Title: Apples & Oranges
Author: Marie J.W.
Chapter: Ten
Rated: G - PG
Email: angellady41@hotmail.com
Last chapter is out! Glad? Yep, me too! I hope everyone enjoys this!
Please email! And speaking of email! THANK YOU FOR THEM! Everyone was
really wonderful and I loved knowing what you thought about the story.
One fan asked why Darien didn't let the generals go after Serenity in
the beginning (if anyone can remember that) and I think I gave her the
wrong answer. In truth, I don't really know. It was my unconscious mind
doing the writing there I think. I guess Darien was just a real jerk in
the beginning.
I won't be posting stories for a while, I'm sorry to say. However, I WILL
be writing still so when I get back on the internet I will have lots more
for you to read like "The Return of T.S.S." and "Forever and a Day".
Okay, that's it. Read on!
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"She's TURNING BLUE!" Natia screamed out in horror. Serenity lay on the
marble floor unconscious and stiff.
Darien ran to Serenity and pulled her into his lap. He looked her over,
her skin was blue and her neck and hands were ice cold.
Queen Serenity stared down at her daughter shocked. That wasn't supposed
to happen!
"I-" Queen Agasta's mouth fell open. She looked at Queen Serenity, "Can
you explain what you just did?"
"It wasn't supposed... to happen! I- She was just supposed to sleep."
"Well she's an ice cube now!" Natia rudely injected.
Lita gave Serena a worried look before glaring at Natia, "You're coming
with me." She grabbed onto Natia's arm and hauled her out of the room.
Natia was the last thing the royals needed to worry about!
Queen Serenity dropped to her knees above Serenity's head. I did this.
How could I? This doesn't make sense! Queen Serenity lifted her head and
looked around, "Where's Amy, where's Mercury?"
Darien met the Queen's worried face, "She's in the orchard."
Suddenly the sound of swift footsteps sounded just down the hall. Amy and
Greg appeared looking upset and flushed, "What happened?" Amy asked even
before she saw Serenity.
Queen Serenity jumped up, "Amy, do you have your computer?"
Amy nodded confused, "But-"
Queen Serenity pointed towards her daughter.
Amy's mouth fell open, "What happened?"
Queen Serenity related what she did as Amy knelt down and started to do
an analysis.
"You're right, Serenity should be just sleeping." Amy looked at Serenity
then back down at her computer, "I don't under-wait! Wait, unless..."
Amy trailed off and started typing buttons.
Queen Serenity nibbled on her thumbnail, looking like a scared rabbit.
"Has Serenity been near any dark energy?"
"She came from a world called the Dark Planet." Darien supplied.
Amy's brow creased, "Even so...
Lita came in with a satisfied look on her face as she dusted her hands
off, "That little witch from Dark-dom is out of our hair!"
Amy's eyes snapped up at Lita, "Who?"
"Natia. Natians sister."
"Oh no... this is not good!" Amy stood up and started pacing.
"What?" Queen Serenity and Agasta coursed.
Darien's heart was beating so loud be thought it might burst through his
chest. Was Serenity doomed? Did she not have a chance? He wouldn't know what
to do with himself if he lost her.
"Here's what I think." Amy paced the room, "Serenity being on a
Dark planet with dark energy wouldn't do anything. Yes it would stun her
powers but it wouldn't do that to her." Amy glanced at Serenity's form
before continuing, "No- she would have to be touched by someone with
dark energy."
"Natia..." Lita breathed.
"No. Natian." Amy thought allowed, "He is from the planet too, remember.
His sister didn't come till today. Natian could have used his powers on
her anytime. We trusted him."
"Yeah..."
"So?" Agasta asked.
"So, Moon power and Dark power doesn't mix! If they're combined you get...
uh, iced."
"So what do we do about it?" Darien asked as he started to stand up
with Serenity in his arms.
Amy stared at the blue girl, "I'm... not sure... I would have to do
some research on it."
Queen Serenity felt horrible as she watched her only daughter unconscious.
I should have known something was wrong! I should have known!
Darien looked strangely calm to Amy. She wondered what he was
thinking.
"I'm going to take her to her room. Can you help her there?" Darien
asked.
Amy nodded, "Yes... I'll just need to bring something's with me."
