Sorry! Sorry! Sorry! I didn't know that it would take so long for me to get this chapter out. I had a lack of inspiration and well I had nothing to write, and the fact that I was in a Harry Potter mode for the past month and a half had something to do with it too, but whatever. I did read some really good fics, so if you're a fan, send me an e-mail.

I got two very good questions from the last chapter. One, why is it called China love when this is a Japanese based fic? Well, the answer is that this fic is based on a song called (yes, you guessed it!), China Love by Janet Jackson. The words explain this fic so well, go look them up cuz' I'm not in the mood to type them or just e-mail me. Two, if the queen is against Serena/Malachite then why hasn't she tried to breakup Darien/Raye? Simple answer seeing that it will be explained in future chapters, so you will just have to wait it out. Sorry! Moving along…..

Disclaimer applies as before

Chapter 3- Her Decision

Teeth scrape and gnaw off the rest of the polish that covered the manicured nails. Same hue as the gloss covered lips, Bashful, a soft pink that just happened to be her favorite color. There was a variety of different shades that made up her room, but every pattern she decorated with contained that one special color.

She didn't exactly know why she was so attracted to it considering that it was traditionally a "girl-ish" color, but she's always looked more appealing in it than in any other shade.

Her leg bounced over the edge of the bed as her eyes wandered around her room trying so difficultly to keep her mind from drifting to the one person she didn't want to think about; but she knew it was hopeless considering that there was no scout meeting, she had no homework to accomplish, no tests to study for and there wasn't a damn thing on television.

She had no distraction; therefore, no choice.

It happened three days ago! So why couldn't she get the echoes to stop? Those words, how they bounced from one side of her brain to the next like standing in The Grand Canyon and screaming at the top of her lungs then listening as the great crimson ravine carried the message miles away from where she stood. It frustrated the hell out of her, frustrated her because he got underneath her skin without resistance.

"You haven't changed much, Serenity. You're younger, but you still hold that fire within your eyes." Serena snapped out of it, "I don't know what you're talking about, I have never met you."

He smirked again.

"I see, you don't have all your memories back yet." He said more as a statement than a question. Serena gulped as his hand came up and touched her face; she closed her eyes at the feeling. She couldn't explain it, but it was something that she had felt before, she was sure of it now.

"I do have my memories back." For some reason that got his attention and he sent a glare at the bark behind her shoulder. "Even now, she still tries to keep us apart." Serena stared at his expression, it was that that had convinced her he knew all the answers and she wanted them.

"Who are you?"

He turned his gaze back on her, "You know me very well, Serenity."

"So you do work for the nega-verse then?"

He gave her an evil smile, the dark energy was coming back. "I do, but you're not afraid of me, are you?"

She lifted her brows, he was right, she wasn't scared of him at all and yet, he was her enemy. All she could do was shake her head,

"No."

She hated him for getting so close, for having his breath brush her right cheek, for him kissing her the way he did, but most of all, she hated herself for allowing his actions and then being turned on by his proposition that clearly showed his true intentions, in other words, he didn't want to fight her, he wanted to fuck her.

He moved away from her and Serena began to panic, "wait! I want information, and I want it now!" he stopped suddenly, and in a flash he had her against the tree again,

"you can have it, but only on my time."

She didn't like the way he said that, his whisper made it sound like something else, something intimate. She raised her head high and pointed up her nose in confidence, "then I don't want it."

He grinned and without warning, leaned in and kissed her. She stared at him with wide eyes, but eventually began to respond as she opened her mouth to give him full access. His tongue explored her mouth with expertise and she could only whimper in return. When he finally pulled back, she was out of breath and her lips were tingling.

He licked his lips and smirked, "oh, you will want it and you will ask, and when you do, I will be there to show rather than tell you."

The chills still ran up and down her spine followed by the tingles that circulated throughout her whole body. Most of the trembling came from her lips where he forced his upon hers. She could see her reflection frown at her from the mirror, but was it because she was disgusted or was it because she found it exciting? That question scared her given that she didn't know the answer.

She squeezed her eyes shut.

Come on, Serena. You can't be serious, he's your enemy and that's all he should be. He could be playing mind games by using those addicting lips as his weapon. You can't let him win, you can't submit

She rolled her eyes. So easy to say, but so damn hard to actually do.

