Story of the Future
Episode Ten
"Coronation and Preparation"
"Who's my little princess? Who's my little princess?" Darien cooed to the infant. He held the tiny baby in his arms, smiling and acting like a buffoon.
Serena smiled at him. She was laying backing in her bed, relaxing. Darien was cradling their new baby, though his eyes were red from lack of sleep. "I'm amazed you can still smile at that child after last night." she said, yawning.
"When she looks at you with those adorable blue eyes, a few hours sleep doesn't matter." Darien said, looking at his wife.
"Easy for you to say. She wasn't tugging on your nipples. " Serena grumbled. But then she glanced at her daughter. "But she's definitely an angel. It's hard to believe she's a week old today."
Darien smiled as he laid her back into the cradle. "She's our Small Lady." he said gently, as the infant drifted off to sleep. He then sat on the bed, careful not to jostle his wife.
"One week. You know, her coronation ceremony is in two days. That gives me two days to slim down." Serena said.
Darien kissed her. "Sweetheart, you're beautiful. And the whole kingdom knows you were pregnant. They don't expect you to be a size 4. It's very difficult to keep off the weight you gained in pregnancy."
Serena looked at her chest. "Well, I know some weight I don't want to lose." she giggled.
***
Meanwhile, Raye and Amy were at a baby store looking for presents for the newest edition.
"I don't know, she may not like frills and lace." Rare said, looking at an elegant carriage. "I didn't when I was a girl."
Amy smiled softly. "Raye, she's a princess. I say we get here this and the crib to match."
"Well, what about the Baby Gap? They might have something a little more...practical. After all, she may be a princess, but we know her as a little girl."
"You know, we could just get both." Amy said thoughtfully.
"That would certainly spoil her rotten."
"Raye, that's our job."
They both grinned. "Let's do it!"
After buying out most of Baby Gap and Petite Fémme, the two went to get some ice cream.
"It seems forever since we've gotten together. How are you doing?" Amy asked.
"Oh, things are good. I made a trip to Mars for our honeymoon and it was so wonderful. It was great to be around people who were just like me. It was one big happy family."
"I went to Mercury this summer, before going back to school. It's so amazing. You would think that it'd be really uncomfortable there, with all the heat and talk about rebelling on Venus, but it's so magnificent. Everyone there is peaceful and quite intelligent. If I need a brain teaser, I know where to go."
"Really? Well, Scott and I came back and I've been putting in hours as a priestess at a local temple. Scott's been working at a law firm for some time now, basically doing D.A. stuff. But it brings home the bacon."
"When did you start getting the visions?" Amy asked.
Raye paused to think. "Scott got sick about a year ago. Something really bad, totally draining him. For awhile, I wasn't sure if he was going to make it. But he kept saying that it was the Imperium, gathering strength, and that he'd be fine once they had enough. Then about a week after he got better, I began getting the dreams."
"What exactly happens?"
"I'm on some sort of ship. We're in space. There's fire everywhere, but not the fire I know. It's more like...an evil flame. And I can feel death all around me. There's death everywhere. The flames are emanating the stench of it..." Raye trailed off, remembering the horrible vision.
She continued, "But far off from me, I can see a shadow. Kind of a tall figure, but I can't see her face in the light. She's holding something in her hands, shielding it protectively. The light hits her arms and I see it's a baby."
Amy nodded. "Go on."
"Then suddenly, she disappears. I think she shouted something, but I can't hear her. Then my vision gets hazy and my skin burns...then I wake up." Raye completed.
Amy looks quizzical. "It's got to mean something. But what?"
"Well, we know the Imperium is fearing up for something big. Maybe it's got something to do with them."
"But the Silver Crystal protects us. As long as we stay here, nothing can harm us." Amy said.
Raye shrugged. "Who knows?"
***
"Darien," Serena began. "Can we talk about something?"
Darien looked up from the cradle. "Certainly, my love. What is it?"
Serena took a deep breath. "Do you remember your mother?" she blurted out.
