Only Human

Chapter 3: Enter Zerena

Updated on 4/2/01

Darien tossed and turned in his bed, trying to get some much needed sleep. No matter how hard he tried, sleep eluded him. He looked over to the bedside clock. Five o'clock in the morning! What was wrong with him?

He threw the covers back and swung his legs over the side of the bed, hanging his head in his hands. If it wasn't insomnia, it was those stupid dreams that plagued him almost every night. What a way to live...if that's what you could call it.

Darien got up and stepped out onto the balcony to get some fresh air. The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon.

'Why? Why does it have to be this way?'

It had gotten really ugly yesterday afternoon, no thanks to him. How did things get so out of hand? Even at that moment, he could still see the anguish written all over Serena's face vividly. She looked so hurt. It just wasn't like her to turn her back on her friends or let them down when they needed her. Not the Serena he knew...and still loved. All the more reason to ponder her volatile reaction. Oh well, it was probably for the best in the long run. As long as he stayed away from her, she would be safe and out of harm's way.

So why didn't he believe that?

The sudden rapping on his door brought him out of his train of thought. Who could it be at this hour of the morning?

'Darien, please open the door. It's important.'

After opening the front door, he looked down and found Reeny staring up into his face.

'Reeny? What are you doing here so early? You should be in bed,' he asked, kneeling down to her level.

The little girl launched herself into his arms, much like Serena used to and clung tightly to him. He gathered her up and brought her over to the sofa.

'Oh Darien, you gotta help us.'

'You know I'd do anything for you, squirt. What's the matter?'

'Serena's gone.'

'Gone? What are you talking about?'

'She hasn't been home all night. No one's seen her anywhere.'

'Are you sure we're talking about the same Serena?' he asked skeptically. She was probably hiding out at Molly's house until the storm blew over, pigging out on a gallon of triple fudge rocky road ice cream. The scouts had had their arguments and fights before, but they always managed to work things out.

'Please Darien, everyone's really worried.'

'What do you want me to do?'

'Will you help look for her? I found this,' Reeny said taking out Serena's star locket and holding it in her hands for him to see. When he saw it, he gasped in shock.

'Didn't it belong to Serena? Darien?' she prompted when he wouldn't answer her.

'Yes...yes it is. Where did you find it Reeny?' he managed to croak out.

Serena never left home without her star locket. It had been a symbol of everything they had shared. Now, he was really beginning to worry.

'It was on one of the docks at the pier.'

'I'll hang on to it for safekeeping, until we find her. Now wait here while I go change and I'll drive you back home and help you look for Serena.'

'Okay.'

Reeny twisted her fingers nervously while she waited for him. She never realized how much she cared for Serena until she was gone. Sure she was annoying and called her a little fungus or spore, but she did help her with that curry party and saved her from that weird lady.

'Please, please let her be all right,' she thought to herself.

'Now let me get this straight. Your daughter has been missing since midnight, and no one has seen or heard from her since. Is that correct?'

'Yes, officer,' Serena's mother answered shakily. She was trying hard not to cry, as were the rest of the scouts. The girls had heard the latest news from Luna and rushed right over. They were huddled around the living room, keeping the family company and giving their support.

'Can you think of any reason why she might have left in the first place?' the policeman questioned.

The scouts remained silent. They knew the reason all too well. After discovering the truth from Reeny, they hadn't uttered a single word, not that they had much to say. It was only after the officer left and Serena's mother went into the kitchen that anyone dared to speak.

'We should have listened to Serena,' Raye said quietly. 'We should have trusted her.'

'Raye, we can't change what happened,' Amy offered reasonably.

'I just hope we find her soon and let her know how sorry we all are.'

'Poor Serena. I can't begin to imagine how she feels right now,' Mina said, trying not to show how frightened she was.

'Serena's fine. She's gotta be,' Lita responded vehemently.

Luna and Artemis were pacing back and forth like caged lions. After all, it had been their responsibility as the girls' guardians to make sure that nothing got in the way of their mission to defend the universe from evil, not to mention protecting the moon princess.