All she needed was some sort of sign that would make up her confused mind, something that told her that thinking about it was just as worse as actually acting on it. She needed something that would transform her back to the person she used to be, just one freakin' symbol.

But, when she opened her eyes, nothing had changed, her room was still pink, there still wasn't a scout meeting, she still had no homework, still had no tests to study for, there was still nothing on television…… and Malachite was still the only thing on her mind.

The only detail she hadn't realized was the fact that she had made a meal out of her nails. Too bad it didn't count, or did she just ignore it and refuse to see it as the one thing she needed? A symbol

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The next morning, Serena dragged herself down the stairs and into the kitchen where her family resided. Her mother was at the stove, spatula in hand as the breakfast sizzled in the frying pan creating an appetizing aroma to circulate the room.

When she hit the main level and walked into the kitchen all eyes landed on her position, all holding the same expression akin to shock and disbelief. Serena paused a bit before pulling out a chair and making her self comfortable.

She was so busy putting food on one of the plates that she didn't see her brother, Sammy, walk around to stand next to her. It wasn't until he put his hand up to her head did she realize he was there.

She slapped his hand away from her head with a quick thrust of her hand.

"What?"

"Are you sick?" he said narrowing his eyes.

She frowned openly, "No, why?"

The fourteen year old lifted both his brows, giving her a look that screamed like you don't know?

Serena quizzically looked from her brother to her parents who were all giving her the same look. Her gaze fell back on her father when he cleared his throat.

"Well, it takes a lot to get you out of bed on time."

Sammy frowned and looked down at her. "Damn, did hell freeze over?"

"Samuel!"

The boy shrank back at the sound of his mother's angry voice. "What? I was just wondering."

Illene shook her head at her son's filthy mouth. Where did she go wrong?

"I better not ever hear that word come out of your mouth again. Understand?"

Serena almost laughed aloud at the expression on her brother's face. She really felt bad considering that most of the colorful words that he knew, nine out of ten, had come from her own mouth. But, from the scowl on her mother's face, she wasn't about to say that.

Serena took a bite out of her toast before answering the anxious questions.

"I accidentally set my alarm clock last night." she yelled behind her shoulder grabbing a napkin, another piece of toast and walking out of the kitchen to the front door never once turning around to see the confused looks on her family's faces.

A few minutes after the door closed, her mother frowned and blinked. Shaking her head she muttered,

"Smart ass."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

By the first block, Serena had completely consumed the her breakfast and was now rummaging through her back pack to see if she could come up with enough money to buy something else to eat. She really didn't know the reason for her appetite, but at this moment she was cursing herself for not taking enough food with her.

"Damn."

She looked down at the quarter and dime she held in her hand with disgust. Why was she always broke? She shook her head, putting the money back in the side pocket and muttered, "I need a job."

She continued her lonely walk to school, trying to ignore the silence that surrounded her. She couldn't understand how cars, buses, and loud children could run up and down the street and yet, she could still hear nothing but silence. Or is that the silence in her own head?

She licked her lips absently, the tingles still coursing through them. Those damn tingles! Every time she feels them she is forced to think about the white-haired nega-creep with the silver eyes. Those blasted silver eyes that probably saw right through her façade.

She was scared shitless! Not scared of him, scared of what she would do to him if he came close to her again. It was bad enough she almost died when he touched her and when he kissed her…..I don't even want to go there

She shook her head to get rid of her thoughts.

"Don't think about it, don't think about it, don't think about it…."

She repeated that phrase during most of the walk to school and found that the more she said it, the more she thought about it. And when the brick building of four stories came into view, she knew she was going to have a long day. She wiped the sweat that was forming on her brow away with the back of her hand.

"And by the way it's blazing out here so early, it's going to be a very hot day"

She walked inside and made her way to the second floor where her locker sat ready to be opened.

After getting the books she needed, she slammed the locker shut when the first bell rang, which meant she had five minutes to get to her first period class without being late. Too bad it was on the other side of the school on the first floor. If she ran she might be able to make it.

