Story of the Future
Episode Six
"Intervention"
Author's Note: I apologize to everyone who has been waiting for the next installment. I have been extremely busy. But I will try from now on the get these episodes out more quickly. Thanx to all who have been reading and who have written me! Enjoy!
"Darien...I have to talk to you." Serena said, sitting down awkwardly. Her stomach bulged out.
Darien look at his pregnant wife. Sure, she was heavier and rounder, but he loved her just as much. She was positively glowing, with her body creating and nourishing life. He envied her with her power; with everything that he was capable of, he would never achieve that power of creation. He marveled at her. "What's up, meatball-head?" he asked.
"I've been thinking about what you said. About raising Rini." Serena said.
Darien looked at her seriously. He sat down. "And?"
Serena shifted position. "I think we should raise her the way my mother raised me." Darien gave her a puzzled glance. "Well, she was raising me to take her place when her reign ended. And from what the future showed, we've only seen Neo-Queen Serenity, not Serena. I never saw my mother without her regal gown and the crown atop her head."
Darien shook his head. "I'm not following."
"Well, we have our duties. Whenever we must appear in public, we put on our crowns and instantly transform. Sorta like transformation pens. Well, I think we should...always be transformed around our daughter." Serena said.
Darien suddenly understood. "Serena, you mean to say you don't want her to see the normal us? The human us?"
"I want her to be raised properly. It's how I was raised, and I turned out all right." Serena responded, shifting positions again.
"Serena, that's not how I was raised. I rarely saw my mother in her regal gowns...only when she had to perform royal duties."
"Darien, your mother did not take responsibility for her planet. When Beryl took over..." Serena began.
Darien stood up in rage. "Don't you EVER say that about my mother! You didn't even know her! She was the most honorable, wonderful..."
Serena stood up. "Dearest, I didn't mean to insult her. But where was she when Beryl attacked? Where was she when the planets rejoined to fight against Beryl? All the Scouts remember their mothers, but we also remember yours wasn't there that day. Yours wasn't there to help fight."
Darien glared at his wife. He saw red. "You forget, Queen Serenity, that my mother was Sailor Earth! She brought the peace that existed during the Silver Millennium! My mother was the first soldier against evil! DON'T YOU EVER FORGET IT!!" he shouted and stormed out of the room.
Serena sat down in shock. A tiny tear trickled down her cheek, but she brushed it away.
***
"Melvin, dear, where did you put that manuscript?" Mina called out.
"It's in the desk, where it ought to be." Melvin called back from the kitchen. He was doing the dishes.
Mina slapped her forehead and opened the desk. There was her latest report from the protection committee. "Thank you!"
It had been awhile since Mina had seen her fellow scouts. But with all the responsibilities on her home planet plus her family, she had no time. She had heard through the grapevine the Serena was pregnant, and was arranging to hold a baby shower soon, but suddenly crises on her planet had arisen.
Apparently, Venus had undergone complete political chaos in the years it had no leader. Mina had received the crown from her mother who was forced to live underground from the revolutionaries. Since she had been crowned, Mina had been trying her hardest to please the revolutionaries and protect her monarchy. So far, it had been going well.
Meanwhile, Melvin and Mina had been getting along surprisingly well. Although Melvin was a complete neat-knick, Mina appreciated his organization. Their relationship was full of love and care, and Mina was sure to keep it that way. Her husband was almost top priority to her, just being under her destiny to protect Serena.
Mina began reading the document, her eyes growing heavier and heavier. Why must the committee use all these big words? Can't they just say "Protection of castle is good"? Mina put the manuscript down and sighed.
Artemis curled at her feet. Mina grinned and picked him up. "Hello, hello, Artemis." she said to him.
"Hey Mina. How's it going?" Artemis asked, enjoying the petting Mina was giving him.
Mina shrugged, "Fine. A little boring." She drifted off for a moment before returning back. "Artemis, what do you say we visit Earth in a few weeks? See our buddies, have a baby shower, be there for Serena's delivery? After all, she is six months pregnant."
Artemis smiled, his whiskers lifting. "That'd be wonderful."