Darien started towards her room.
Queen Serenity, Agasta, and Amy followed. Lita stayed behind to inform
the rest of the group what transpired while they were gone.
Once Serenity was placed on the bed, Amy checked Serenity's pulse and
her forehead.
"She'll be fine for now but I need to go to the Moon as soon as possible.
Luna could you come with me?"
Luna looked startled but nodded.
Amy and Luna left, leaving Darien, Queen Serenity and Queen Agasta in the
room.
"Why did you stop her?" Darien asked.
Queen Agasta stepped back to let Queen Serenity explain.
"I..." Queen Serenity gathered her thoughts, "It has to do with my
daughter being kidnapped thirteen years ago."
Darien looked at the Moon Queen, curious, "What does that have to do
with Serenity?" Darien eyes widened, "You mean... Serenity... of course..."
He looked down at Serenity in amazement. So she wasn't a princess of the
Dark Planet she was the princess of the Moon!
"Yes." Queen Serenity confirmed when she saw Darien's expression, "She
was kidnapped when she was three years old. We thought we'd never find
her. However, just seven days ago I felt Serenity's presence. I knew she
was close and I sent out a search party to find her but we had no results
until now." Queen Serenity looked down at her beautiful daughter, "I missed
her so much... I couldn't let her leave until I spoke to her."
Darien bowed his head, "You must love her 'very' much."
Queen Serenity and Queen Agasta exchanged looks.
Queen Serenity looked at her daughter before swallowing very hard,
"Prince Darien, if Serenity wishes it, you may take her as your wife."
Darien's head snapped up, "Excuse me?"
Queen Serenity smiled understandingly, "Anyone who doesn't see how much
you love her is a fool. Even yourself, Prince of Earth."
His heart thumped wildly. Serenity... his thoughtful voice was reverent.
Could she... would she take him? He took her hand in his and kissed it,
"I accept your offer, Queen Serenity, but only if she'll take me."
Queen Serenity smiled. She knew her daughter would be in good hands with
such a handsome and kindhearted prince such as he. However,
Queen Serenity wondered at the change in the prince of earth. He
seemed... different then the last time she saw him. He was so much
more distant and... cold, if she remembered right. She never paid too
much attention to Prince Darien but she was sure Darien had never been
this considerate and kind.
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Queen Beryl sat down on her throne aboard a huge ship. She was on her way
to Earth. Yes, she knew where little Princess Serenity was. And if she
didn't hurry, Queen Serenity would make it there before she did!
Even so, if Queen Serenity made it to Earth before she did she would be
ready for her unlike last time! Beryl smiled evilly to herself. Yes,
Queen Serenity would be in for a big surprise!
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"What?"
"How?"
"When did this happen?"
"Are you kidding!"
"What's going on?!"
"Will someone answer me!"
"How long ago was it?"
"Why did she turn blue?"
"How did you find out?"
Lita waved her hands in front of everyone, "Shut up!"
Ray, Chad, Andy, Mina, and Ken went silent.
"Okay, Serenity is going to be okay. Amy is going to the Moon to do research
and she'll be back as soon as possible. We think she turned blue because of
the mixture of light energy and dark energy. And it happened just over
fifteen minutes ago. Is that IT?"
"Oh, this is great! Now that we finally find the Moon Princess she passes
out on us!"
"Excuse me?" Lita grabbed Ray's collar, "Are you serious?"
Ray pushed her off, "Yes, Mina and I felt her energy in the orchard."
Mina nodded.
Lita's mouth dropped open.
"What happened? We came as soon as we could!" Maggie ran up to the scouts
and the generals with Garneth and Nick behind her.
"Is she okay?" Garneth asked.
Lita nodded, "Yes, but I don't know if the Queen will let you in to see
her."
"Shucks!" Nick snapped his fingers before smiling, "Why don't we just sneak
in then."
Maggie knocked him over the side of the head, "Enough of that. Serenity is
hurt and what was that strange energy?"
"You felt that?" Ray asked, amazed.
"Of course I did! It practically shook the earth like a giant Tuning Fork
hit the ground."
Mina's mouth dropped open, "I want to do that!"
"How did you find out? I thought this information was to stay in the
palace?" Chad asked.
