new outfit, it showed off her body to great advantage. The looks men were tossing her as they walked down the street were not lost on him, although she, in her inimitable way was totally ignorant of them. Growling low in his throat, he tried to figure out what was going on. 'Why isn't she on the run for school? She's just standing there like a statue of some ancient Goddess, practically inviting guys to look at her!' His temper was on a slow boil, and it was about to get turned onto high.
The purple haired boy, Trunks, dashed around the corner, stopping right in front of her. He looked to be explaining something to she, a little frantically. 'Lovebirds have a tiff?' Darien watched more closely with hope, hope that was dashed the second the younger man hugged her. 'What the hell?!' Staring venomously at the man, Darien watched as they walked off towards the school together. It was almost surprising the man didn't drop dead just from the look her was getting. Looks should have killed at that intensity. Gritting his teeth, Darien continued his morning jog, deep in thought, until he was bushwhacked again.
Rounding a corner, he stopped dead in his tracks, nearly running into Ami and Lita, apparently heading to school as well. He only caught the last part of their conversation as they abruptly fell silent. 'Ami said something about a cute couple?' Pardoning himself, and trying not to grimace under their death glares, he continued on, again hearing a snatch of conversation, from Lita this time, as he jogged out of hearing distance.
"Serena sure is lucky to have that Trunks, he-."
'Oh, joy. Just what I needed to learn.' Shaking his head, Darien continued onward, picking up the pace a bit. It was only to get worse. Heading into his supposed safe haven, the arcade, he just overheard the last few lines of conversation between Andrew and Mina as he sat down in a nearby booth.
"-eally nice guy. And a gentleman too. Too bad he's always busy with her, I would love a go."
"Mina, this Trunks guy, is he really ok? I think of Serena like a sister to me, I don't want her messed up."
Darien was up, sprinting out of the arcade, not noticing the gleam of victory on Mina's face. He had some investigating to do, good thing he was on college break and there was no work today. It was time to find out just who these people were.
Unbelievable. No public records, except the official ones, of any of them. No newspaper articles, no hospital visits.nothing. 'They might as well have just popped into existence!' Heading out the door, he glanced at his watch. 'Almost time for high school to get out, maybe I can keep an eye on her for a while.' This thought in mind, he picked out a vantage point in the park, waiting for his prey to happen by. It happened sooner than Darien expected. Serena and Trunks walked leisurely by with Reenie in tow, having just picked her up from school. Darien seethed at their joined hands. He nearly leaped from the tree when, with a mischievous look, Reenie and Trunks both leaped on Serena, tickling her to tears. All three laughing, they helped her back up, leaning on each other as they staggered onwards. To Darien's shock, they turned towards the temple instead of heading to the arcade or her home. 'What in the HELL is he doing going to the TEMPLE?'
Serena smirked subtly as she and Trunks climbed up the temple steps. So, they had a shadow eh? 'A very familiar shadow. Well, how to turn this around..'
Whirling as if to grab Reenie, Serena JUST caught sight of him. "Darien. Something you need at a scout meeting?"
Wincing at her tone and cold words, he advanced up the steps knowing he was caught. "I was just passing by and thought Reenie might want to go shopping or something." He glared at the young man beside her, astounded that he didn't burst into flames. What is HE," motioning to Trunks, "doing at a scout meeting?"
"Well, since you have removed yourself from me life, with no explanation, who I bring to meetings or not, isn't really your business. Now, where did you want to take Reenie?"
Frowning, Darien let it go, his heart aching from repressed fear and anger. "The park and zoo. Nothing big, just an outing."
Reenie glanced to Trunks for permission, a glance not lost or appreciated by Darien. Trunks nodded and gave her a small shove towards Darien. She then leapt into his arms, babbling about her day and could they go get food, and how was college, and why this and that. Watching his retreating back was comical and painful for Serena. Not long ago he would have belted Trunks for being so close, and certainly would not have just abandoned her. 'God, how this hurts.I miss him so much.'
Trunks wrapped a reassuring arm around her shoulders. "It will be ok, Rena, he will be back, or else Reenie would never be born and I cannot imagine you in this pain forever, the universe is not that cruel. Now, come, we have the others to train."
Nodding, and a flicker of a smile gracing her features, Serena followed Trunks inside, ready to train the scouts, who were already progressing at an astounding rate. Today they would train in fifty times gravity, see how they improved then.
Heading for the zoo, with Reenie in his arms, Darien couldn't stop thinking about Serena and that boy. How dare she just replace him, and even tell this stranger all her secrets? 'I can't help but think that she is being careless, and how could she just replace me like that?!' Before his inner dialogue continued, Reenie interrupted him loudly and indignantly.