She jogged down the hall deciding to take the stairway closest to her classroom. When she turned the corner a figure came running from the same direction carrying an armful of books. Serena was able to step back before the boy tripped and made a dive to the ground, sliding to a stop at her feet.

Serena eyes glazed over as she looked at the clumsy student. Soon she couldn't see him anymore, only a dirt covered ground with rocks and grass met her vision.

She could hear fighting in the background and turned to see two men sparring with swords as the metal clashed creating echoes that carried over to her position.

She stared once more before moving over to their positions. As she got closer she could make out their features, one had black hair while the other was a bit taller and had pale blonde hair, almost white. They fought with no shirts on their backs as the sweat glistened on their muscular bodies. It took her a moment to realize that the man with the black hair was Darien or was it Endymion?

She no longer cared when her blue eyes landed on the taller man. They narrowed when his face came into view.

"Malachite?"

A cry came from Endymion's mouth as he swung his sword with a final stroke knocking Malachite off his feet, sending him plunging to the ground where he slid and stopped at her feet.

His breathing was haggard and his chest went up and down rapidly as he tried to calm his beating heart.

When he realized her presence, his head leaned back to look up into her face. His eyes were unfocused as their usual silver color was now a stormy gray. When her appearance was recognized, his eyes hardened and he cleared his throat.

She could feel her blood boil and her body heat rise. She just couldn't help herself, she just had to do it.

She returned his gaze with a small antagonizing smile on her lips

"Serena? Serena? Are you okay?"

Her eyes blinked several times until the hallway came back into view. She looked around with a frown on her face. She couldn't have dreamed it, could she? But the only thing she could see was Melvin's worried expression.

"Er, yea I'm fine Melvin." she said helping him pick up his books that were scattered on the floor.

"Good, you gave me a scare. You looked creepy!"

Serena glanced at Melvin from underneath her bangs, but quickly redirected her gaze to the floor. She stacked the books on top of one another as she ignored his mindless chatter. When he mentioned the incident with Molly, Serena looked up to meet his brown eyes that seemed enlarged from the thick glasses he wore on his face.

"What about Molly?" she asked

"Well, I know that you two had an argument not too long ago, but do you think the silent treatment is necessary?"

Serena's eyes hardened as she stood up with three textbooks in her arms.

"Melvin? No offense, but whatever's going on with me and your girlfriend doesn't concern you."

With that said she dropped the books into his arms and stomped down the stairs. When the second bell rang, he could hear a mumbled curse from below.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

It was the last period of the day and every person in the school building was waiting anxiously for the bell to ring. It was sticky and humid, making everyone want to jump into a pool of ice cream. And worst of all, there was no air conditioning.

Almost every student had a paper fan made out of the notebook paper they had sitting on their desks. How they all longed for something more on the electrical side as they pumped their arms faster to get the most air out of their skimpy paper molds.

Serena almost laughed when the teacher started to strip at the beginning of class, taking off his tie and unbuttoning his shirt. The looks on all the girls faces were priceless, she was so sure someone would pull out a dollar bill and tuck it into his waistband. If only….

She let out a breath and turned to look out of the window, it wasn't like she was learning anything seeing that the teacher was too preoccupied with the sweat beads that were running down his face and neck. They ended up getting written work instead.

Serena got the feeling of being watched and turned away from the window. Her gaze swept over the room until they met with the hazel eyes of her best friend. She could see the hurt in the red head's eyes as she looked at her friend with a questioning stare.

Trying not to frown, Serena turned back to the window. She had been avoiding Molly since that incident in class a couple of days ago. It really hurt that her friend could say such things when she knew nothing about what was going on in her life.

It's not that she didn't forgive Molly, it's just that she didn't feel like being bothered and hearing her stories about her night escapades with the school nerd, especially when she was having her own problems at the moment. No, she decided to let Molly sweat it out for awhile, because it would be a cold day in hell before Serena apologized first.

During the last ten minutes of class, murmurs traveled around the room. There was so much chatter that Serena could only get the gist of it.

"Water fight, after school."

With a blink, Serena groaned.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Psst…"

Lita stopped and turned toward the source of the sound. She almost laughed out right when she saw Serena poked her head out from the janitor's closet.