Darien blinked. He was taken aback by her question, but thought for awhile. "I remember her vaguely. She was graceful, beautiful, and regal. I never saw her with the crown though."
"Do you remember where she is?" Serena asked.
Darien concentrated. "She...went away. No, wait...she was killed, I think. She died when I was training as a protector for the Scouts."
"Darien, do you remember anyone else from your past?" Serena asked intently.
Darien looked at her funny. "Why so many questions, Meatball-head?" he smiled.
"Because...just answer them." Serena quickly said.
Darien closed his eyes. Instantly a visual assaulted him. He gasped as he saw the Earth of the past, the beautiful mountains, the vast oceans, the breathtaking land. He saw himself laughing and running through the fields. Someone was chasing him...a girl...
"A girl. I remember there was a girl." he said. His heart pounded as he saw her smiling. He could feel her, could hear her thoughts. Much like he could hear Serena's when she was in danger. "I'm bonded to her."
"She's your sister, Darien." Serena said.
Darien opened his eyes in shock. "Sister?! I have a sister?!"
Serena nodded. "'Listen to me, Darien. This is very important. When I went into labor, I was visited by my mother, Queen Serenity."
Darien swallowed and nodded. Serena continued, "Your mother had two children. You and your sister. Your sister was to inherit the throne, become Sailor Earth, and lead all the Scouts of her generation. You were to protect her and us.
"But your mother met a dark person, a person who brainwashed her and gave her ultimate power. Your mother became..."
"Beryl!" Darien gasped. Memories assaulted him of trying to help his mother as she became more and more corrupt. Of his pain when she left him. Of his difficult decision to fight her. "My mother was Beryl!"
Serena nodded, and took Darien's hand. "Darien, you chose to fight against her. That was a very noble, wise, painful decision."
"And Ariana opposed it." Darien finished. "She said there must be a way she could save her. She even went to your mother. She wanted to try another way. I knew it was hopeless, the only way to get mother back was to eliminate the evil inside her.
"Ariana and I fought for days over it. I looked up to Ariana, loved her with all my heart. But I couldn't have her oppose my plans. I needed the people's support, and I wouldn't have it unless she agreed with me. She was their ruler. So finally I gave her an ultimatum."
"And she chose to leave." Serena finished.
Darien nodded, tears glistening his eyes. "It tore me apart to see her leave. I loved her so much...so incredibly much..." he paused, wiping his eyes. "After that, I went to your mother and got into fierce training. That's where we met."
Serena nodded and hugged him closely. "Oh sweetheart..."
"I...I loved both of them so much. Losing them was complete torture..."
"That's why you were so easily brainwashed by the Negaverse. You remembered your mother..."
Darien nodded, a tear trickling down his cheek. "I thought I could change her back...I thought we could be together, as a family again."
"Do you still want that?" Serena asked.
Darien looked at his wife and baby. "I have a family, Serena. You are my family, remember?"
Serena smiled. Her thoughts travelled to Darien's sister. "You said her name was Ariana?"
Darien nodded.
[[I wonder...]] Serena thought.
***
"So without further ado," the king said in the microphone to an assembled crowd of roughly 2000, "I present to you your new Princess."
The curtains opened and Neo-Queen Serenity came out, holding her delicate baby in her hands. The baby's eyes widened and she made a murmur of intimidation, but then relaxed as her mother stroked her face.
Darien looked at his queen with love in his eyes from behind his royal garb. "Our daughter." he said, taking her and holding her out to the people. The baby began staring at the crowd. She broke out in a smile.
The entire crowd cheered loudly. The queen smiled and stepped up to the platform.
"It is my honor and sole privilege to crown Serenity as princess of the Moon and princess of the Earth. She is heir to the throne. From hence forth, my subjects will call her 'Small Lady'." Queen Serenity said.
There was another cheer from the crowd. From behind the Queen appeared the queens of all the Inner planets to show their support.
