Past Promises part 2
Darien walked slowly through the library. After last night's dream, he decided to do a little research on Serenity, Endymion, anything that could help him understand his dreams.
Passing the Biography section, he reached his destination: Myths and Legends.
Out of the corner of his eye, something caught his attention. He glanced over, doing a double take.
Serena sat hunched over at a table, engrossed in a thick book.
'Now this is unusual,' he thought. 'She never struck me as the type of person who liked to spend time at the library.' Unable to resist, he snuck up behind her. "Meatball Head!" he exclaimed, grabbing her shoulder.
Serena jumped, dropping her book.
Darien sat down across from her, chuckling.
She glared at him. "That wasn't funny!"
"Sure it was. Hey, what are you reading?" he reached for the book she had dropped.
"Nothing!" Serena grasped the book tightly. "It's nothing."
He raised his eyebrows suspiciously, then said, "If it's not important..."
"It's not." She relaxed her grip.
Darien smiled, then grabbed the book out of her hand. Huis smile faded as he read the title. "What is this for?" he asked, holding the book up. "Tales of the Moon?"
She took the book back slowly. "I-I'm catching up on my reading."
"Why did you choose this book?"
"Well, I... It's a long story."
"I have time."
They walked through the park, settling onto a bench. Neither spoke.
Darien stared at Serena expectantly.
"I don't know if I should tell you this..."
"Go ahead. I won't tell anyone."
"ll right." Serena took a deep breath. "About a week ago I started having these dreams, weird ones like I've never had. In them, I feel like I was in a play. Sometimes I think I was someone, and other times I was just watching other people."
Darien felt his heart stop. "Who were the people?"
"I'm trying to figure that out. That's what the book was for."
"Why the moon?" he asked, afraid of the answer.
"Because... In my dream, the girl mentioned something about the Moon Kingdom."
"The Moon Kingdom... Of course..." he murmured.
She stopped. "Have you heard of it?"
"Yeah, kind of," he replied, not paying attention to what he was saying.
"You have? When? What do you know?"
"I don't know-- I mean nothing, not much," he tried to explain. "I know the same stuff you know," he finally said.
"What do you mean?" she held his gaze.
"Serenity," he whispered hoarsely.
Serena gasped. "You know her name?"
"Your dreams... Are you on the beach?"
Her eyes widened. "Sometimes. And sometimes I was in a-"
"Rose garden," he finished for her.
"How did you know that?"
"The same way I know that the man's name is Endymion," he told her softly.
Serena sank back against the bench, breathing deeply. "Are we..."
"Having the same dreams? We must be."
"This is all too much." Her arm fell, knocking her purse and its contents to the ground. "Oh no!" She knelt down, throwing items back into her purse.
Darien bent down to help. His eyes fell on a tiny object gleaming in the sun. He carefully picked it up, turning it over in his hand. He looked at her, dumbfounded. "Where did you get this?"
Serena froze. "I've always had it, since I can remember." She reached for it in his outstretched hand.
Just as she was about to touch it, the locket opened. Both were mesmerized by the beautiful music.
"It's never played before," she whispered, touching the glowing metal. "What did Serenity say it meant?"
"That it played for true love," Darien answered. "But why would it play for us?" We've only known each other a week!"
"Maybe it knows something we don't."
"Like what?" Darien wrinkled his nose. "That we're going to fall in love?"
"I don't know. Maybe."
"But that's ridiculous!" he laughed. "We'd never fall in love!"
"Why do you say that?"
"Because... You're Meatball Head! And I'm Darien!"
Her eyes narrowed. "Yeah? Well, you're also an egotistical jerk!" She snatched the locket out of his hands and stalked off.
"I'm sorry!" he called after her. "I didn't mean it!"
She ignored him, quickening her pace.
He ran after her, catching up in a matter of seconds. "Stop!"
She started to run.
"Please stop!" Darien yelled.
Serena slowed down, finally stopping completely. She turned around, glaring at him. "What do you want?"
He jogged over to her. "I want to apologize. I made a horrible comment without thinking."
She crossed her arms, waiting for him to continue.
"What? What is it now?"
"I want you to admit it."
"Admit what?"
"That you're an egotistical jerk."