"Oh, a friend of mine works here. She came and told me as soon as she
could."
Ken gave Maggie a suspicious look.
"Get that thought out of your mind, young man, I'm not about to reveal
my secrets." Maggie turned to Mina and Ray, "Has anyone seen her?"
"I have." Lita smiled softly, "However, I don't know what we can do about
her condition. Princess Amy went to the Moon to do some research and get a
few things."
Maggie nodded, "Come on, dear. Let's go have some tea to calm us down.
Goodness knows I sure need to."
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Queen Serenity took Serenity's hand in her own. She was finally left alone
with her only daughter. Prince Darien and Queen Agasta left to get something
to eat.
"I'm so sorry..." Queen Serenity whispered to her daughter before leaning
over and kissing her forehead, "I just... I just didn't know how to tell you.
I was so afraid... that you wouldn't remember me-" Queen Serenity let out
a chocked sob, "I'm so sorry."
Serenity looked around her surroundings. White, pure white clouds
surrounded her and lifted her up into the sky. They felt nice and cool
against her skin, like a morning summers breeze. Serenity inhaled the
smart air and closed her eyes. Flashes of moments before she fell
unconscious entered her vision. Darien and his cold eyes, Queen Serenity
of the Moon with such a sad expression on her face, and Natia glaring at
her with vengeance. She was away from all that now but did she really want
this kind of release from it? Serenity felt alone here even though this
place she was in was beautiful and nice.
"I'm sorry..." Serenity's eyes opened wide at the sound of a familiar
voice. The woman sounded so distant and sad. Serenity heard crying and
she so wanted to comfort the woman. She sounded so broken and tired.
Prince Darien walked in, "Amy is still not back yet." He looked down at
the Queen of the Moon, "When she wakes, you'll make sure to tell her."
Queen Serenity would have reprimanded the Earth Prince for his command
if it weren't for her guilt. She nodded and looked down at her
sleeping daughter.
Lightening suddenly struck the air, crisping around her head. Serenity
screamed and tried to move away from the dark cloud coming towards her.
Rain lifted and misted around her, throwing seemingly waves of cold water
in her face. The wind picked up and before she knew it large black
clouds cluttered around her.
"No more! Please stop!"
The dark clouds wrapped around her waist, soaking her white dress.
Serenity choked as the sudden fear of dying struck her. I can't die!
Not now! Serenity pushed at the clouds, "No! I won't die!"
Darien felt his eyes closing for sleep when a loud scream made him jump
to his feet. Serenity was screaming out in her dreams and struggling around
in her sheets. Queen Serenity tried to calm her but Serenity wouldn't
hold still.
"I won't die!" She screamed.
Darien quickly fell to the side of the bed and took Serenity's hand. He
closed his eyes and concentrated on her mind. 'I'm here, Serenity...
I'm here...' He tried to whisper through her mind.
Through the struggling storm Serenity heard a faint reassurance. She
didn't understand what the person was saying but she knew that person was
here to help, "I can't make it go away!" Serenity screamed to the
voice.
Darien closed his eyes tighter, pulling his mind into hers. Sweat started
to fall down his forehead and over his eyes. He squeezed Serenity's hand
gently. 'Try to reach me...' He beckoned.
Serenity started to cry when she didn't hear a response. I'm alone. All
of a sudden the clouds shifted, throwing her into the air. Serenity fell
in a splash on a dark cloud. She sputtered and whipped the water out of
her eyes, "Help!"
"Try to reach me..." the voice was there again.
Serenity didn't know what he meant, "How?"
"Close your eyes and think, Serenity, touch my mind. Concentrate."
Serenity shook her head, "I can't!"
"YOU CAN, DANGIT!"
Serenity's eyes opened wide in surprise. Darien? The wind tossed her
aside, taking her off guard. However this time she didn't land on a cloud.
She fell through the puffy darkness and continued to make a dive for the
ground.
Concentrate! Serenity willed her self to close her eyes and think of
Darien. Home, Darien, safety, Darien, love, Darien, home, mother...
mother... mother... mother... And in that instant she knew.
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"You know what I think?" Maggie asked as she stared at the door, "I think
she's going to make it."
Lita nodded silently. It had been an hour already and still Amy
hadn't returned.