"Darien! You aren't patting 'tention!" She pouted in his arms, her bottom lip sticking out in anger. He chuckled at her, shaking his head.
"Sorry, Reenie, I was thinking about something else. How about I make it up to you with ice cream? Double chocolate fudge?" Eagerly she accepted and started to babble at him again. Inwardly he sighed. 'This is going to be a LONG afternoon.'
After only four hours of training, Rei sensed the droid's appearance. Alerting everyone, the entire group set out immediately for the park, the source of the disturbance.and one of the destinations of Darien and Reenie. En route, they transformed, Serena leading the charge to dispatch this energy thief. 'What this time? A dark energy point? Oh, PLEASE, whoever is listening, don't let it be Reenie and Darien!'
As soon as Darien felt the familiar sensation of Serena transforming he froze, trying to get a fix on the problem. This time, it was his ears, not his link, that warned him. Screams rose from the park as a monster was draining energy and scattering humans like pins in a bowling joint. Divided, Darien grabbed Reenie and ducked for cover, waiting for the right moment to strike.
Vaulting over the brick wall of the park, the scouts immediately saw the problem. This monster was like nothing they had ever fought before, almost a shape shifter, its main torso the only thing not changing about it. It generated and degenerated limbs as needed, attacking with a tentacle at first, then a stinger the next time. As a unit, they moved in, Rei focusing her ki, Mina from above and Lita from below powering up for a strike, while Ami began her analysis, darting in quickly for better data. Serena flew in, low to the ground, trying to see a gap in the defenses.
In the hedge, Darien's eyes widened. Mina was flying??! 'Rei is glowing like she's on fire, Lita is looking pumped, Mina is airborne, Ami is moving like greased lightning, and Serena is actually getting out there, like last time. AND NO SPEECHES??????'
Ami signaled for an attack by Mars, dodging a slimy arm-like appendage that disappeared as quickly as it had appeared. Rei threw her blast, one many times more focused and stronger than her normal fare. Training was really paying off. A shield like wall grew out from the creature, deflecting the fiery attack towards Mercury, who easily dodged it. 'This thing can be everywhere at once!' Lita dodged in, using a ki attack, a fairly powerful one at that, but still no good. Another deflection, though not at anyone this time. "SERENA, LITA, MINA!" Ami shouted between dodges. "Attack all at once, it might not be able to block them all! REI, attack just after them, try to see if it can handle it all!"
Serena dropped to the ground and braced. "Galactic GUN.."
Lita raised her hands over her head, "Masenko.."
Mina raised above the monster. "VENUS LOVE CHAIN."
As one they shouted out their attacks, Darien was shocked. Never had they been so coordinated. "Reenie, I have to help. Stay here, out of sight, and quiet, ok?" Reenie nodded as he rushed off, transforming and leaping into a nearby tree, unobserved, or so he thought. 'What in the name of EARTH are th--."
"FIRE!"
"HA!"
"ENCIRCLE!"
All three attacks headed for the droid, and all three were blocked, deflected, but not at targets.it seemed to be too busy to aim them.for now.
"Mars.Celestial Fire..SURROUND!!" The blast of heat caught the monster a blow right against its back, it couldn't block all attacks after all....
"SHINE AQUA ILLUSION!" The shout seemed to come from three places, but the attack hit the monster squarely in its chest, rocking it back. It was stunned, but not enough. Two huge arms lashed out, catching Rei and Lita before either could escape. Lita was fighting valiantly, as was Rei, but the monster heaped more of itself onto then, like a huge blob it slowly covered them.
Serena struck then, attacking the main body in a fury. "FINAL FLASH!!" "I won't lose them, not them too!'
A red rose lashed out, cutting the tendril holding Rei allowing her to fall to the ground, gasping for air and the goopy mass slimed its way back to the main body, being absorbed. Before Tuxedo Mask could duplicate his success, a golden disc sliced through the arm holding Lita, the mass again retreating to the main body. Glancing over, he saw that boy, Trunks, poised for a fight, the green man right behind him.
Opposite the fight from the rescuers, Vegeta was following his daughter's example. "BIG BANG ATTACK!"
The combined attacks broke through the monster's shields, frying its body before it was turned to ash and blown away in the wind. Breathing hard, Sailor Moon straightened, nodding her thanks to Vegeta. He returned the gesture, waiting for the next move. However, before anyone could move, Rubius again appeared.
"So, Sailor Brats, so succeeded in defeating my toy. No matter. I have what I wanted." He turned to Sailor Moon. "Sailor Moon, surrender the crystal, or I kill your friends."
Serena never had a chance to answer, Rei and Lita did it for her. "No way, nega-creep! We can take care of ourselves, and there is now way we are letting you use us to get the crystal!"
"You said it, Mars! Scouts can fight for themselves, and we would rather die fighting than be used as pawns, Rubius."