"Serena, one question. What the hell are you doing?"

The blonde gave an impatient sigh,

"What does it look like? I'm not trying to get caught up in this stupid water fight! It might be hot, but not that hot."

Lita smiled and rolled her eyes. "Don't you have detention any way?"

Serena glared at the brunette and then moved her gaze up and down the hall to make sure no one was coming.

"No, I don't have detention today! If I did, do you think I'll be standing here talking to you?"

When Lita didn't say anything back, Serena came out of the closet completely and stood next to her friend. When Lita looked down at the blonde, who was about two inches shorter than her, she sighed in defeat at the sight of Serena's puppy dog expression.

"Ok, I'll see if I can get you out without getting wet."

Serena smiled and hugged her. "Thank you, thank you, thank you! It costs a lot to get this stupid uniform dry cleaned."

With that said Serena followed the brunette toward the exit. Everyone knew that Lita would pounce on anyone who did her wrong, for instance, like throw a water balloon on her. Of course, anyone who knew the true Lita, they would know that she wouldn't purposely hurt someone---- her whole reputation was based on rumors. But Serena had to admit, the safest way to get out of the building without interference would be through Lita.

Little did Serena know, Lita had something else on her mind as a smile appeared on her face.

They reached the doors that led out to the side of the building. They definitely couldn't go out the front entrance, considering that the fight was taking place there. When Lita assured it was clear, Serena stepped out into the glaring sunshine, her hair matching it perfectly.

"Now!"

Serena jumps at Lita's voice. Turning around Serena could see Lita holding a water balloon with a wicked grin on her face. Serena's eyes widened before she made a dash around the corner of the school to head for the gate. When she turned to the corner, she could only blink as a handful of water balloons hit her body.

She screamed as each balloon struck her. Lita would definitely pay!

When the pounding stopped she opened her eyes, but instead of meeting a group of teenage students in uniforms she saw nothing but trees. She turned to her right and saw a small pond. And by the looks of her damp hair and soaked undergarments, which consisted of a thin white cotton under dress, she had just finished swimming in it.

The sound of a twig breaking behind made her swing around to meet beautiful silver eyes that seemed to be drinking her in hungrily.

She had completely forgotten that when the garments got wet, everything could be seen and she did mean everything. Though, she stood their with practically nothing on she felt no shame whatsoever, in fact, all she felt was satisfaction as he moved to stand before her.

"Serena, are you okay?"

Serena blinked and the schoolyard came into view. What the hell is going on?

"Serena?"

Serena shook her head and turned to Lita.

"Yea, I just got water in my eyes."

Her eyes narrowed when Lita started laughing, "That was so funny!"

"Really, please forgive me if I don't feel the same."

Lita cleared her throat at Serena' s face.

"Oh come on, Serena! It was a joke, chill!"

"Well, thanks to you, I have no choice but to chill!" With that said, Serena stomped away for the second time that day.

Lita looked over at the other students who helped her with the scheme.

"Don't worry, she'll get over it."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Serena closed the door to her room with a slam. Anybody could tell she was in a bad mood as she trudged over to her closet.

After the incident at school, Serena ran straight home to change into some dry clothes. She hung her uniform in the bathroom, threw on a jean skirt and blue pink tank top. With a pair of flip flops and her damp hair in a pony-tail, she made her way down the stairs.

On her way down, she didn't realize the baseball and as she took her second step, her foot rolled off of the ball sending her tumbling down the stairs to land hard on her back---- her screams coming to a stop.

Serena's breathing was uneven and her eyes remained closed, but the darkness behind each lid didn't linger as foggy image surfaced. She could hear a voice, a deep masculine voice that seemed to be directed at her.

"Are you alright , Princess?"

Serena opened her eyes to meet the worried expression of the white-haired man dressed in a uniform that was unfamiliar. When her vision became focused she recognized him instantly, startled and yet, relieved all at the same time.

When he asked the question again, she nodded, making the pounding in her head worse as she lifted a shaky hand to rub it away.

She tried to sit up but found it very difficult for her limbs just didn't want to work and he seemed to get that message as he lifted her into his arms and began his way up the marble stairway in which she fell from.