Luna put the blame entirely on herself. She had pushed Serena too hard. She should have realized her limitations after all this time, and should have been more understanding...and forgiving. Instead, she pushed Serena even harder. All she ever wanted was to be a normal teenager.

'Reeny, before we go in, I want you to tell me exactly what happened yesterday,' Darien asked when they reached Serena's house.

'Why?' she asked curiously. 'Raye and the other girls asked me the same thing.'

'I just need to know. Please.'

Even as Reeny relayed the details, Darien's heart sank further and further as he began to realize his colossal error in judgement. No wonder Serena had been so angry with all of them, especially him.

'Darien, are you okay?'

'I'm fine,' he lied. He was far from being okay. 'You'd better go inside Reeny.'

'Aren't you coming too?'

'No, I don't think I should. Besides, I promised that I would help look for Serena.'

Reeny put her tiny arms around his neck and gave him a quick hug.

'Thank you.'

Darien waited until she went into the house before falling to his knees. He would never forgive himself if anything happened to Serena.

'I've got to get out of here,' he whispered hoarsely.

Zerena sat on a park bench going over in her mind how she would assimilate into her new life. Rubeus had been very explicit about her orders, and very adamant as well.

'Remember Zerena, you are to find the Silver Imperium Crystal at all costs. Use any method necessary to obtain it.'

That was all well and good, but first of all, she had to find out where the moon child lived. It was beginning to get hot as the sun was approaching mid-day.

Mmmm, a triple hot fudge sundae would hit the spot right about now.

Zerena shook her head furiously back and forth.

WHOA, where did THAT reaction come from?

Perhaps her memory was beginning to return.

'Serena!' someone yelled out.

Zerena turned her head and found a dark haired young man standing at the end of the path, waving to her. His face was vaguely familiar. She stood up and waited for him to approach her.

Darien's heart pounded furiously when caught up with Serena. Thank goodness she was all right.

'Yes? What do you want?' Zerena asked.

'I thought you would never speak to me again after what happened yesterday,' he replied quietly. 'I'm glad you're okay.'

'Why shouldn't I be?'

'Where have you been? Your family and friends are worried sick.'

Oh great. He was someone from Serena's past. Well, there was no time like the present to get her feet wet, so to speak.

'I've just been thinking. I needed to be alone,' she improvised.

'I know what really happened. About yesterday, I mean. Reeny told me.'

Wait a second. Reeny. That was the name of the pink haired moon child Rubeus was talking about. She was sure to have the crystal, or at least have some idea of its whereabouts.

'She did?'

'I was wrong for doubting you. I never should have believed for a second that you would let your friends down.'

Zerena listened intently. Her curiosity was stirred up.

How did this guy fit into the picture anyway? Unless he was someone important like Serena's boyfriend. Yeah, that's gotta be it.

'So why DID you doubt me?'

Her question caught Darien completely off guard. He couldn't fake his way out of it. She had every right to know.

'I...I guess a part of me wanted to,' he answered lamely. 'Come on. I'll take you home.'

Zerena looked dubious at first, but accepted his offer. After all, she couldn't very well refuse since it would have looked suspicious. When he dropped her off, he drove off as though he couldn't get away fast enough. Well, she certainly didn't envy her prototype's boyfriend, that's for sure.

Zerena took a deep breath before opening the front door and walking into the house. She found a group of people sitting together in the living room in silence.

'Look everyone! It's Serena!' Reeny called out.

Everyone's head snapped up and before she could even say one word in response, she was suddenly enveloped by a sea of hugs.

'Oh Serena, sweetheart, thank God you're home and safe,' her mother cried happily, hugging her daughter closely.

A warm sensation coursed through Zerena's veins. This display of affection felt odd, yet comforting at the same time.

'Now you sit down and relax with your friends, while I get you something to eat. You must be starving. Your father will be so relieved. He and Sammy have been out looking for you. Reeny, will you give me a hand?'

'Okay, auntie.'