Mina and Ami, kept their silence, but the same determined fire burned in their eyes. Vegeta, Trunks, and Piccolo only braced for an attack, wanting to take out this cowardly bastard once and for all. Darien subtly moved towards the battle, also angling for Reenie's hiding place, just in case it came down to saving her and getting her out first.
Mid-air, Rubius began to smirk, then grin, finally laughing snidely at the Scouts and Z-fighters. "Why, dear Scouts, whoever said I was talking about you?" With a flourish, he produced a dark energy bubble. Inside was an unconscious Molly and Melvin, along with a very frightened Sammy.
Serena's face instantly darkened. The Scouts gasped in horror as they realized who was captive to Rubius. Snarling, Serena growled up at Rubius. "Let them go, NOW."
"Oh, I don't think so, Moon brat, not unless you give up the Rabbit and the crystal, NOW!" He laughed in satisfaction. "Finally your crystal and power will belong to the Dark Moon FAMILY!"
Serena was trembling in anger. She should have suspected. Rubius had gone for her weakness, her civilian friends and family. 'DAMN HIM, I will NOT let him get away with THIS!' Reaching for her broach, she de-transformed.
Reenie saw Serena drop her transformation, and was scared. Knowing she had to do SOMETHING, she burst from her hiding place. "NO! RENA, don-."
Spotting the Rabbit, Rubius dropped the three people, teleporting to right in front of her. She shrieked in terror, falling back and retreating from the evil creature.
Darien cursed himself, sprinting for Rubius, he had to be in time for her...
Serena ran fast, faster than she ever had, seemingly disappearing and reappearing between Reenie and Rubius. Right behind her Vegeta and Trunks appeared, Mercury not far behind, the others quickly approaching. "Back off Rubius."
Piccolo had reached the freed prisoners, checking the older two's ki to sure they were unharmed, even as he grabbed the young boy who was trying to reach the battle, eager to protect his "cousin" Reenie. "Lemme go!" Sammy struggled hard. "I gotta help her! She's too little for this, and it's my job to help her, and help my sister!"
"Your sister can handle herself, and you will have to be told soon what is really going on, but for now let them be, you would get in the way and cause them to get hurt." Piccolo easily held the brave boy by the back of his collar, letting him exhaust himself while Piccolo watched the battle.
Rubius hesitated briefly, then struck out with his power and fist, willing to finish her off before taking the crystal, even against his prince's orders. Serena blocked him, throwing a right cross of her own and battle was joined. Darien had grabbed Reenie now, so she didn't have to worry about her, and Serena wanted to end this once and for all. This man had caused so much pain.he had gone after her FAMILY! "No more, NO MORE OF YOU! No more kidnapping, no more terrorizing and fearing, no MORE!" She knocked Rubius to the ground, ready to deliver the final blow when she halted, unable to kill him, not with Reenie watching her. Settling for knocking him out, she turned and walked back, nearly falling several times. Rubius had gotten in a few good hits. Nodding to Tuxedo Mask, she flew off with the others, not knowing he followed her, Reenie held in his arms, asleep.
Landing roughly in an alley, she told the others she just need a breather and to go on. All but Trunks left her alone.
"Rena?"
"I'll be ok, I think he broke one of my ribs, nothing bad."
Trunks wrapped her into a comforting hug as she slumped hard against him, neither one knowing they had an observer overhead on the roof.
"He went after my family, Trunks, and I wasn't there to help him. Now Rei took Sammy back to tell him the truth, and I can't protect them. Trunks, what if he just kills one of them now? I can't let them be hurt because of me!" Tears leaked down her face into Trunks's shirt as she wept for those she knew would be hurt.
"Shhh, it will be ok, Serena, we can protect them, I promise we can find a way. I know you didn't finish him off because of Reenie, but maybe it would have been better, at least right now."
Darien was furious. He should be the one down there, not this stranger, it shouild be HIM comforting and advising her!
Serena straightened, shaking her head to clear it, back to business. "I won't let Reenie see what I had to at that age, it changed me, and I won't let her lose her innocence that way. Now, I saw you touch Rubius on the way out, you read his mind, probably most of it anyway. What did you learn that I can use?"
Trunks smiled. 'All business, that's my Rena.' "He is not the main guy behind all this. I sensed another, a more senior person, a Prince Diamond, and another, Wiseman. They seem to be the ones in charge. Apparently they are attacking in the future as well, and want to defeat you here to defeat you there, but you already knew about the future with Reenie here."
Darien nodded silently, he knew Reenie was from the future.but this...
Serena nodded, thinking. "Being Saiyan has it advantages, thanks Trunks, I owe you, I don't know what I would do without you."
"There is one more thing Serena. He was thinking about Darien. Something about dreams this Wiseman is sending him."