"But I'm not-" he started, then sighed. "Yes, I am. I am a terrible person. I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I'm asking for it anyway. I don't even deserve to breathe the same air as you!"
Serena suppressed a smile. "I wouldn't go that far. All right, uoi're forgiven."
"Thank you." Darien held out his hand.
She hesitated, the grasped his hand. They shook. She cried out in surprise as he pulled her into a hug. Sighing contentedly, her tiny body held by his strong arms, she laid her head on his chest.
'This feels so familiar,' she thought.
An image flashed through her head. She saw a room full of people, all wearing suits and ball gowns. They were dancing, mingling, having a great time.
Serena gasped, her head jerking up as the image disappeared. She looked up at Darien, who was also breathing hard.
"Did-did you see that too?" he asked her uncertainly, pulling away.
"The ballroom? Yeah, I saw it. Why'd we have this flash during the day?"
"Have you ever had one during the day?"
"No."
Darien thought a moment. "I think it's us."
"What?" Serena drew a blank look.
"You and me. We're already having the same dreams. Maybe we see more when we're in close proximity of each other."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, proximity means the-"
"I know what proximity means!" she cried, irritated. "I was talking about us being
this close causing flashes. Is it a kind of psychic connection?"
"It might be. Who knows?"
"Then why didn't we see anything the other day at the lake?"
"We weren't thinking about the dreams then." Darien ran a hand through his hair. "This is actually a good opportunity."
"Really?" Serena asked. "How so?"
"We know another way to get information. This will help us learn more without having to wait every night."
"Oh, I get it. Does this mean I'll have to spend all of my free time with you?"
Darien looked taken aback, then narrowed his eyes. "Of course not. But you say it like it's a bad thing."
"I didn't mean it like that."
"Then what way did you mean it?" he countered.
"Well, I just... What I meant was... I don't know!"
He chuckled. "I figured as much."
"Hey, do you think that if you combined the two, you'd get better results?" she suggested thoughtfully.
"What are you talking about? What two?"
"Sleep and close proximity."
"You mean you and I... Having a sleepover?"
"That would be the idea." She rolled her eyes, muttering, "Immature..."
"All right," Darien said suddenly.
"All right what?"
"All right we should do that. Have a sleepover."
She stopped. "You're kidding, right? Tell me you're kidding."
He smiled, amused. "I'm totally serious. Why do you sound so nervous? It was your idea," he mocked.
"I'm not nervous. I'm just surprised is all. So, um, when should we do this?"
Darien laughed, getting a look of annoyance from Serena. "I was just kidding!" he finally made out through his laughter. "I wouldn't subject either one of us to that."
Serena grew angry. "Don't do that!" she screamed, punching him in the arm.
"For such a tiny girl, you sure can punch," he muttered, grabbing his arm.
"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to!"
"It's all right," he said. "I deserved it."
"No, you didn't. I shouldn't have done that."
"Really, it's no big deal."
"Oh, I'm so relieved you're not angry."
Darien smiled shyly. "So, what time are you coming over tonight?"
She stared at him in amazement. "You want to do this?" she asked uncertainly.
He shrugged. "It might help us figure out these dreams once and for all"
"All right. Lets do this," she tried to sound confident.
Darien gave her directions to his apartment. "I should be going now; I have errands to run."
"Ok, I'll see you at nine then." Serena started to walk off.
He grabbed her hand, pulling her back to him. "Make it 8:30," he replied before walking away, leaving her staring after him.
"Hey, I get off soon," Andrew was telling Darien later that day at the arcade. "Rita and I are going out to dinner. You're welcome to join us," he offered.
"No, thanks," Darien answered. "I already have plans."
"Really? What kind of plans?":
"It's kind of personal..."
"Say no more. Nothing's wring, is it?" Andrew's face turned to one of concern.
Darien just laughed. "No, it's nothing bad. Anyway, I need to get home. I have some stuff to do."
"Ok, see you later!" Andrew waved as Darien left.
"I'll see you guys tomorrow!" Raye called to the girls as they walked down the temple stairs.
"Hey Mina?" Serena asked, letting everyone go ahead. "Can you do me a favor?"
"Sure, no problem! What do you need?" Mina asked curiously.