Ray stood up, "We should have known Natian was trouble. From the very
beginning he was giving Serenity weird looks."
"Ray sit down, we all know what happened."
"Yes, but it makes no excuses!" Ray slouched down on the Victorian chair,
"We should have known! We should have felt it." She whispered
dejectedly.
All of a sudden the ground beneath them began to shake.
"An earth quake!" Ken screamed, "Everyone down!"
The group fell down on their knees and put their head between their
legs. Vases, pictures, swords, and anything unattached fell to the floor.
Glass shattered and spread across the room and the palace continued to
rumble.
"Scouts up!" Ray yelled over the noise once her sixth sense kicked in,
"It's not a earthquake!"
Mina and Lita quickly pushed themselves up and did their best to
balance themselves.
Maggie poked her head up, "I'm coming with you!"
The generals got up as well and ran out of the room. "If that princess
thinks she's going to fight by herself this time, she's got another
thing coming!" Chad yelled at Ken and Andy on their way out.
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"What's happening?" Queen Serenity gripped the bed as the room began to
shake. Darien fell out of Serenity's mind for an instant before gripping
her mind again, trying to guide her through.
Queen Serenity laid her head on her daughters' stomach as she stared at
the room in fear. Something doesn't feel right. Queen Serenity's eyes
shifted around the room. In a sudden moment Queen Serenity could feel
the evil approaching.
She lifted her head and looked at her daughter, "Oh... no..."
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The Princesses transformed and stood ready for the evil force to appear.
The generals took out their swords and stood just behind the girls,
"What is it?" Ken asked.
Jupiter turned her head, "I think it's the nega-verse." She turned to
Mars for confirmation. Mars nodded.
"I thought Queen Serenity banished Beryl." Mina screamed over the loud
sounds.
"Guess not!"
"Oh shoot!" Mars breathed as she stepped back. Up in the sky was a huge
space ship. It hung just above the clouds over their heads.
"You can say that again!"
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"Serenity..."
Serenity turned towards the voice and reached out with her mind. She grasped
for something solid but came up with nothing. I can't do it!
"Yes you can!"
Concentrating harder, her head began to hurt. I can do this- ahhh...
Serenity felt her body colliding into something.
Darien collapsed next to Serenity. She made it.
Serenity fluttered her eyes open, "Darien?" She looked around not even
noticing the woman laying over her. Serenity felt the ground shaking
beneath her and screamed. Where was she?!
Darien groaned to the side of her attracting her attention.
"Darien!" She wrapped her arms around his neck in fright.
Darien lifted his head and tried to clear his mind. It took a lot of
energy to do what he did. He finally realized Serenity was holding on to
him for dear life, almost choking him.
"Serenity..." He coughed, "I can't breath, honey..."
Serenity's eyes widened as she quickly let go of him, totally forgetting
about her surroundings Serenity's mouth fell open, "What did you call me?"
Darien didn't have time to think about that. He could already feel a deep
force penetrating the earth.
"We have to get out of here. Can you walk?"
Serenity nodded but then realized Queen Serenity was still gripping her
dress.
"Queen Serenity! What are you doing here?"
"She's here."
Serenity pulled herself from under the Queen and settled for kneeling in
front of her, "Mother, please come with us."
Queen Serenity's head snapped up. Their eyes locked. Serenity smiled as
tears threatened to fall, "I know."
Queen Serenity grabbed her daughter into a hug, crying into her daughters
hair, "I'm so sorry, Serenity! I wanted to tell you!"
"It's okay..."
"We don't have time, they're already here!"
Queen Serenity and her daughter broke apart and ran with the prince. They
raced down the halls to the entrance of the palace. Queen Agasta,
King Terren and Maggie were standing just outside the doors, awed.
"The princesses!" Serenity pointed off into the field.
"Oh shoot!" Darien took out his sword, ready to join his generals when
Queen Serenity caught his arm, "You can't fight this." She looked strait
into him, "And you know it."
Prince Darien glared at her, "What do you want me to do? Stand back and
watch?"
"No." Queen Serenity turned to her daughter, "I want you to help
Serenity control her powers."
Serenity snapped her gaze away from the scouts to stare at her mother,
"I don't know how to use them!"