Nearly falling, Darien realized it had all been a trick, a trap! And he had fallen for it!
Shedding a single tear, Serena nodded. "I feared it was like that. It doesn't matter." Shaking her head again, she flew up and off, Trunks following her.
'WHY? Why did I let those DAMNED dreams tear her away?! I love her so much, but she deserves happiness, and it seems this Trunks guy is there for her. I need to explain myself, and I leave her in peace, she doesn't need me now.' Rising with Reenie, he began to journey to the Shrine to confess. Being watched, unbeknownst to him, by a very protective Saiyan prince.
When he reached the Shine, he walked in, passing Reenie to Lita as he passed, aware of the looks he was getting. He appraoched Serena, his sadness and pain not seen by his cool face and stride. "Serena, may I have a word with you, in private?"
She looked up at him and he allowed himself to gaze into her eyes for the first time in so long, so very long. Eyes are the windows to the soul, and he saw pain and fear of hers, of him. He wanted to die right then and there. Yet, she nodded and led him outside, neither aware of the Prince on the roof, watching and making his power level. 'If her hurts her again..'
"Serena, I know that I hurt you, and I won't try to break you and this Trunks up, but you should know why I did what I did."
Serena started t interrupted him and he put his hand over her mouth gently to silence her. "Please, let me tell you. I have this dream over and over, and we are being married. God, you are gorgeous, and I am there, waiting for you. And just as we kiss to bind ourselves, you are taken from me. I hear you cry out for me, but I cannot find you.and you die. A voice warns me to leave you alone, or you will die. I won't let you die, Serena. I swear, I will go first, I won't let you get hurt because of me!
"I know now it is a trick, and it wasn't real, Serena, but before I leave you to this Trunks, I wanted you to know, and I hope, maybe, someday, you can forgive me. I don't deserve you after all the pain I caused, so I will go, but I will be there to help if you need me." Darien felt tears falling from his eyes as he started to move away, knowing this was the last time he could be near her. He would die without her, but maybe them he would be with her in death, he could hope. As he turned, he heard the one thing he had never thought to hear.
"Darien, PLEASE, don't go."
Unbelievingly he turned, seeing her sky blue eyes staring into his. "Darien, I can forgive you. How can I not? I love you, as much as I or any incarnation of me, ever has."
Darien hesitantly reached out, pulling her to him. She came slowly, still hurting, but finally at peace, resting her head on his broad chest, hearing his familiar heartbeat. 'Dende, I missed this!'
"I swear to you, Serena, I will make this up to you, I swear it, my love. But." He pulled away to look at her. "What about Trunks?"
"Ah, he'll be happy I am happy, though he won't be happy with you for a while. After all, he always was a protective brother."
"BROTHER??!"
Serena nodded, tracing his jaw with her finger. The distance closed between them, their lips brushing, a reunion of souls. Before anything went too far, however, a gruff and demanding voice was heard from behind them. "Well, looks like it worked. Now stop touching my daughter or I will rip your lips off and feed them to the birds."
Darien pulled away to stare at Vegeta. "Daughter?"
Serena laughed, her voice a joyful bell in the area. "It's a long story, and you should hear it. Come, Darien, it's time you got to know my family, my real one, and then we have to plan." Wrapping her hand in his, she led him inside to meet a new and improved group of fighters and family.
Now, on to the obligatory disclaimer. I do not own Sailor Moon, or DBZ, or anything else basically, so thats that.
If you missed it before and want it, my emails are stareye1701@hotmail.com and stareye@cox.net . Drop me a line, PLEASE, I love to talk with people.
On with chapter four then, read and enjoy.
CHAPTER 4: THE GREEN EYED MONSTER ATTACKS WITH HELP
Morning broke on a new day as Operation: Green Eyed Monster went into full swing. The plan was simple and very appropriate. With the help of the scouts, who had all agreed, though reluctantly in Ami's case, to help, they were going to find out, once and for all, whether Darien had any feelings for Serena. No one outside of the scouts knew Trunks was her brother, so a convenient trap was laid. Darien already suspected that they were more than friends, but his mind had jumped to a conclusion, or so was the hope, that they were beginning a relationship. Hints dropped by the Scouts and by Serena and Trunks would reinforce this notion, and hopefully inspire him to rage and jealousy. It was obvious that he still cared, especially with the rather blatant proof of Reenie. Vegeta was still fuming over that. A grandchild. However, Bulma and Bra were totally taken with the little girl, and she had volunteered to play a rather pivotal role. Darien wouldn't even know what hit him. Look out boy, the Scouts and Z Fighters are out for blood, AND ITS YOURS!