Melvin entered at that moment. "Hey sweet thing. Hey Artemis. What's his I hear you say about going home for awhile?" Melvin asked.
Melvin did love Mina, but he was homesick. After all, he was originally an earthling, born and bred on the beautiful terrace. He would always stay by his wife and support her in her rule, but he secretly longed for home.
Mina smiled and lightly kissed her husband. "Yup, dearest. I thought we might leave in a few weeks. Take some time off and visit."
Melvin sighed in happiness. "That sounds wonderful." he answered and kissed his bride deeply.
Artemis surveyed the situation and decided to depart. He let Mina have her privacy, though the newlyweds were constantly in need of it. He groaned and hoped this would quickly wear off.
***
"Sorcia, we are ready to attack." the Emperor stated bluntly.
This took Sorcia offguard. "What? Already? That can't be." she said, shocked. It had only been five months of preparation.
"It's true," a male voice spoke behind her. Instantly her body tensed.
The Emperor smiled. "Rilian has been secretly trailing the Scouts. He knows the every one of them will be at a baby shower next month in honor of Queen Serenity. He has outdone himself this time. Next month on August 23rd, we will attack Crystal Tokyo and wipe them out in one blow."
Sorcia glared at Rilian. "And what do you proposed we use the wipe out that city? Everyone knows it is protected by the power of the Crystal, in addition to the gems of Serenity's allies."
"Oh, elementary, dear Sorcia." Rilian mocked her. "Of course it's protected by the power of the Crystal. But, as the Negamoon family proved, once the Crystal is gone, the protection field ends. All we need to do is get the Crystal."
"oh, and HOW do we do that?" Sorcia asked bitterly.
Rilian held up at small rounded crystal. It shone with brilliance and glowed. He smiled evilly. "Already done."
***
Darien and Serena ate silently. While they had both apologized, there was still a great deal of tension in the air. Serena was glad that they didn't have any royal duties for the next couple of days. She wanted to be alone with her husband in their apartment. Nothing to bother them. They could live like a normal couple for a while.
The phone rang. "I'll get it, muffin." Serena said, trying to lighten the mood. She picked up the receiver. "Hello?"
"Um, is this Serena?" a familiar, but unknown voice asked.
"Yes, who's this?" Serena said lightly.
The voice paused. "You don't know me, my name is Ariana. I'm a bartender at Tokyo Palace, in the Juuban area. I'm calling on behalf of Lita."
Serena paused and took a breath. [[What's Lita doing in a bar?]] "Go on." she said.
"Well, Lita's a little too unstable to drive home right now, but insists on going home. I was able to find your number in her purse with a message to call you. I figured you knew her well enough to come and take her home."
Serena held onto the table. Darien looked up and saw his wife trying to control herself. He dashed to her side, looking in her eyes for any sign of what was wrong. "I'll be right there," she said hoarsely.
She hung up the phone. "What's wrong?" Darien said softly.
"Lita's at some bar in Juuban. She's too drunk to drive home. The bartender asked me to drive her home." Serena said, grabbing her keys.
Darien took the keys. "I'll drive." he said. He helped her get her coat on and they both ran out the door.
***
Lita stared at Ariana. "Really, I can drive Ariana." she slurred.
"No, Serena's coming to pick you up." Ariana insisted, while wiping down the bar.
Lita paused, taking in the answer. "Sherrrrrreeeeena? Why?" she asked.
Ariana shrugged. "She said she wanted to."
"I haven't sheen Sherena in shuch a long time." Lita mumbled.
At that point, "Sherena" entered the bar. She spotted Lita right away, and went to her side.
"Lita? Hey, it's Serena." she said softly.
Lita looked up. "Hey." she said, then put her head on the bar.
Serena looked apologetically to the bartender. "I'm so sorry about all this. I guess she overdid it her first time."
Ariana smiled. "Oh, this isn't Lita's first time. She's been in here regularly for about five months now."
Serena was taken aback. "You mean, she comes in here regularly?"
Ariana nodded. "Yeah, and usually gets worse than this. I'd walk her home, but she came in earlier than usual, and I don't get off till closing. She said she had her car anyway, but her driving isn't a good idea."