She could do nothing but relax into his arms. Putting her head on his shoulder, she closed her eyes, but before she could let the comfort of the darkness consume her, he was shaking her awake.

Somehow they had made it to her room, she was sitting on her bed and he was trying to shake her awake.

"Princess, do not go to sleep!"

She opened her eyes slowly and looked into his eyes, those beautiful eyes that she admired so much. It was the first time she ever saw true concern for her in them, she had almost thought to give up and move on, but now she wasn't so sure.

She nodded and sat up to where her back was against the structure of her bed. He put a pillow behind her head and moved a strand of hair out her eyes as he sat back and gave her the first sincere smile since she met him. Butterflies is what she felt. Butterflies in her stomach as they flew around making her feel light headed.

Malachite could easily read the emotions on her face. His eyes hardened and he abruptly stood from his position on the bed. Clearing his throat he told her he would be back and made his way to the doorway.

Before he could get far, she grabbed his wrist with both hands. He turned to her with questioning eyes.

"Thank you, Malachite."

He gave her one quick nod and walked out of the room.

She knew the reasons for his actions, they were what caused his abrupt departure from her presence. This made her happy, very happy. This showed that her actions weren't in vain. She smiled, the act meaning something hidden.

Yes, she was very close to getting what she wanted.

Serena opens her eyes to see the ceiling of her house. She sits up and looks around confused at first, but she got over it eventually and stood up clenching her arm. It was soar all over and she wondered how long she had been laying at the bottom of the stairs.

She saw the baseball sitting next to the front door and her faced went red.

"G'dammit, Sammy! How many times do I have to tell you to stop leaving your shit on the stairs?" she yelled not really caring if he was there or not.

She threw the ball into the living room and walked out the door.

On her way to the arcade she tried to not think about the events of the day. Those damn spells she had, was she imagining them? Or was it something else, like a memory?

She shook her head, they couldn't be memories because it would prove that her mother did lie to her, but it would also prove everything that Malachite told her three days ago in the dark seclusion of the park. She shuddered, she just needed something to take her mind off of everything.

So she headed to the one place that could help, the arcade.

When she made it to her destination, she could see the familiar mop of black hair sitting at the counter drinking his usual black coffee.

"Maybe I should tell Darien…" Her mind contemplated the idea over and over; after all, he could give her some good advice. She wasn't so sure seeing the way he acted the last time she tried to be honest with him. He ended up throwing it back in her face. She had to admit, out of all the scouts in the group, Darien was the only one she truly trusted . Maybe it was because he was a guy? She shook her head.

"Screw him, I don't need his damn advice!"

She walked in and took the stool next to him. Darien looks at her damp hair and frowns.

"Why's your hair wet, Meatball Head?"

they'll never let me live it down! she thought . Serena decided to ignore the hair joke and answer his question, the faster she tells him, the faster he shuts up.

"Water fight."

She watched his eyes lit up as they glazed over. With a goofy grin on his face he said, "I remember those…"

He shook his head, letting out a sigh he grinned, "the good times."

Serena snorted, "You had balloons back in your day?"

"I'm only three years older than you, Meatball Head." he scowled.

"No really…..?" she says feigning shock and amazement, each syllable dripping with sarcasm.

"And I'm not a Meatball head!" Darien just smirked and lifted a brow.

She rolled her eyes at the expression. "You are such a prick sometimes."

Serena reached over and grabbed the mug of hot liquid that sat in front of him and gulp the rest down. She swallowed without making a face at the bitter taste.

"Um, excuse me, but that was mine."

"Your point?"

"My point is that was mine, I paid for it out of my own pocket."

"Oh calm down, it needed sugar anyway." she said sliding the mug back to him.

He picked the mug up and examined the inside before turning back to the fidgety blonde sitting in the stool next to him. "Since when did you start drinking coffee?:

"Since I started talking to you." she replied smartly.

He could immediately tell something was wrong, by the way her eyes lingered everywhere in the arcade except meeting his own, the way her fingers played with her shirt and by the way her feet kicked back and forth. Oh yea, he knew Serena well enough to know when she was trying to hide or avoid something.

"Is there something you want to tell me, Serena?"

Serena jumped at his question, "why would you think that?"