The ceremony went on for another two hours, with each Queen showing their support for the new princess. Finally, the ceremony ended with a song being sang to her.
"Whew, that was tiring." Serena said, removing her crown. Her clothing returned to a sun dress. "It's almost like transforming."
Darien nodded, placing his crown back in the glass case. "Hey, Serena, look at your crown." he said, holding it out to her.
Serena looked at the thing. It shimmered with multiple stones, and was pure gold. The crystal lay in the center. "What about it?" she asked.
"Look at the crystal. Doesn't it normally outshine the others?" Darien asked.
Serena took a closer look at the crystal. Yes, it did seem a little dull and dim. She touched it and gasped. "I didn't...feel anything." she whispered, rubbing her palm on it.
"No source of power at all?" Darien immediately looked concerned.
Serena looked at him. She shook her head, her eyes wide with fright. "I...don't feel anything."
Darien took the crown from her and took out the Crystal with surprising ease. Serena gasped. "You...shouldn't have been able to do that. Only I can use the Crystal." she said, taking it from his hand.
"Serena, the Crystal protects Tokyo. If this had no power, we're sitting ducks."
Serena closed her eyes and concentrated. [[If this had no power, I would hear it speak out. But I hear nothing, absolutely nothing...]] she thought. Without further thought, she threw the Crystal on the floor. It shattered into a thousand pieces.
At that moment, the other girls walked in. They looked at Serena, then at the now shattered Crystal. "Omigod, you broke the Silver Crystal." Raye blurted out.
Serena shook her head. "It's not real. It's a fake. It wouldn't have broken that easily."
"WHAT?!" Amy asked incredulously.
Darien looked at her seriously. "That means someone has stolen the real Crystal."
***
"Everyone, we must consider ourselves under attack. Therefore, we must use all precautions." Queen Serenity said to her military staff.
"Our first is to get you out of here." the general said gruffly.
"Not just me, but the king, all the queens of the planets, and the princess." she responded.
"Then, as far as our subjects go..." another general said.
"They will have to be alerted and prepare defenses for each zone. And you," she said, turning to Luna and Artemis. "You will be put in charge."
Luna nodded. For a moment, there was a spark of pride shining in her eyes. [[It's hard to believe this the same girl I trained. It seems like yesterday I was taking comic books from her, reminding her to study. She's become a wonderful Queen. So much like her mother.]]
"Queen Minako of Venus has a space ship. We'll go to Venus in refuge and you will keep contact with me at all times. Luna and Artemis are speaking through me, obey every command. If this attack is...extremely destructive," she paused. "Send subjects into under ground coves. Random lottery. That includes everyone in this room, with the exception of Luna and Artemis. They go no matter what." The Queen sat down.
The others nodded. "Use all weapons we have. Limit casualties. And...and defend this planet with your lives. I'm counting on you." For a moment, Queen Serenity looked just like Serena. Luna felt for her, under all this stress. She hadn't slept in over 30 hours.
"Your Majesty, if I may," Luna spoke. The Queen looked to her. "You haven't slept in over 30 hours. Please go get some sleep."
The generals nodded in agreement. Queen Serenity stood up. The others stood up in respect as she walked out. "Dismissed." she said, opening the doors.
***
"No, I absolutely forbid it." The king gave her a stubborn look.
"Darien..." Queen Serenity lowered her gaze.
"One, it's King Endymion. Two, you haven't slept in 32 hours. Three, Rini needs to be fed. Four, you need to pack. Therefore, no, I will not allow you to stay here. I can handle things just as well as you, my dear. Go home." he said.
"Don't make me pull rank." Serenity said, looking back at her.
Luckily, their argument was interrupted by a messenger. "Your Majesty," he said, bowing.
"Rise, rise, enough of that nonsense. What is it?" Serenity said, turning her attention on the attention.
"Queen Minako of Venus has sent me a message to let you know your daughter needs to be fed."
Serenity nodded. "I'm leaving right now." she said, giving a look towards her husband. "Take care of things."