"Can I tell my mom I'm spending the night at your house tonight?"
"You want to have a sleepover?"
"No! I just want to tell my mom I'm sleeping over at your house. I'll really be somewhere else."
"Ah, I get it. Where will you really be?" she demanded suspiciously.
"I can't tell you. It's sort of... private."
Since when have you not been able to tell me something?"
"Since now. Please, Mina, do this for me."
"Oh, all right," Mina gave in. "It's nothing bad, right?"
"No, of course not!" She looked at her watch. It was 6:30 already! "I have to go! Thank you so much, Mina. I'll call you later!"
Serena hugged her friend and ran down the sidewalk.
Darien looked at his watch for the hundredth time that night. 'She'll be here and second,' he thought, frantically rearranging the magazines on his coffee table.
In the time since her left the arcade, he had vacuumed the spotless carpet, dusted the dust-free shelves, and rearranged the living room furniture, only to put it back in it's original spot.
Sinking into an armchair, he sighed. 'Why am I so nervous? This is just Serena.'
Yet there was something else to it. Serena was different. She was... special.
He jumped as someone pounded on the door. "Hold on!" he called. Taking one last glance at his living room, he opened the door.
Serena stared back at him. "Am I on time?" she asked meekly.
Darien chuckled. "Come in." He ushered her into the apartment.
"Wow," she breathed, "your apartment it so... neat!"
"Yeah, I have this bad habit of cleaning."
Serena's cheeks glowed pink. "Of course." She sized up the room. Nice furniture, shelves full of thick books, a glass door leading to a huge balcony. But there was no
cozy atmosphere, she observed.
"Would you like some hot chocolate?" Darien offered.
"Sure! I'd love some!" Serena licked her lips, following him into the tiny kitchen. She jumped backwards onto a counter top, swinging her legs nervously.
"Just make yourself at home," he told her as he put some water on the stove to boil.
"Don't mind if I do." She picked up jars next to her, opening them and examining their contents. "What is this stuff?"
"Spices. I use them when I cook."
"You cook?" Serena questioned incredulously.
"All the time! You don't?"
"Well, no. I bake cookies sometimes, but they don't always come out right." She lowered her head. "I can't do anything right."
"Don't say that!" He stood in front of her now, gently raising her chin. "You always make me feel better."
"Really?" A tiny smile appeared.
"Yes. Whenever I'm depressed or in a bad mood, one smile from you, whether aimed at me or not, can instantly make me feel better. You are a wonderful person. Don't ever think otherwise."
"That's the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me," she whispered thickly, locking her eyes with his.
The kettle whistled loudly, making them both jump. Darien quickly turned off the stove and poured the steaming water into two mugs. After stirring in chocolate powder,
he handed a mug to Serena, who accepted it gratefully.
They sat down in the living room, Serena on the couch and Darien in the armchair.
She kept stealing glances at him, smiling.
"What?" he wanted to know when he caught her. "What's so funny?"
"Nothing. Absolutely nothing."
"Come on! You're not laughing at nothing."
"Oh, all right. I'll tell you. You have chocolate on your face."
"I do? Where?" Darien reached up, wiping his cheek with the back of his hand. "Is it gone now?"
"No, you only smeared it," she giggled.
"You think that's funny, huh?" He leapt out of his chair and tickled her side, making her spit out a mouthful of hot chocolate all over her clothes.
"Oh no!" she wailed. "It's going to stain! And I don't have anything else to wear!"
"You can wear something of mine. After you change, I'll clean your clothes in the kitchen sink so they won't stain." He led Serena to his bedroom, handing her a shirt out of his closet. "You can change in here." He left the room, closing the door behind him. Returning to the living room, he kicked a fallen magazine across the room. 'She's probably in there crying,' he thought miserably. 'Man, I'm really doing everything wrong.'
Serena stepped back into the room, now wearing Darien's shirt.
He suppressed a smile. With the shirt falling to her knees and the sleeves covering her hands, he found her absolutely adorable. He took her clothes from her, going into the kitchen to wash them.
Serena fell back onto the couch, sighing. 'That was so embarrassing! I can't believe I did that. He must think I'm a total klutz.'