Poor Darien woke that day, oblivious to the fact that over a dozen people were scheming to make his life a living hell. He got up, and began his morning jog, as usual, hoping for a brief glance at Serena before his college day began. The beginning of his jog was normal enough, however, it was destined to be the LAST normal part of his day. On his way past the park, Darien spotted his Meatball Head. Giving her a once over, he froze. 'WOW. Since when did Serena look like THAT?!'
Serena, for her part, knew full well that she would bump into him on her way to school, she knew every part of his routine and the full route he took every morning. As such, the Scouts had taken up positions and were just waiting for a hint of him to play their roles. 'Oh, this is going to be good.' Leaning against the corner and stretching, Serena knew exactly what Darien was doing. She had purposely gone shopping the previous day, and her clothes were a lot more.interesting to a male than her normal fare. A low cut shirt showed off her chest to some advantage while a short skirt and sandals accentuated her long legs. 'He always did say I needed to wear stuff like this more.now what is he going to do with it?'
Trunks was around the corner, waiting for his cue to come around. The plan was to have Serena "wait" for him and then walk with him to school. He did not overly mind this, it gave him a chance to keep an eye on her while making sure that the idiot of a prince got to see what he was missing. Suppressing a yawn, he leaned against the brick wall behind him. Suddenly, his cue, a melodramatic sigh, was heard and he vaulted around the corner. 'Show time.'
Having taken a relatively sheltered position to avoid being seen, Darien was still admiring Serena from a distance. He definitely liked her new outfit, it showed off her body to great advantage. The looks men were tossing her as they walked down the street were not lost on him, although she, in her inimitable way was totally ignorant of them. Growling low in his throat, he tried to figure out what was going on. 'Why isn't she on the run for school? She's just standing there like a statue of some ancient Goddess, practically inviting guys to look at her!' His temper was on a slow boil, and it was about to get turned onto high.
The purple haired boy, Trunks, dashed around the corner, stopping right in front of her. He looked to be explaining something to she, a little frantically. 'Lovebirds have a tiff?' Darien watched more closely with hope, hope that was dashed the second the younger man hugged her. 'What the hell?!' Staring venomously at the man, Darien watched as they walked off towards the school together. It was almost surprising the man didn't drop dead just from the look her was getting. Looks should have killed at that intensity. Gritting his teeth, Darien continued his morning jog, deep in thought, until he was bushwhacked again.
Rounding a corner, he stopped dead in his tracks, nearly running into Ami and Lita, apparently heading to school as well. He only caught the last part of their conversation as they abruptly fell silent. 'Ami said something about a cute couple?' Pardoning himself, and trying not to grimace under their death glares, he continued on, again hearing a snatch of conversation, from Lita this time, as he jogged out of hearing distance.
"Serena sure is lucky to have that Trunks, he-."
'Oh, joy. Just what I needed to learn.' Shaking his head, Darien continued onward, picking up the pace a bit. It was only to get worse. Heading into his supposed safe haven, the arcade, he just overheard the last few lines of conversation between Andrew and Mina as he sat down in a nearby booth.
"-eally nice guy. And a gentleman too. Too bad he's always busy with her, I would love a go."
"Mina, this Trunks guy, is he really ok? I think of Serena like a sister to me, I don't want her messed up."
Darien was up, sprinting out of the arcade, not noticing the gleam of victory on Mina's face. He had some investigating to do, good thing he was on college break and there was no work today. It was time to find out just who these people were.
Unbelievable. No public records, except the official ones, of any of them. No newspaper articles, no hospital visits.nothing. 'They might as well have just popped into existence!' Heading out the door, he glanced at his watch. 'Almost time for high school to get out, maybe I can keep an eye on her for a while.' This thought in mind, he picked out a vantage point in the park, waiting for his prey to happen by. It happened sooner than Darien expected. Serena and Trunks walked leisurely by with Reenie in tow, having just picked her up from school. Darien seethed at their joined hands. He nearly leaped from the tree when, with a mischievous look, Reenie and Trunks both leaped on Serena, tickling her to tears. All three laughing, they helped her back up, leaning on each other as they staggered onwards. To Darien's shock, they turned towards the temple instead of heading to the arcade or her home. 'What in the HELL is he doing going to the TEMPLE?'
Serena smirked subtly as she and Trunks climbed up the temple steps. So, they had a shadow eh? 'A very familiar shadow. Well, how to turn this around..'
Whirling as if to grab Reenie, Serena JUST caught sight of him. "Darien. Something you need at a scout meeting?"
Wincing at her tone and cold words, he advanced up the steps knowing he was caught. "I was just passing by and thought Reenie might want to go shopping or something." He glared at the young man beside her, astounded that he didn't burst into flames. What is HE," motioning to Trunks, "doing at a scout meeting?"