"Yes you do... How do you think you made it back to consciousness so
fast and with Prince Darien's help?" Queen Serenity hugged her daughter,
"You can at least do what you can."
Serenity smiled even though her insides were turning into a nervous wreak.
She had a mother, a mother who loved her!
"How do I help her?" Darien asked.
"You'll know what to do when you get out there." She pushed Serenity
lightly towards the scouts, "Now go help your friends."
Queen Serenity watched as her daughter and the Earth Prince made their
way out into the field. She could plainly see the ship hovering above
them, waiting to attack at any moment.
Queen Serenity felt fear, love and confidence all at once and she wondered
if her own Mother felt the same way on her first battle.
Queen Serenity knew she had to make her daughter go through with this.
Serenity had to fight off her own demons and for the first time, the Queen
of the Moon couldn't help.
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Serenity gripped Darien's hand in her own for reassurance. She looked up at
him looking for confidence and she got it. Darien's head was held high as
he watched the ship. He had determination in those dark eyes and
Serenity gripped onto his fearlessness like a woman drowning.
In that instant she knew she needed Darien just as much as she wanted a
good Mother. Serenity looked back to see her Mother standing in front of
the palace doors, her hands twisted in front of her thin waist. She's my
mother. She thought proudly.
She turned her head and went on with determination. She was the
Moon Queen's daughter! Serenity stopped suddenly, that thought had never
accured to her.
"Serenity?" Darien asked when she stopped them.
"I'm the Moon Princess!" She practically screamed at him with wide eyes.
Darien smiled and his heart fluttered for an unknown reason, "You can do
this."
Serenity smiled giddily and nodded. Darien was right. She could beat
Beryl's army.
"Prince Darien!" Andy caught sight of his Prince coming towards them.
Darien stopped next to General Ken who was standing beside Andy.
"May I ask what you're doing, Prince Darien?" Ken asked with a bit of a
snap in his voice.
"Helping Serenity."
"Serenity?" Ken glanced at the Princess.
Serenity wanted to reply to that look but she had no time. A large beam
shot down from the ship and hit the ground. In an instant three figures
appeared only 20 feet in front of them. The oldest one was a tall woman
with red hair and black eyes. She held a sword at her waist and an evil
smile on her face.
The second one was a short man with silver hair and pink eyes. He wore
daggers at his thighs and calves.
The last one was taller than the short man but shorter than the tall
woman. He had cold blue eyes and long black hair to his waist. He had no
weapon as far as the girls could see.
The scout's muscles stiffened at the sign of a fight. The generals weren't
sure what they would have to do. The scouts obviously were thinking of
taking care of it and their Prince was standing beside them ready to fight
as well with Serenity.
"Surrender Serenity of the Dark Planet." The woman stepped up with cool
intense eyes.
Sailor Mars lifted an eyebrow, "Surrender? I don't think so."
The woman looked at each of the scouts. All wore the same determined
stance.
"Then you will die, Scout."
The short man behind her snickered. He obviously was glad that he would
get the chance to fight them or kill them... which ever was on his
mind.
Serenity squeezed Darien's hand in worry. What would happen to her
friends... her scouts?
"Bring it on Nega-Scum!"
The woman charged at Sailor Mars with her sword, "Die!"
Serenity stepped forward in alarm but Darien held her hand tight in
his grip. He wouldn't let her go yet; it wasn't time for her to fight.
General Chad also moved to help Ray but Ken and Andy stepped in his
way.
Chad growled at his friends but didn't fight to get through.
Sailor Mars summoned her powers, "Mars Fire Ignite!" The flame of fire
swirled around the woman just before her sword reached Sailor Mars' heart.
The woman screamed out in horror and fear as the burning fire scorched her
white skin. The woman fell to the ground and rolled until the fire was out.
She lay there breathing roughly.
"My turn sister!" The short one charged forward at Sailor Mercury, who
just appeared with Greg, a dagger in both hands.
Sailor Mercury was caught off guard; she hadn't expected to fight that
soon. One of the daggers went through her side. Blood trailed down her
side as she pulled away from the short man and the dagger. The man smirked
and stepped back, "Never fool with my daggers, Blue Scout!"