"I always do, Your Majesty." Endymion answered, bowing slightly and leaving.
Serenity walked into the throne room, took off her crown, and drove home. She thought of breast-feeding and gave a sound of disdain. [[One of the worst aspects of motherhood.]] she thought, pulling into her driveway.
Mina and Amy sat in the living room. Serena walked in, and waved to them. She quickly crossed to her room, where Raye was cradling Rini.
"About time, Serena." Raye said, giving Rini to her. Serena opened her blouse and shifted Rini onto her chest.
"Alright, I've got to get back in about an hour." Serena said, looking at the clock.
"Wrong." Raye answered. "You're going to get some sleep, then you're going to pack. I've been given strict orders to make you stay home."
"Raye, I'm not in the mood..." Serena began.
"Not that I care. You may be queen, but you're also a new mother and need your rest. Darien will handle everything, and we'll wake you if there's something that you need to discuss." Raye said, pulling out her nightgown. "Now, when you're done with...that," she said, gesturing to Rini, who was happily suckling away. "You will get at least six hours of rest. You need to recover."
"Raye, I have to..." Serena began again, shifting Rini to her other breast.
"I will tie you down if necessary. I've known you since you were fourteen, Serena, don't try this pulling rank bit on me."
Serena finally closed her eyes and nodded. Raye, satisfied, shut the door.
Mina came up to her. "Is she...?"
"She's feeding Rini, and then she's resting." Raye answered.
Mina sighed and nodded. "I'm worried about her. Too much stress right after a baby isn't good for her."
"She'll be fine. She's a trooper." Amy said, coming behind her.
"Where's Lita?" Raye asked suddenly.
Amy turned to her, "Right now, she's seeing her counselor with Andrew. Then, she's going to head to her second AA meeting. She should be home in thee hours."
"Is everything prepared for us to leave?" Raye asked Mina.
Mina nodded. "If things go as planned, we can leave two days from now."
Raye sighed and nodded. It was going to be a long two days. She looked to the door. And she hoped Serena would pull through alright.
Episode Ten
"Coronation and Preparation"
"Who's my little princess? Who's my little princess?" Darien cooed to the infant. He held the tiny baby in his arms, smiling and acting like a buffoon.
Serena smiled at him. She was laying backing in her bed, relaxing. Darien was cradling their new baby, though his eyes were red from lack of sleep. "I'm amazed you can still smile at that child after last night." she said, yawning.
"When she looks at you with those adorable blue eyes, a few hours sleep doesn't matter." Darien said, looking at his wife.
"Easy for you to say. She wasn't tugging on your nipples. " Serena grumbled. But then she glanced at her daughter. "But she's definitely an angel. It's hard to believe she's a week old today."
Darien smiled as he laid her back into the cradle. "She's our Small Lady." he said gently, as the infant drifted off to sleep. He then sat on the bed, careful not to jostle his wife.
"One week. You know, her coronation ceremony is in two days. That gives me two days to slim down." Serena said.
Darien kissed her. "Sweetheart, you're beautiful. And the whole kingdom knows you were pregnant. They don't expect you to be a size 4. It's very difficult to keep off the weight you gained in pregnancy."
Serena looked at her chest. "Well, I know some weight I don't want to lose." she giggled.
***
Meanwhile, Raye and Amy were at a baby store looking for presents for the newest edition.
"I don't know, she may not like frills and lace." Rare said, looking at an elegant carriage. "I didn't when I was a girl."
Amy smiled softly. "Raye, she's a princess. I say we get here this and the crib to match."
"Well, what about the Baby Gap? They might have something a little more...practical. After all, she may be a princess, but we know her as a little girl."
"You know, we could just get both." Amy said thoughtfully.
"That would certainly spoil her rotten."
"Raye, that's our job."
They both grinned. "Let's do it!"
After buying out most of Baby Gap and Petite Fémme, the two went to get some ice cream.
"It seems forever since we've gotten together. How are you doing?" Amy asked.