Serena nodded, and focused on her friend. She was now drooling on the bar. "Come on Lita, you're coming home with me."
Lita could barely stand up, but Serena led her outside. "My keys..." Lita mumbled. Serena nodded and Darien got out of the car.
"Hey Lita, get in the back and lie down, okay?" he said softly to her. She giggled and hugged him tightly. "Okay, Shunshine." she said and then got in the back and promptly fell asleep.
"I've gotta get her keys, okay?" Serena said to her husband and walked back into the bar.
Ariana held out the keys. "Here you go. Say, do I know you from somewhere?"
Serena looked up. The face did indeed look familiar. It was.... "Ariana! From the pizza place in America."
Ariana's eye lit up in recognition. "And you're the pregnant wife of Darien!"
Serena laughed and patted her round belly. "Yup, seven months now. Fancy seeing you! I never thought'd I see you again!"
Ariana smiled. "Hope there are no hard feelings?"
Serena laughed and brushed the thought away. "That was months ago! Don't even think of it. Well, I better go. I'll see you later."
Ariana waved. "Yeah, come in more often." she said, her eyes dancing with laughter, for she knew Serena would never come again.
***
Lita groaned. She opened her eyes slowly. "Ah, light!" she moaned and squinted shut. "I've got to control these hangovers." she muttered.
"That's a good idea." a female voice said sternly.
Lita jumped up. She squinted through her eyes. "Serena?" she asked dumbfoundedly.
Serena nodded. She looked very unhappy, very tired, and very pregnant. Lita hadn't seen her in months. "It's been a long time." she said.
"How'd...how'd I get here?" Lita looked around. She recognized Serena's living room. She had slept on the couch. Serena stood in the doorway to the kitchen.
"The bartender called me. She said you were to drunk to drive, and asked me to pick you up. I brought you back here, and have been up all night holding your hair back when you had to throw up. You have had me worried sick." Serena said very seriously.
Lita groaned and put her hand to her head. "I'm sorry, Serena. I had no intention to get that carried away."
Serena pointed to the couch. "Have a seat. I'll go get Darien. We want to talk to you."
Lita sat down. Serena left the room and came back with a sleepy-eyed Darien. He looked extremely tired, but alert. He sat down in a chair across from Lita. Serena took a spot on Lita's left, and sat very awkwardly.
"I called Amy and Raye last night." Serena began. "They're going to be here in an hour. We're going to have the first scout meeting we've had in a long time." Lita nodded. Serena continued, "Amy said that you have been drinking for a long time now, and that she was concerned over your health and safety. How long have you been drinking, Lita?"
Lita shrugged. "About six months I guess."
Serena looked at her friend. "Steadily. Like everyday?"
Lita nodded. Serena looked at Darien. Lita took the time to admire the air of maturity her friend had acquired. She hadn't seen her in over a year, but Serena had finally grown up. She was no longer the ditzy leader needing to be rescued from a scrape. She was the queen of Earth, accepting all her responsibilities without one complaint.
"Lita, why did you start drinking?" Darien asked her.
Lita looked down. She didn't want to answer this question. "I don't want to talk about it." she muttered.
"Look at me. " Darien said firmly. Lita looked up. "I am asking as a very concerned friend, but if you don't answer me, I will ask as your king, and I will order you to answer."
Lita sighed. It was her duty to serve her king and queen in everyway possible, and she was required to obey their orders. The whole story of Andrew, her lost baby, and her loneliness came out. Serena and Darien listened patiently, remaining silent the whole time. Finally, Lita finished her sad story of the past months, trying to hold back tears.
Serena took her friend's hand. "Lita, I know you feel alone right now. But I want you to know that we all love you so very much and are very worried about your drinking. I don't like it when you drink, and Amy suggested that you may have a problem with it. I want you to promise me that you're going to stop drinking. And I want you to tell me if something's wrong. Promise me?"
Lita took a breath. Even as they spoke, she was craving alcohol. To promise her would be the hardest thing she had ever done. But she nodded. She owed her queen that. She owed her friend that.