Burying her face in her hands, she moaned.
"Are you all right?" Darien asked, returning room the kitchen.
She looked up. "Yeah, fine. I'm just a bit tired is all."
"Now that you mention it, I could stand to sleep right now."
"I guess it's time then."
"Yeah, it's time," Darien echoed.
They walked slowly to his bedroom, stopping in the doorway.
"You take the bed and I'll sleep on the floor," he offered, pulling extra blankets and pillows out of his closet and setting them on his desk.
"Thanks..." Serena timidly sat down on the edge of the bed. She watched as
Darien unfolded the blankets and laid them on the floor. "You know, I see no reason why we can't be mature about this," she mumbled.
"What did you say? I didn't hear," Darien told her, tossing a pillow onto his makeshift bed.
"The bed is big enough for two people," she said in a quiet voice. "We can share. Besides, the bed is more comfortable than the floor."
"Are you sure?" he asked uncertainly. "Because I'm fine with the present arrangement."
"Yes, it's fine. After all, if you don't sleep well down there, we'll never learn anything about these dreams. Besides, I kind of have a feeling that something bad might happen, and I'd feel better being next to someone I trust in case I get scared." She slid onto the bed, pulling the covers back.
"Well, if you're suer about this..." Darien carefully sat down on the bed next to her. "Are you really positive-"
"Yes!" she exclaimed. "Yes," she repeated calmly, "so stop asking me."
"All right, sorry." He fell back, sinking into the comfortable mattress. "Oh, the lights." He started to get up.
Serena stopped him. "I'll get it." She jumped off the bed and turned off the lightswitch by the door. "Um, I can't see now."
"Just walk straight. The bed is right there. Just be careful of-"
"Aaaahhhh!" Serena screamed as she tripped and flew onto the bed, landing on Darien.
"My duffel bag," he finished before breaking into laughter.
"That's not funny!" she fumed. "I hurt my foot!"
"I'm sorry," he said quieting down. The silence lasted only a second before he started laughing again.
"What a great friend," she grumbled, pushing away from him.
He pulled her back, snaking an arm around her waist. "I'm sorry," he whispered, their faces inches apart.
"Well, you should be-"
Her words were muffled as he kissed her, gently brushing her soft, pouting lips with his own.
'God, I wish I could see her reaction,' he thought nervously.
"What was that for?" she asked slowly.
"I just wanted to," he answered simply.
"Oh, ok." She grabbed the side of his face and pulled him closer, covering his mouth with eager kisses.
A sigh escaped his lips as their passion ignited. He stroked her hair, enjoying the silky thread running through his fingers. "And what was that for?" he asked her between kisses.
"Just because I can," she told him, resting her head on his chest and curling her arms around his neck.
"Mmm, I like that answer." He absently traces swirling patterns on her back.
"Darien?"
"Hmm?"
"I'm tired."
"Then you should sleep."
"I'm scared," she said in a tiny voice, tightening her grasp around his neck.
He kissed her forehead tenderly. "Don't be. I will be right here to protect you, to save you, to hold you. I won't let go."
"Promise?"
"I promise." Darien pulled her closer. "Now dream, my princess."
"Not without you," she murmured sleepily.
"I'll join you shortly." With those words he closed his eyes, allowing his euphoria of holding an angel in his arms to sweep over him and intermingle with his tiredness, as they both drifted from the conscious world.
Standing against the wall, Princess Serenity stifled a yawn. She watched the people around her enjoying the royal ball as they danced and mingled.
'Why did Mother make me attend this stupid ball?' she thought sullenly. These royal functions are enough to put one to sleep! Oh, how I wish there were interesting people at least. I wonder why I am not asked to dance. Do I look horrible tonight?'
In a snow white dress adorned with blinding circlets of sparkling gold across the chest, she looked anything but horrible. The dress was her standard princess outfit, yet she appeared even more dazzling in it each time.
'Ah, I see my escape!' She glances across the ballroom to the empty balcony. Plastering a fake smile on her face, she proceeded to cross the large ballroom, stopping occasional to exchange greetings with prominent members of the kingdom.
"I made it!" she breathed, stepping onto the balcony. She leaned on the cement parapet, sighing in relief. "This should buy me some peace, at least for a while."