"Oh, things are good. I made a trip to Mars for our honeymoon and it was so wonderful. It was great to be around people who were just like me. It was one big happy family."
"I went to Mercury this summer, before going back to school. It's so amazing. You would think that it'd be really uncomfortable there, with all the heat and talk about rebelling on Venus, but it's so magnificent. Everyone there is peaceful and quite intelligent. If I need a brain teaser, I know where to go."
"Really? Well, Scott and I came back and I've been putting in hours as a priestess at a local temple. Scott's been working at a law firm for some time now, basically doing D.A. stuff. But it brings home the bacon."
"When did you start getting the visions?" Amy asked.
Raye paused to think. "Scott got sick about a year ago. Something really bad, totally draining him. For awhile, I wasn't sure if he was going to make it. But he kept saying that it was the Imperium, gathering strength, and that he'd be fine once they had enough. Then about a week after he got better, I began getting the dreams."
"What exactly happens?"
"I'm on some sort of ship. We're in space. There's fire everywhere, but not the fire I know. It's more like...an evil flame. And I can feel death all around me. There's death everywhere. The flames are emanating the stench of it..." Raye trailed off, remembering the horrible vision.
She continued, "But far off from me, I can see a shadow. Kind of a tall figure, but I can't see her face in the light. She's holding something in her hands, shielding it protectively. The light hits her arms and I see it's a baby."
Amy nodded. "Go on."
"Then suddenly, she disappears. I think she shouted something, but I can't hear her. Then my vision gets hazy and my skin burns...then I wake up." Raye completed.
Amy looks quizzical. "It's got to mean something. But what?"
"Well, we know the Imperium is fearing up for something big. Maybe it's got something to do with them."
"But the Silver Crystal protects us. As long as we stay here, nothing can harm us." Amy said.
Raye shrugged. "Who knows?"
***
"Darien," Serena began. "Can we talk about something?"
Darien looked up from the cradle. "Certainly, my love. What is it?"
Serena took a deep breath. "Do you remember your mother?" she blurted out.
Darien blinked. He was taken aback by her question, but thought for awhile. "I remember her vaguely. She was graceful, beautiful, and regal. I never saw her with the crown though."
"Do you remember where she is?" Serena asked.
Darien concentrated. "She...went away. No, wait...she was killed, I think. She died when I was training as a protector for the Scouts."
"Darien, do you remember anyone else from your past?" Serena asked intently.
Darien looked at her funny. "Why so many questions, Meatball-head?" he smiled.
"Because...just answer them." Serena quickly said.
Darien closed his eyes. Instantly a visual assaulted him. He gasped as he saw the Earth of the past, the beautiful mountains, the vast oceans, the breathtaking land. He saw himself laughing and running through the fields. Someone was chasing him...a girl...
"A girl. I remember there was a girl." he said. His heart pounded as he saw her smiling. He could feel her, could hear her thoughts. Much like he could hear Serena's when she was in danger. "I'm bonded to her."
"She's your sister, Darien." Serena said.
Darien opened his eyes in shock. "Sister?! I have a sister?!"
Serena nodded. "'Listen to me, Darien. This is very important. When I went into labor, I was visited by my mother, Queen Serenity."
Darien swallowed and nodded. Serena continued, "Your mother had two children. You and your sister. Your sister was to inherit the throne, become Sailor Earth, and lead all the Scouts of her generation. You were to protect her and us.
"But your mother met a dark person, a person who brainwashed her and gave her ultimate power. Your mother became..."
"Beryl!" Darien gasped. Memories assaulted him of trying to help his mother as she became more and more corrupt. Of his pain when she left him. Of his difficult decision to fight her. "My mother was Beryl!"
Serena nodded, and took Darien's hand. "Darien, you chose to fight against her. That was a very noble, wise, painful decision."
"And Ariana opposed it." Darien finished. "She said there must be a way she could save her. She even went to your mother. She wanted to try another way. I knew it was hopeless, the only way to get mother back was to eliminate the evil inside her.