Episode Six
"Intervention"
Author's Note: I apologize to everyone who has been waiting for the next installment. I have been extremely busy. But I will try from now on the get these episodes out more quickly. Thanx to all who have been reading and who have written me! Enjoy!
"Darien...I have to talk to you." Serena said, sitting down awkwardly. Her stomach bulged out.
Darien look at his pregnant wife. Sure, she was heavier and rounder, but he loved her just as much. She was positively glowing, with her body creating and nourishing life. He envied her with her power; with everything that he was capable of, he would never achieve that power of creation. He marveled at her. "What's up, meatball-head?" he asked.
"I've been thinking about what you said. About raising Rini." Serena said.
Darien looked at her seriously. He sat down. "And?"
Serena shifted position. "I think we should raise her the way my mother raised me." Darien gave her a puzzled glance. "Well, she was raising me to take her place when her reign ended. And from what the future showed, we've only seen Neo-Queen Serenity, not Serena. I never saw my mother without her regal gown and the crown atop her head."
Darien shook his head. "I'm not following."
"Well, we have our duties. Whenever we must appear in public, we put on our crowns and instantly transform. Sorta like transformation pens. Well, I think we should...always be transformed around our daughter." Serena said.
Darien suddenly understood. "Serena, you mean to say you don't want her to see the normal us? The human us?"
"I want her to be raised properly. It's how I was raised, and I turned out all right." Serena responded, shifting positions again.
"Serena, that's not how I was raised. I rarely saw my mother in her regal gowns...only when she had to perform royal duties."
"Darien, your mother did not take responsibility for her planet. When Beryl took over..." Serena began.
Darien stood up in rage. "Don't you EVER say that about my mother! You didn't even know her! She was the most honorable, wonderful..."
Serena stood up. "Dearest, I didn't mean to insult her. But where was she when Beryl attacked? Where was she when the planets rejoined to fight against Beryl? All the Scouts remember their mothers, but we also remember yours wasn't there that day. Yours wasn't there to help fight."
Darien glared at his wife. He saw red. "You forget, Queen Serenity, that my mother was Sailor Earth! She brought the peace that existed during the Silver Millennium! My mother was the first soldier against evil! DON'T YOU EVER FORGET IT!!" he shouted and stormed out of the room.
Serena sat down in shock. A tiny tear trickled down her cheek, but she brushed it away.
***
"Melvin, dear, where did you put that manuscript?" Mina called out.
"It's in the desk, where it ought to be." Melvin called back from the kitchen. He was doing the dishes.
Mina slapped her forehead and opened the desk. There was her latest report from the protection committee. "Thank you!"
It had been awhile since Mina had seen her fellow scouts. But with all the responsibilities on her home planet plus her family, she had no time. She had heard through the grapevine the Serena was pregnant, and was arranging to hold a baby shower soon, but suddenly crises on her planet had arisen.
Apparently, Venus had undergone complete political chaos in the years it had no leader. Mina had received the crown from her mother who was forced to live underground from the revolutionaries. Since she had been crowned, Mina had been trying her hardest to please the revolutionaries and protect her monarchy. So far, it had been going well.
Meanwhile, Melvin and Mina had been getting along surprisingly well. Although Melvin was a complete neat-knick, Mina appreciated his organization. Their relationship was full of love and care, and Mina was sure to keep it that way. Her husband was almost top priority to her, just being under her destiny to protect Serena.
Mina began reading the document, her eyes growing heavier and heavier. Why must the committee use all these big words? Can't they just say "Protection of castle is good"? Mina put the manuscript down and sighed.
Artemis curled at her feet. Mina grinned and picked him up. "Hello, hello, Artemis." she said to him.
"Hey Mina. How's it going?" Artemis asked, enjoying the petting Mina was giving him.
Mina shrugged, "Fine. A little boring." She drifted off for a moment before returning back. "Artemis, what do you say we visit Earth in a few weeks? See our buddies, have a baby shower, be there for Serena's delivery? After all, she is six months pregnant."
Artemis smiled, his whiskers lifting. "That'd be wonderful."