Someone behind her cleared his throat, trying to get her attention.
"That is not the correct way to engage in conversation with royalty," she said crossly without turning around.
"I'm sorry," he whispered in her ear.
She whirled around. "Endymion!" she exclaimed. "What are you doing here?" she asked more quietly. "You shouldn't be here, not since our kingdoms are warring."
"Don't worry about me. You know I could never stay away from you, princess." He pulled her tiny frame to him, wrapping his arms around her. "Like I said, I will protect both you and your kingdom."
"But what about you? I'm scared for you."
"Our love will keep me safe." He held her chin. "You and I will live on." He kissed her lovingly.
"Ah, my daughter," Queen Serenity said, walking out onto the balcony.
The couple quickly broke apart.
"Mother! Must you sneak around?" Serenity asked angrily.
"Sneak around? Why, my darling daughter, I have been calling you for ten minutes." Her amused smile widened. "Is that your special man, the one called
Endymion?"
She blushed a bright pink. "How-how did you know his name?"
"Oh, I overheard Lady Venus telling Lady Mercury. Really, dear, you must look into their being more discreet about your secrets in the future."
'Ooh, Venus is definitely going to get it!' To her mother Serenity replied, "Yes, I will speak with Venus later. Mother, I would like you to meet Endymion."
"A pleasure, sir." The queen curtseyed grandly.
"The pleasure is mine, your highness." He kissed her hand.
"A true gentleman. Tell me, Endymion, where are you from?"
Endymion glanced at Princess Serenity nervously, then returned his gaze to the queen. "Actually, I am Prince of the Earth."
The queen appeared unfazed by the statement. She smiled, waiting for him to continue.
"I feel I must tell you that I have no intention to join the war on your opposing side. I fully intend to defend your kingdom, even if that means going against my home planet."
"That is a noble plan indeed, Prince Endymion. Are you sure you should be fighting your own people?"
"The decision is not a flawless one, but I want to defend my princess. I will defend her." He took Serenity's hand.
"You have your work cut out for you." To her daughter Queen Serenity said, "I must return to the party now. I trust you and your companion will join me?" As she walked by Endymion she said to him with a tiny smile, "By the way, I knew who you were."
He stared in disbelief after her. "Your mother..."
"I think she approves," Serenity told him happily. "She invited you to join us, after all."
"Well, let's not disappoint her." Taking Serenity's arm, he led her back into the party and out onto the dance floor. He bowed, receiving a curtsey back from her. One hand on her waist and the other clasped firmly with hers, he led her through the waltz.
Couples on all sides moved to make room for the two dancing partners that glided across the floor in perfect, fluid motions.
At the end of the dance, they received applause from the onlooking couples. They laughed happily as they sat down on a bench on the balcony.
Neither notices that the weather had changed from a clear, beautiful night to a cold, windy one. Serenity shivered, her teeth starting to chatter.
"Oh, you're cold!" Endymion scooted closer to her and wrapped his cape around both of them.
"Something is wrong," she whispered fearfully. "I can sense it."
"I feel it too. The night has gotten... unstable. I wonder what is going on."
"We're under attack!" a guard bellowed from inside. "Everyone, leave now and get to safety!"
Serenity looked at Endymion in horror. "It's happening."
"I'm afraid so," he called to her over the panicked screams. "I must go and help fight." He stood, helping her up. "I want you to go find your mother. Both of you take
shelter somewhere safe. When the battle is over, I will find you." He pulled her into a kiss, one that felt like a goodbye to her.
"You come back to me."
"I promise." With those words, Endymion leapt off the balcony and ran in the direction of the screams.
'I'll told you to that promise,' Serenity thought, silent tears cascading down her cheeks.
Endymion raised his sword once again, fighting off the man that he had once trained with. The Moon Kingdom's warriors were dropping fast. There were just too many from the Earth to overtake them.
He finally found a break in the crowd and rushed forward, only to be thrown back with powerful force. Landing on his back, he groaned in pain.
"Is our poor hero hurt?" a voice boomed overhead.
He looked up, anger in his eyes. "Who are you?"
"You may call me Queen Beryl," she said, throwing back her head of fiery red hair with a smirk.