Zerena was then left alone with the four girls and two cats, who apparently had yellow crescent-shaped moons on their foreheads! Surely it was just a coincidence.

'Are you sure you're all right Serena?' the girl with short hair asked her. 'We were so worried.'

'Yeah, I'm fine, really. I'm sorry for making such a mess of things. I didn't mean to.'

'WE'RE the ones who should be sorry,' the girl with the long ponytail interrupted. 'Reeny told us everything. Can you ever forgive us Serena?'

Zerena remained silent. Whatever they had done, it must have really terrible to make Serena run away from home. So much for her so-called friends. Her prototype may have been forgiving, but SHE wasn't.

'I can forgive, but it's going to take a long time to forget,' she answered stonily.

The silence that followed was so thick that you could cut it with a knife.

'I don't believe your nerve Serena!' Raye exploded. 'We come here, practically begging on our knees, and you're still holding a grudge. You are so stubborn.'

'Raye,' Mina warned, giving her a nudge in the arm.

'We understand,' Lita replied, after an uncomfortable silence. 'Come on guys. We should let Serena be alone with her family. Take care okay?'

'Thank you.'

'Aren't you being a bit hard on them?' an older woman's voice called out after the girls left. Zerena looked around. Funny, no one else was around. Who said that?

She looked down at the black cat at her feet. Impossible. Surely she was just imagining things.

'Serena, did you hear me?' the black cat asked her.

She jumped back in fright.

'You...you talked.'

'Don't be ridiculous. Now tell me why you were so hard on the girls. They did apologize to you.'

Zerena stared flabbergasted. She was still in a state of shock. Okay so the cat can talk. Oh man, this was too weird even for her!

'What's wrong? Has the cat got your tongue? This is a first.'

'I'm just tired, that's all,' she answered shakily. 'You can't put the blame on me, kitty.'

'I can't believe I'm having a conversation with a cat,' Zerena thought to herself. Well, if she could be a clone then a cat could learn to talk.

'I know you're hurt, but it's not all their fault. You must admit that the evidence at the time was very convincing. After all, you're not the world's most reliable person.'

Zerena felt a familiar twinge, as if she had heard this somewhere before. She felt annoyed and angry. No wonder Serena left if she was constantly subjected to this kind of treatment. Her first instinct was to retaliate. It didn't matter if this was out of character. She wasn't about to let anyone take advantage of Serena again. It was about time she spoke up for herself and take a stand.

'You're always taking their side. Can't you ever speak to me without treating me like a doormat? Believe it or not, I DO have feelings too, not that you would ever notice.'

This time it was Luna's turn to stare in amazement. She had never heard Serena ever talk back to her like that. She had been expecting a hissy fit or an ear splitting wail.

'I'm sorry Serena.'

'Oh, never mind. I'm going to my room. Tell mom I'll skip the food,' Zerena said getting up.

'Are you crazy? You know I can't let your mom know that I can talk.'

'Oh yeah. I knew that.'

Now this was more like the Serena Luna knew.

'Why are we waiting around Rubeus?' Prisma complained. 'I thought you had a brilliant plan.'

'Don't ever mock me Prisma. I can always do with one less sister.'

Prisma immediately shut her mouth. It wasn't a good idea cross Rubeus.

'Actually, I'm glad you asked. I want you to stage another attack on the rabbit.'

'Just leave it to me. I've got a score to settle with those misfits.'

'With Sailor Moon gone, I expect you to get rid of the scouts.'

'Yes Rubeus. You can count on me to get the job done.'

'See that you do.'

Zerena woke up groggily to the insistent ringing of the alarm clock.

Eight thirty!

'Oh no! Why didn't somebody wake me up?!' she wailed and jumped out of bed, knocking Luna off the bed. 'IT'S SOOOOO LATE!'

While frantically changing into her uniform, she fell down flat on her face.

'That really hurt,' she groaned, rubbing her nose.