"Well, since you have removed yourself from me life, with no explanation, who I bring to meetings or not, isn't really your business. Now, where did you want to take Reenie?"
Frowning, Darien let it go, his heart aching from repressed fear and anger. "The park and zoo. Nothing big, just an outing."
Reenie glanced to Trunks for permission, a glance not lost or appreciated by Darien. Trunks nodded and gave her a small shove towards Darien. She then leapt into his arms, babbling about her day and could they go get food, and how was college, and why this and that. Watching his retreating back was comical and painful for Serena. Not long ago he would have belted Trunks for being so close, and certainly would not have just abandoned her. 'God, how this hurts.I miss him so much.'
Trunks wrapped a reassuring arm around her shoulders. "It will be ok, Rena, he will be back, or else Reenie would never be born and I cannot imagine you in this pain forever, the universe is not that cruel. Now, come, we have the others to train."
Nodding, and a flicker of a smile gracing her features, Serena followed Trunks inside, ready to train the scouts, who were already progressing at an astounding rate. Today they would train in fifty times gravity, see how they improved then.
Heading for the zoo, with Reenie in his arms, Darien couldn't stop thinking about Serena and that boy. How dare she just replace him, and even tell this stranger all her secrets? 'I can't help but think that she is being careless, and how could she just replace me like that?!' Before his inner dialogue continued, Reenie interrupted him loudly and indignantly.
"Darien! You aren't patting 'tention!" She pouted in his arms, her bottom lip sticking out in anger. He chuckled at her, shaking his head.
"Sorry, Reenie, I was thinking about something else. How about I make it up to you with ice cream? Double chocolate fudge?" Eagerly she accepted and started to babble at him again. Inwardly he sighed. 'This is going to be a LONG afternoon.'
After only four hours of training, Rei sensed the droid's appearance. Alerting everyone, the entire group set out immediately for the park, the source of the disturbance.and one of the destinations of Darien and Reenie. En route, they transformed, Serena leading the charge to dispatch this energy thief. 'What this time? A dark energy point? Oh, PLEASE, whoever is listening, don't let it be Reenie and Darien!'
As soon as Darien felt the familiar sensation of Serena transforming he froze, trying to get a fix on the problem. This time, it was his ears, not his link, that warned him. Screams rose from the park as a monster was draining energy and scattering humans like pins in a bowling joint. Divided, Darien grabbed Reenie and ducked for cover, waiting for the right moment to strike.
Vaulting over the brick wall of the park, the scouts immediately saw the problem. This monster was like nothing they had ever fought before, almost a shape shifter, its main torso the only thing not changing about it. It generated and degenerated limbs as needed, attacking with a tentacle at first, then a stinger the next time. As a unit, they moved in, Rei focusing her ki, Mina from above and Lita from below powering up for a strike, while Ami began her analysis, darting in quickly for better data. Serena flew in, low to the ground, trying to see a gap in the defenses.
In the hedge, Darien's eyes widened. Mina was flying??! 'Rei is glowing like she's on fire, Lita is looking pumped, Mina is airborne, Ami is moving like greased lightning, and Serena is actually getting out there, like last time. AND NO SPEECHES??????'
Ami signaled for an attack by Mars, dodging a slimy arm-like appendage that disappeared as quickly as it had appeared. Rei threw her blast, one many times more focused and stronger than her normal fare. Training was really paying off. A shield like wall grew out from the creature, deflecting the fiery attack towards Mercury, who easily dodged it. 'This thing can be everywhere at once!' Lita dodged in, using a ki attack, a fairly powerful one at that, but still no good. Another deflection, though not at anyone this time. "SERENA, LITA, MINA!" Ami shouted between dodges. "Attack all at once, it might not be able to block them all! REI, attack just after them, try to see if it can handle it all!"
Serena dropped to the ground and braced. "Galactic GUN.."
Lita raised her hands over her head, "Masenko.."
Mina raised above the monster. "VENUS LOVE CHAIN."
As one they shouted out their attacks, Darien was shocked. Never had they been so coordinated. "Reenie, I have to help. Stay here, out of sight, and quiet, ok?" Reenie nodded as he rushed off, transforming and leaping into a nearby tree, unobserved, or so he thought. 'What in the name of EARTH are th--."
"FIRE!"
"HA!"
"ENCIRCLE!"
All three attacks headed for the droid, and all three were blocked, deflected, but not at targets.it seemed to be too busy to aim them.for now.
"Mars.Celestial Fire..SURROUND!!" The blast of heat caught the monster a blow right against its back, it couldn't block all attacks after all....
"SHINE AQUA ILLUSION!" The shout seemed to come from three places, but the attack hit the monster squarely in its chest, rocking it back. It was stunned, but not enough. Two huge arms lashed out, catching Rei and Lita before either could escape. Lita was fighting valiantly, as was Rei, but the monster heaped more of itself onto then, like a huge blob it slowly covered them.