Melvin entered at that moment. "Hey sweet thing. Hey Artemis. What's his I hear you say about going home for awhile?" Melvin asked.
Melvin did love Mina, but he was homesick. After all, he was originally an earthling, born and bred on the beautiful terrace. He would always stay by his wife and support her in her rule, but he secretly longed for home.
Mina smiled and lightly kissed her husband. "Yup, dearest. I thought we might leave in a few weeks. Take some time off and visit."
Melvin sighed in happiness. "That sounds wonderful." he answered and kissed his bride deeply.
Artemis surveyed the situation and decided to depart. He let Mina have her privacy, though the newlyweds were constantly in need of it. He groaned and hoped this would quickly wear off.
***
"Sorcia, we are ready to attack." the Emperor stated bluntly.
This took Sorcia offguard. "What? Already? That can't be." she said, shocked. It had only been five months of preparation.
"It's true," a male voice spoke behind her. Instantly her body tensed.
The Emperor smiled. "Rilian has been secretly trailing the Scouts. He knows the every one of them will be at a baby shower next month in honor of Queen Serenity. He has outdone himself this time. Next month on August 23rd, we will attack Crystal Tokyo and wipe them out in one blow."
Sorcia glared at Rilian. "And what do you proposed we use the wipe out that city? Everyone knows it is protected by the power of the Crystal, in addition to the gems of Serenity's allies."
"Oh, elementary, dear Sorcia." Rilian mocked her. "Of course it's protected by the power of the Crystal. But, as the Negamoon family proved, once the Crystal is gone, the protection field ends. All we need to do is get the Crystal."
"oh, and HOW do we do that?" Sorcia asked bitterly.
Rilian held up at small rounded crystal. It shone with brilliance and glowed. He smiled evilly. "Already done."
***
Darien and Serena ate silently. While they had both apologized, there was still a great deal of tension in the air. Serena was glad that they didn't have any royal duties for the next couple of days. She wanted to be alone with her husband in their apartment. Nothing to bother them. They could live like a normal couple for a while.
The phone rang. "I'll get it, muffin." Serena said, trying to lighten the mood. She picked up the receiver. "Hello?"
"Um, is this Serena?" a familiar, but unknown voice asked.
"Yes, who's this?" Serena said lightly.
The voice paused. "You don't know me, my name is Ariana. I'm a bartender at Tokyo Palace, in the Juuban area. I'm calling on behalf of Lita."
Serena paused and took a breath. [[What's Lita doing in a bar?]] "Go on." she said.
"Well, Lita's a little too unstable to drive home right now, but insists on going home. I was able to find your number in her purse with a message to call you. I figured you knew her well enough to come and take her home."
Serena held onto the table. Darien looked up and saw his wife trying to control herself. He dashed to her side, looking in her eyes for any sign of what was wrong. "I'll be right there," she said hoarsely.
She hung up the phone. "What's wrong?" Darien said softly.
"Lita's at some bar in Juuban. She's too drunk to drive home. The bartender asked me to drive her home." Serena said, grabbing her keys.
Darien took the keys. "I'll drive." he said. He helped her get her coat on and they both ran out the door.
***
Lita stared at Ariana. "Really, I can drive Ariana." she slurred.
"No, Serena's coming to pick you up." Ariana insisted, while wiping down the bar.
Lita paused, taking in the answer. "Sherrrrrreeeeena? Why?" she asked.
Ariana shrugged. "She said she wanted to."
"I haven't sheen Sherena in shuch a long time." Lita mumbled.
At that point, "Sherena" entered the bar. She spotted Lita right away, and went to her side.
"Lita? Hey, it's Serena." she said softly.
Lita looked up. "Hey." she said, then put her head on the bar.
Serena looked apologetically to the bartender. "I'm so sorry about all this. I guess she overdid it her first time."
Ariana smiled. "Oh, this isn't Lita's first time. She's been in here regularly for about five months now."
Serena was taken aback. "You mean, she comes in here regularly?"
Ariana nodded. "Yeah, and usually gets worse than this. I'd walk her home, but she came in earlier than usual, and I don't get off till closing. She said she had her car anyway, but her driving isn't a good idea."