It was the third time she was late for school that week. Oddly enough, it felt natural. She was slowly adjusting to her new life. It had been a strain at times, since she always had to check herself to make sure she didn't slip up. But for the most part, she was coping well. Bits and pieces of her memory were beginning to return, mainly about Serena's friends and family.

The only thing that troubled her was the fact that the Silver Imperium Crystal was no where to be found. The moon child obviously had no idea either of its location after Zerena did some careful interrogating. Rubeus would not be pleased.

'Aren't you forgetting something?' Luna asked as she was about to dash out the front door.

She pushed forward the transformation broach to Zerena.

Zerena picked up the lovely brooch and pinned it to her uniform. She had no idea why Luna was always insistent that she wear it all the time. She just assumed that it had been one of Serena's quirks. Oh well, it wasn't a big thing.

'Hey Darien, are you all right?'

Darien turned his attention to the guy who sat opposite him in the booth of the local malt shop. He smiled apologetically at his classmate.

'Sorry Adam. My mind was just wandering.'

Adam Butler had been a recent transfer to his college in the past week and had several classes with him. They had hit it off, almost immediately. Next to Andrew, Adam was his best friend.

'I know that look. Girl problems right?'

'I don't know WHAT you're talking about. There's no one in my life right now.'

Even as he said the words, Darien could feel a constriction in his throat. He really missed being with Serena. But there was nothing he could do about it, for now.

'I'm just worried about finals, that's all.'

'Well, who isn't? Say, who's the cute girl coming into the shop?' Adam said looking past Darien.

He turned around and immediately became tense. What was Serena doing here?

Zerena didn't notice Darien, as she slipped into the empty booth next to them. She had stopped in for a chocolate malt after Ms. Haruna gave her another detention.

'Come on Darien, 'fess up. You know that girl don't you?'

'I used to know her,' he replied.

'Well what are you waiting for? Introduce me to her.'

Darien was reluctant. One, Adam had a reputation for being a ladies' man and two, he didn't like the thought of Serena being with another guy. The situation was taken out of his hands as Adam got up and went over to her.

'Excuse me, but is this seat taken?'

Zerena looked up at the young man next to her.

'What a hunkmeister!' she thought to herself. 'He's so handsome.' He was definitely tall and well built, not to mention having the greenest eyes she had ever seen. And what great hair!

'Well, if it isn't meatball-head? Shouldn't you be studying?' Darien interrupted. He couldn't allow Serena to be the next girl on Adam's list.

Zerena glared at him viciously.

'Don't call me that,' she replied automatically.

'I'm sure there's a pretty name to go along with that pretty face,' Adam said in a smooth voice.

She turned her attention back to Adam and replied, 'I'm Serena.'

'Adam Butler. Pleased to make your acquaintance. Let's make it official then.'

With one quick jerk, he pulled her out of her seat and sweeped her into his arms so that she was off balance and had to hang on to him to keep from falling, and proceeded to kiss her.

Both Darien and Zerena were too stunned to say anything.

When Adam broke off the kiss and released her, Zerena pulled back her right arm and belted him in the jaw with her clenched fist in a swinging arc with a right hook.

Huh! The nerve of the guy!

She stalked out of the malt shop in a huff.

Darien didn't know whether to apologize or laugh.

'Are you all right?' he asked in half-hearted concern.

Adam got up and rubbed his jaw gingerly. Wow, what a right hook.

'I think she likes me,' he replied with a smile.

Darien slapped his forehead in disbelief.

After Darien left, Adam walked by himself and when nobody was looking, slipped into an alley. Rubeus would be waiting to hear from him. He flipped open his communicator.

'It's about time Proteus. For a minute there, I thought you had deserted me. What have you got to report?'

'I made contact with Zerena.'

'Excellent. Did you notice anything different?'

'She seems to be adjusting well. In fact, she seems to be enjoying it.'

'That's why I sent you to make sure that she doesn't enjoy it too much. Make sure that she doesn't find out who you are. I can't take chances on anyone's loyalty. And that goes for you as well,' he warned.

'I understand.'

Proteus morphed into his true form and vanished.

To be continued