"What the hell do you want?" Endymion demanded, jumping to his feet.
"Not much. I just plan on destroying the Moon Kingdom and ruling the Earth is all."
"You will not! I will defend this kingdom with every ounce of energy in my body."
"Why bother? It's a losing battle." She paused, an evil smile forming on her face. "You know, you could rule with me, by my side. You and I on the same side, ruling the Earth."
"Never!" he spat. "I would never consent to that, witch!"
Her eyes flashed angrily. "You made your decision. And now you must die!" She flew into the air, her hands raised above her head.
The sky swirled grays and greens as lightning crashed from her hands. "You will regret turning me down!" She threw her hands out in front of her, shooting a beam of energy at Endymion.
He found himself rising in the air, suspended in front of Beryl. "Let me down!" he commanded, struggling to move away from her.
"Die!" she screamed, throwing bolts of lightning at him.
"Serenity!" he shouted before being engulfed by energy.
"You must hurry, daughter!" Queen Serenity grabbed her hand and pulled her down the crowded walkway.
People were fleeing in both directions, and they were trying without luck to get to the saferoom built under the palace.
Serenity stopped, pulling her hand away from her mother;s. She closed her eyes as her body was hit with waves of pain.
"Serenity!" the queen cried, running to her. "What's wrong?"
"Endymion," she breathed. "He's in trouble. I must find him!" She ran back towards the ballroom, pushing her way through the crowd.
"Serenity, come back!" her mother stared after her helplessly.
'Where is he?" Serenity wondered frantically. 'I have to help him.' She ran through the empty ballroom, listening for any movement. "Endymion, where are you?" she wailed aloud.
A loud rumbling startled her.
'That came from outside!' She dashed out onto the balcony just in time to hear Endymion scream, "Serenity!"
"Endymion!" She looked out into the sky and saw him being attacked by Beryl. "No!" Taking a deep breath, she jumped into the air and lunged at them, floating with the unstable air.
He turned to her, his face twisted in pain. "Go back!" he yelled as best as he could over the loud static.
"Not without you!" she stretched out her arm to him, floating at a devastatingly slow pace.
He reached out his hand to her, their fingers just inches apart. Using every shred of strength left, he stretched as far as he could manage.
At last their fingers touched. She grasped his hand tightly, fighting against the current of energy pushing her away.
"No! You will not survive together!" Beryl shrieked maniacally. "You will both die!" She raised her hands, preparing to strike.
"Serenity, I love you," Endymion said in a raspy voice.
"I love you, too," she wept.
"How touching. Too bad it won't last!" Tumultuous bolts of white lightning danced menacingly between Beryl's hands. In one swift movement, she sent all of the energy crashing down on the two.
They screamed in pain, their bodies writhing in midair.
"Serenity! Endymion!" Queen Serenity cried, tears streaming down her face. She was leaning over the balcony, watching as their lifeless bodies sank slowly to the ground. "No, this can't be..." She sank down onto the cold concrete. "First the guardians, then my daughter and Endymion. This cannot be."
She took out her crescent moon wand, holding the weapon tightly.
Luna and Artemis, the guardian cats, came running up to her.
"My queen, what happened?" Luna asked.
"My beloved daughter," she choked out. "That witch killed her."
Both cats gasped.
"Not Serenity," Artemis moaned sadly.
"I have to save them, all of them." She held up the moon wand.
"Queen Serenity, don't!" Luna begged. "You can't use the silver crystal. It would take up too much of your energy. You wouldn't survive!"
"This is the way it must be. Serenity and her guardians and Endymion will be reborn on Earth. Luna, Artemis, will you watch out for them for me?"
"We promise," they both said in defeat.
The silver crystal began to glow. "Moon Cosmic Power!" Queen Serenity shouted, and everyone was surrounded by a silver fog. She watched as they were engulfed in clear bubbles, all floating into the sky. Luna and Artemis were in protective pods, as they would also be reborn.
As the bubbles shot away towards the Earth, the queen collapsed.
She had used the silver crystal to push Beryl and the warriors from Earth off the moon. She laid in the ruins of her collapsing palace.
"My daughter will live on," she murmured before closing her eyes for the last time.