Serena struck then, attacking the main body in a fury. "FINAL FLASH!!" "I won't lose them, not them too!'
A red rose lashed out, cutting the tendril holding Rei allowing her to fall to the ground, gasping for air and the goopy mass slimed its way back to the main body, being absorbed. Before Tuxedo Mask could duplicate his success, a golden disc sliced through the arm holding Lita, the mass again retreating to the main body. Glancing over, he saw that boy, Trunks, poised for a fight, the green man right behind him.
Opposite the fight from the rescuers, Vegeta was following his daughter's example. "BIG BANG ATTACK!"
The combined attacks broke through the monster's shields, frying its body before it was turned to ash and blown away in the wind. Breathing hard, Sailor Moon straightened, nodding her thanks to Vegeta. He returned the gesture, waiting for the next move. However, before anyone could move, Rubius again appeared.
"So, Sailor Brats, so succeeded in defeating my toy. No matter. I have what I wanted." He turned to Sailor Moon. "Sailor Moon, surrender the crystal, or I kill your friends."
Serena never had a chance to answer, Rei and Lita did it for her. "No way, nega-creep! We can take care of ourselves, and there is now way we are letting you use us to get the crystal!"
"You said it, Mars! Scouts can fight for themselves, and we would rather die fighting than be used as pawns, Rubius."
Mina and Ami, kept their silence, but the same determined fire burned in their eyes. Vegeta, Trunks, and Piccolo only braced for an attack, wanting to take out this cowardly bastard once and for all. Darien subtly moved towards the battle, also angling for Reenie's hiding place, just in case it came down to saving her and getting her out first.
Mid-air, Rubius began to smirk, then grin, finally laughing snidely at the Scouts and Z-fighters. "Why, dear Scouts, whoever said I was talking about you?" With a flourish, he produced a dark energy bubble. Inside was an unconscious Molly and Melvin, along with a very frightened Sammy.
Serena's face instantly darkened. The Scouts gasped in horror as they realized who was captive to Rubius. Snarling, Serena growled up at Rubius. "Let them go, NOW."
"Oh, I don't think so, Moon brat, not unless you give up the Rabbit and the crystal, NOW!" He laughed in satisfaction. "Finally your crystal and power will belong to the Dark Moon FAMILY!"
Serena was trembling in anger. She should have suspected. Rubius had gone for her weakness, her civilian friends and family. 'DAMN HIM, I will NOT let him get away with THIS!' Reaching for her broach, she de-transformed.
Reenie saw Serena drop her transformation, and was scared. Knowing she had to do SOMETHING, she burst from her hiding place. "NO! RENA, don-."
Spotting the Rabbit, Rubius dropped the three people, teleporting to right in front of her. She shrieked in terror, falling back and retreating from the evil creature.
Darien cursed himself, sprinting for Rubius, he had to be in time for her...
Serena ran fast, faster than she ever had, seemingly disappearing and reappearing between Reenie and Rubius. Right behind her Vegeta and Trunks appeared, Mercury not far behind, the others quickly approaching. "Back off Rubius."
Piccolo had reached the freed prisoners, checking the older two's ki to sure they were unharmed, even as he grabbed the young boy who was trying to reach the battle, eager to protect his "cousin" Reenie. "Lemme go!" Sammy struggled hard. "I gotta help her! She's too little for this, and it's my job to help her, and help my sister!"
"Your sister can handle herself, and you will have to be told soon what is really going on, but for now let them be, you would get in the way and cause them to get hurt." Piccolo easily held the brave boy by the back of his collar, letting him exhaust himself while Piccolo watched the battle.
Rubius hesitated briefly, then struck out with his power and fist, willing to finish her off before taking the crystal, even against his prince's orders. Serena blocked him, throwing a right cross of her own and battle was joined. Darien had grabbed Reenie now, so she didn't have to worry about her, and Serena wanted to end this once and for all. This man had caused so much pain.he had gone after her FAMILY! "No more, NO MORE OF YOU! No more kidnapping, no more terrorizing and fearing, no MORE!" She knocked Rubius to the ground, ready to deliver the final blow when she halted, unable to kill him, not with Reenie watching her. Settling for knocking him out, she turned and walked back, nearly falling several times. Rubius had gotten in a few good hits. Nodding to Tuxedo Mask, she flew off with the others, not knowing he followed her, Reenie held in his arms, asleep.
Landing roughly in an alley, she told the others she just need a breather and to go on. All but Trunks left her alone.
"Rena?"
"I'll be ok, I think he broke one of my ribs, nothing bad."
Trunks wrapped her into a comforting hug as she slumped hard against him, neither one knowing they had an observer overhead on the roof.