Serena nodded, and focused on her friend. She was now drooling on the bar. "Come on Lita, you're coming home with me."
Lita could barely stand up, but Serena led her outside. "My keys..." Lita mumbled. Serena nodded and Darien got out of the car.
"Hey Lita, get in the back and lie down, okay?" he said softly to her. She giggled and hugged him tightly. "Okay, Shunshine." she said and then got in the back and promptly fell asleep.
"I've gotta get her keys, okay?" Serena said to her husband and walked back into the bar.
Ariana held out the keys. "Here you go. Say, do I know you from somewhere?"
Serena looked up. The face did indeed look familiar. It was.... "Ariana! From the pizza place in America."
Ariana's eye lit up in recognition. "And you're the pregnant wife of Darien!"
Serena laughed and patted her round belly. "Yup, seven months now. Fancy seeing you! I never thought'd I see you again!"
Ariana smiled. "Hope there are no hard feelings?"
Serena laughed and brushed the thought away. "That was months ago! Don't even think of it. Well, I better go. I'll see you later."
Ariana waved. "Yeah, come in more often." she said, her eyes dancing with laughter, for she knew Serena would never come again.
***
Lita groaned. She opened her eyes slowly. "Ah, light!" she moaned and squinted shut. "I've got to control these hangovers." she muttered.
"That's a good idea." a female voice said sternly.
Lita jumped up. She squinted through her eyes. "Serena?" she asked dumbfoundedly.
Serena nodded. She looked very unhappy, very tired, and very pregnant. Lita hadn't seen her in months. "It's been a long time." she said.
"How'd...how'd I get here?" Lita looked around. She recognized Serena's living room. She had slept on the couch. Serena stood in the doorway to the kitchen.
"The bartender called me. She said you were to drunk to drive, and asked me to pick you up. I brought you back here, and have been up all night holding your hair back when you had to throw up. You have had me worried sick." Serena said very seriously.
Lita groaned and put her hand to her head. "I'm sorry, Serena. I had no intention to get that carried away."
Serena pointed to the couch. "Have a seat. I'll go get Darien. We want to talk to you."
Lita sat down. Serena left the room and came back with a sleepy-eyed Darien. He looked extremely tired, but alert. He sat down in a chair across from Lita. Serena took a spot on Lita's left, and sat very awkwardly.
"I called Amy and Raye last night." Serena began. "They're going to be here in an hour. We're going to have the first scout meeting we've had in a long time." Lita nodded. Serena continued, "Amy said that you have been drinking for a long time now, and that she was concerned over your health and safety. How long have you been drinking, Lita?"
Lita shrugged. "About six months I guess."
Serena looked at her friend. "Steadily. Like everyday?"
Lita nodded. Serena looked at Darien. Lita took the time to admire the air of maturity her friend had acquired. She hadn't seen her in over a year, but Serena had finally grown up. She was no longer the ditzy leader needing to be rescued from a scrape. She was the queen of Earth, accepting all her responsibilities without one complaint.
"Lita, why did you start drinking?" Darien asked her.
Lita looked down. She didn't want to answer this question. "I don't want to talk about it." she muttered.
"Look at me. " Darien said firmly. Lita looked up. "I am asking as a very concerned friend, but if you don't answer me, I will ask as your king, and I will order you to answer."
Lita sighed. It was her duty to serve her king and queen in everyway possible, and she was required to obey their orders. The whole story of Andrew, her lost baby, and her loneliness came out. Serena and Darien listened patiently, remaining silent the whole time. Finally, Lita finished her sad story of the past months, trying to hold back tears.
Serena took her friend's hand. "Lita, I know you feel alone right now. But I want you to know that we all love you so very much and are very worried about your drinking. I don't like it when you drink, and Amy suggested that you may have a problem with it. I want you to promise me that you're going to stop drinking. And I want you to tell me if something's wrong. Promise me?"
Lita took a breath. Even as they spoke, she was craving alcohol. To promise her would be the hardest thing she had ever done. But she nodded. She owed her queen that. She owed her friend that.