"Ariana and I fought for days over it. I looked up to Ariana, loved her with all my heart. But I couldn't have her oppose my plans. I needed the people's support, and I wouldn't have it unless she agreed with me. She was their ruler. So finally I gave her an ultimatum."
"And she chose to leave." Serena finished.
Darien nodded, tears glistening his eyes. "It tore me apart to see her leave. I loved her so much...so incredibly much..." he paused, wiping his eyes. "After that, I went to your mother and got into fierce training. That's where we met."
Serena nodded and hugged him closely. "Oh sweetheart..."
"I...I loved both of them so much. Losing them was complete torture..."
"That's why you were so easily brainwashed by the Negaverse. You remembered your mother..."
Darien nodded, a tear trickling down his cheek. "I thought I could change her back...I thought we could be together, as a family again."
"Do you still want that?" Serena asked.
Darien looked at his wife and baby. "I have a family, Serena. You are my family, remember?"
Serena smiled. Her thoughts travelled to Darien's sister. "You said her name was Ariana?"
Darien nodded.
[[I wonder...]] Serena thought.
***
"So without further ado," the king said in the microphone to an assembled crowd of roughly 2000, "I present to you your new Princess."
The curtains opened and Neo-Queen Serenity came out, holding her delicate baby in her hands. The baby's eyes widened and she made a murmur of intimidation, but then relaxed as her mother stroked her face.
Darien looked at his queen with love in his eyes from behind his royal garb. "Our daughter." he said, taking her and holding her out to the people. The baby began staring at the crowd. She broke out in a smile.
The entire crowd cheered loudly. The queen smiled and stepped up to the platform.
"It is my honor and sole privilege to crown Serenity as princess of the Moon and princess of the Earth. She is heir to the throne. From hence forth, my subjects will call her 'Small Lady'." Queen Serenity said.
There was another cheer from the crowd. From behind the Queen appeared the queens of all the Inner planets to show their support.
The ceremony went on for another two hours, with each Queen showing their support for the new princess. Finally, the ceremony ended with a song being sang to her.
"Whew, that was tiring." Serena said, removing her crown. Her clothing returned to a sun dress. "It's almost like transforming."
Darien nodded, placing his crown back in the glass case. "Hey, Serena, look at your crown." he said, holding it out to her.
Serena looked at the thing. It shimmered with multiple stones, and was pure gold. The crystal lay in the center. "What about it?" she asked.
"Look at the crystal. Doesn't it normally outshine the others?" Darien asked.
Serena took a closer look at the crystal. Yes, it did seem a little dull and dim. She touched it and gasped. "I didn't...feel anything." she whispered, rubbing her palm on it.
"No source of power at all?" Darien immediately looked concerned.
Serena looked at him. She shook her head, her eyes wide with fright. "I...don't feel anything."
Darien took the crown from her and took out the Crystal with surprising ease. Serena gasped. "You...shouldn't have been able to do that. Only I can use the Crystal." she said, taking it from his hand.
"Serena, the Crystal protects Tokyo. If this had no power, we're sitting ducks."
Serena closed her eyes and concentrated. [[If this had no power, I would hear it speak out. But I hear nothing, absolutely nothing...]] she thought. Without further thought, she threw the Crystal on the floor. It shattered into a thousand pieces.
At that moment, the other girls walked in. They looked at Serena, then at the now shattered Crystal. "Omigod, you broke the Silver Crystal." Raye blurted out.
Serena shook her head. "It's not real. It's a fake. It wouldn't have broken that easily."
"WHAT?!" Amy asked incredulously.
Darien looked at her seriously. "That means someone has stolen the real Crystal."
***
"Everyone, we must consider ourselves under attack. Therefore, we must use all precautions." Queen Serenity said to her military staff.
"Our first is to get you out of here." the general said gruffly.
"Not just me, but the king, all the queens of the planets, and the princess." she responded.
"Then, as far as our subjects go..." another general said.