"He went after my family, Trunks, and I wasn't there to help him. Now Rei took Sammy back to tell him the truth, and I can't protect them. Trunks, what if he just kills one of them now? I can't let them be hurt because of me!" Tears leaked down her face into Trunks's shirt as she wept for those she knew would be hurt.
"Shhh, it will be ok, Serena, we can protect them, I promise we can find a way. I know you didn't finish him off because of Reenie, but maybe it would have been better, at least right now."
Darien was furious. He should be the one down there, not this stranger, it shouild be HIM comforting and advising her!
Serena straightened, shaking her head to clear it, back to business. "I won't let Reenie see what I had to at that age, it changed me, and I won't let her lose her innocence that way. Now, I saw you touch Rubius on the way out, you read his mind, probably most of it anyway. What did you learn that I can use?"
Trunks smiled. 'All business, that's my Rena.' "He is not the main guy behind all this. I sensed another, a more senior person, a Prince Diamond, and another, Wiseman. They seem to be the ones in charge. Apparently they are attacking in the future as well, and want to defeat you here to defeat you there, but you already knew about the future with Reenie here."
Darien nodded silently, he knew Reenie was from the future.but this...
Serena nodded, thinking. "Being Saiyan has it advantages, thanks Trunks, I owe you, I don't know what I would do without you."
"There is one more thing Serena. He was thinking about Darien. Something about dreams this Wiseman is sending him."
Nearly falling, Darien realized it had all been a trick, a trap! And he had fallen for it!
Shedding a single tear, Serena nodded. "I feared it was like that. It doesn't matter." Shaking her head again, she flew up and off, Trunks following her.
'WHY? Why did I let those DAMNED dreams tear her away?! I love her so much, but she deserves happiness, and it seems this Trunks guy is there for her. I need to explain myself, and I leave her in peace, she doesn't need me now.' Rising with Reenie, he began to journey to the Shrine to confess. Being watched, unbeknownst to him, by a very protective Saiyan prince.
When he reached the Shine, he walked in, passing Reenie to Lita as he passed, aware of the looks he was getting. He appraoched Serena, his sadness and pain not seen by his cool face and stride. "Serena, may I have a word with you, in private?"
She looked up at him and he allowed himself to gaze into her eyes for the first time in so long, so very long. Eyes are the windows to the soul, and he saw pain and fear of hers, of him. He wanted to die right then and there. Yet, she nodded and led him outside, neither aware of the Prince on the roof, watching and making his power level. 'If her hurts her again..'
"Serena, I know that I hurt you, and I won't try to break you and this Trunks up, but you should know why I did what I did."
Serena started t interrupted him and he put his hand over her mouth gently to silence her. "Please, let me tell you. I have this dream over and over, and we are being married. God, you are gorgeous, and I am there, waiting for you. And just as we kiss to bind ourselves, you are taken from me. I hear you cry out for me, but I cannot find you.and you die. A voice warns me to leave you alone, or you will die. I won't let you die, Serena. I swear, I will go first, I won't let you get hurt because of me!
"I know now it is a trick, and it wasn't real, Serena, but before I leave you to this Trunks, I wanted you to know, and I hope, maybe, someday, you can forgive me. I don't deserve you after all the pain I caused, so I will go, but I will be there to help if you need me." Darien felt tears falling from his eyes as he started to move away, knowing this was the last time he could be near her. He would die without her, but maybe them he would be with her in death, he could hope. As he turned, he heard the one thing he had never thought to hear.
"Darien, PLEASE, don't go."
Unbelievingly he turned, seeing her sky blue eyes staring into his. "Darien, I can forgive you. How can I not? I love you, as much as I or any incarnation of me, ever has."
Darien hesitantly reached out, pulling her to him. She came slowly, still hurting, but finally at peace, resting her head on his broad chest, hearing his familiar heartbeat. 'Dende, I missed this!'
"I swear to you, Serena, I will make this up to you, I swear it, my love. But." He pulled away to look at her. "What about Trunks?"
"Ah, he'll be happy I am happy, though he won't be happy with you for a while. After all, he always was a protective brother."
"BROTHER??!"
Serena nodded, tracing his jaw with her finger. The distance closed between them, their lips brushing, a reunion of souls. Before anything went too far, however, a gruff and demanding voice was heard from behind them. "Well, looks like it worked. Now stop touching my daughter or I will rip your lips off and feed them to the birds."
Darien pulled away to stare at Vegeta. "Daughter?"
Serena laughed, her voice a joyful bell in the area. "It's a long story, and you should hear it. Come, Darien, it's time you got to know my family, my real one, and then we have to plan." Wrapping her hand in his, she led him inside to meet a new and improved group of fighters and family.