"Now, do I really have to answer that question?"

She pouted, knowing that it was hopeless to even lie and she scolded herself for being the idiot she was and sitting next to the one man who could read her like his damn Physics book.

"I don't want to talk about it."

"Is it serious?"

"No."

He gave one swift nod, "good, then you don't have to tell me."

But she knew she would have to tell him when it did.

She nodded. No, she didn't have to tell him, it wasn't a serious issue. So what if she was having blasts from the past all damn day, frequently making her space out more than usual. So what if she was beginning to doubt her own sanity. So what if she was attracted to a nega-verse general. So what! …..It wasn't serious.

Not yet anyway

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Serena sits up in bed, a look of fear and shock on her face as she peers off into the darkness of her room.

What was that dream? Was it real? It almost made her laugh that she was asking all these questions and she couldn't even remember what had caused her moment of fright. This always happened to her, the only one she actually remembered was the one she told Darien about.

All she recalled from tonight's was a lot of screaming, some of it her own. She couldn't remembered anything else, but she knew it had to be bad seeing that she had tears rolling down her cheeks.

Serena put her face in her hands and let out a sob. Taking deep breaths to calm her beating heart, she wiped the tears away.

She knew immediately what she had to do. She silently walked over to her closet and threw on a pair of sweat shorts, a tank top and white sneakers. She gave the black fur ball who was curled up on a pillow by the bed a once over before turning toward the window.

With a quick murmur to the crystal around her neck she jumped from her second floor window to ground level and sprinted toward the park.

When she reached her destination, her sprint became a jog as she entered the secluded park. She stopped when she made it to the familiar setting, the same place Malachite had kissed.

A shiver traveled up her spine as her eyes gazed at the tree. She could see herself being held against it as a certain white-haired general whispered in her ear.

She shook her head, she didn't know why she was here. At first she thought she was doing the right thing but now she realized she was jumping in without testing the water. Her damn curiosity betrayed her.

Serena sighed and sat on the bench. She couldn't turn back now, she knew she'd be back tomorrow night as well, still trying to talk her self out of such an idiotic plan. She couldn't help it, she needed to see him again.

"Malachite, I know you can hear me! Show yourself!"

She looked around, but didn't see anyone. Five then ten minutes passed and still no nega-verse general.

Serena's head bowed in disappointment, she should have known it was too easy.

She stood and turned to make her way home when a figure blocked her passage. He stood there with his arms crossed over his chest. His silver eyes glowed in the dark as they stared down on her and his platinum hair fell loosely over his shoulders.

He didn't speak once.

Serena cleared her throat. "Hello Malachite."

"Serenity."

"I'm sorry to bring you out so late, but I needed to talk to you."

A smirk played on his lips, "I wasn't asleep." he said taking a step toward the blonde.

Serena swallowed, this man affected her for reasons unknown to her. Why? Yes, he was handsome, strong and…just plain beautiful.

The tingles now began all over her body and she had to admit, she liked the feeling.

The clearing of his throat bought her out of her reverie. She jumped back when she realized he was standing at arms length, too close for her at the moment. She might not be able to control her desire to reach out and touch him.

He lifted a brow at her silence. She wanted to talk to him so why wasn't her lips moving? Those lips…he wondered, how they would taste so good at the moment.

Serena could only blink when Malachite grabbed her by the shoulders and pressed his lips to hers. At first, they were slow butterfly kisses, which then turned into something more passionate as his tongue slid into her mouth and touched hers. His hands then moved from her shoulders to her waist.

Serena could feel the heat of her body increase. She wanted him so bad, she couldn't deny it anymore.

When his kisses stopped, she ran her own hands down his arms, her warmth easily felt through the sleeves of his uniform. She looked into his eyes, which were no longer cold and foggy, but clear as day.

With her mind made up, she cleared her throat.

"Show me, Malachite."

He didn't need elaboration. He kissed her tantalizing lips once more before moving to her neck, caressing the skin with his tongue. She didn't think about the consequences, she didn't even care anymore. This was where she belonged.

Serena shut her eyes and relaxed in his embrace, never seeing the park around them disappear.

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YEAH!!! I'm done with this chapter! Finally! REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW!!!