"They will have to be alerted and prepare defenses for each zone. And you," she said, turning to Luna and Artemis. "You will be put in charge."
Luna nodded. For a moment, there was a spark of pride shining in her eyes. [[It's hard to believe this the same girl I trained. It seems like yesterday I was taking comic books from her, reminding her to study. She's become a wonderful Queen. So much like her mother.]]
"Queen Minako of Venus has a space ship. We'll go to Venus in refuge and you will keep contact with me at all times. Luna and Artemis are speaking through me, obey every command. If this attack is...extremely destructive," she paused. "Send subjects into under ground coves. Random lottery. That includes everyone in this room, with the exception of Luna and Artemis. They go no matter what." The Queen sat down.
The others nodded. "Use all weapons we have. Limit casualties. And...and defend this planet with your lives. I'm counting on you." For a moment, Queen Serenity looked just like Serena. Luna felt for her, under all this stress. She hadn't slept in over 30 hours.
"Your Majesty, if I may," Luna spoke. The Queen looked to her. "You haven't slept in over 30 hours. Please go get some sleep."
The generals nodded in agreement. Queen Serenity stood up. The others stood up in respect as she walked out. "Dismissed." she said, opening the doors.
***
"No, I absolutely forbid it." The king gave her a stubborn look.
"Darien..." Queen Serenity lowered her gaze.
"One, it's King Endymion. Two, you haven't slept in 32 hours. Three, Rini needs to be fed. Four, you need to pack. Therefore, no, I will not allow you to stay here. I can handle things just as well as you, my dear. Go home." he said.
"Don't make me pull rank." Serenity said, looking back at her.
Luckily, their argument was interrupted by a messenger. "Your Majesty," he said, bowing.
"Rise, rise, enough of that nonsense. What is it?" Serenity said, turning her attention on the attention.
"Queen Minako of Venus has sent me a message to let you know your daughter needs to be fed."
Serenity nodded. "I'm leaving right now." she said, giving a look towards her husband. "Take care of things."
"I always do, Your Majesty." Endymion answered, bowing slightly and leaving.
Serenity walked into the throne room, took off her crown, and drove home. She thought of breast-feeding and gave a sound of disdain. [[One of the worst aspects of motherhood.]] she thought, pulling into her driveway.
Mina and Amy sat in the living room. Serena walked in, and waved to them. She quickly crossed to her room, where Raye was cradling Rini.
"About time, Serena." Raye said, giving Rini to her. Serena opened her blouse and shifted Rini onto her chest.
"Alright, I've got to get back in about an hour." Serena said, looking at the clock.
"Wrong." Raye answered. "You're going to get some sleep, then you're going to pack. I've been given strict orders to make you stay home."
"Raye, I'm not in the mood..." Serena began.
"Not that I care. You may be queen, but you're also a new mother and need your rest. Darien will handle everything, and we'll wake you if there's something that you need to discuss." Raye said, pulling out her nightgown. "Now, when you're done with...that," she said, gesturing to Rini, who was happily suckling away. "You will get at least six hours of rest. You need to recover."
"Raye, I have to..." Serena began again, shifting Rini to her other breast.
"I will tie you down if necessary. I've known you since you were fourteen, Serena, don't try this pulling rank bit on me."
Serena finally closed her eyes and nodded. Raye, satisfied, shut the door.
Mina came up to her. "Is she...?"
"She's feeding Rini, and then she's resting." Raye answered.
Mina sighed and nodded. "I'm worried about her. Too much stress right after a baby isn't good for her."
"She'll be fine. She's a trooper." Amy said, coming behind her.
"Where's Lita?" Raye asked suddenly.
Amy turned to her, "Right now, she's seeing her counselor with Andrew. Then, she's going to head to her second AA meeting. She should be home in thee hours."
"Is everything prepared for us to leave?" Raye asked Mina.
Mina nodded. "If things go as planned, we can leave two days from now."
Raye sighed and nodded. It was going to be a long two days. She looked to the door. And she hoped Serena would pull through alright.