"No! Mercury!" Sailor Venus, Sailor Jupiter and Sailor Mars screamed out
as Amy staggered back with her hand on her bloody waist.
The woman on the ground chuckled, "Good work, Dash."
The small man named Dash spit on the ground and looked past the scouts to
the blonde girl near the dark haired man.
"You are all weaklings." He scoffed at the scouts before walking in
strides towards the girl.
Sailor Mars's eyes lit up. There was no way in **** she was going to
let him take Serenity especially after what he did to her friend! Mars
wasn't that far from Dash so she easily made it up to his side. Dash
buckled over in an instant as Mar's knee came in contact with his
stomach. Sailor Mars brought her elbow down on his upper back, knocking
him to the floor.
The woman stood up, "That's too many point for you fire girl!" She coughed
out smoke but continued towards Sailor Mars, "Taste this!" She let out a
ball of energy. It went strait at Mars's head. Sailor Mercury was the first
to react to this unexpected power. She pushed Sailor Venus, who had come to
help her, away and ran past Sailor Jupiter. She knocked Sailor Mars to
the ground just in time. The ball of energy flew past their head and
headed strait towards the generals.
"Duck!" All the men fell to the ground.
Darien pulled Serenity a good distance away from the energy ball. The
large ball kept going until it finally hit a tree. It burst into flames
and made big puffs of smoke burst into the sky.
Serenity's mouth fell open and her eyes went wide.
"Shoot!" Ken whistled, "Another one of those and I don't think we're going
to be so lucky."
Sailor Mars lifted Sailor Mercury off her, "Thanks..." She whispered, "Are
you okay?"
Sailor Mercury smiled up at her, "Yeah..." She winced.
The two girls got up and faced the angry red head. Her mouth was now in a
thin line and her eyes blazed with a passion to kill.
"If she does that again, I'm going to kill her!" General Chad watched Ray
and Amy pull them selves up.
"She's okay, Chad... calm down."
"CALM DOWN?!" Chad screamed, "ARE YOU INSANE?"
Andy moved away from Chad to stand closer to Ken, "Okay, okay, don't
calm down."
Sailor Venus pulled out her golden chain, "Love Chain Encircle!" Caught
off guard the red haired woman was encircled by the love chain. She screamed
out in frustration and fell to her knees as she tried to wiggle out of the
tight chain.
"Cool!" Sailor Venus held her powers as she did a short victory dance.
Sailor Jupiter rolled her eyes. A small groan sounded below her. Sailor
Jupiter looked down to see Dash starting to push himself up. Jupiter lifted
her foot and pushed him back down again, "Stay put or you'll get hurt
again." She crossed her arms over her chest and watched Venus and the red
haired woman.
"You're going to regret this!" the women screamed.
Sailor Venus narrowed her eyes on the woman, "You come here and demand that
we give you Serenity, no, I don't think I will regret destroying you!"
The woman's eyes flashed with fear for only a second. She glared at
Sailor Venus, "So be it."
"Venus Love Chain Snap!" Venus pulled hard on the love chain. It
tightened around the woman and she burst into flames before turning
into dust.
"Good job, Sailor Venus!" Mars gave her thumbs up.
Serenity didn't like the gruesome scene the woman made when she burst
into flames but she was sure glad that she was gone. Serenity sighed in
relief. Maybe the scouts wouldn't need help in the end. Maybe this would
all be over before they knew it and she could go back and be with her
Mother... and maybe she could be with Darien. She glanced up at him. He
didn't look impressed.
Then again, maybe not.
The other man with no weapons just stood there watching them. Observing
them. Sailor Jupiter didn't like it. He probably could already tell what
their weaknesses were and how they fought.
Sailor Mars and the rest of the scouts didn't seem to notice the man too
much or at all. They crowded around Sailor Jupiter and the short man
beneath her.
"Well, that wasn't too hard." Sailor Mars boasted.
Sailor Mercury leaned on Sailor Mars, still holding her sides, "You guys,
I don't think this is over yet." Sailor Mercury noticed Sailor Jupiter's
intense gaze on the last man standing.
"Huh?" Sailor Mars noticed Jupiter too and followed her gaze,
"Oh shoot!"
"Yeah..." Sailor Mercury chuckled lightly before wincing in pain.
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Queen Serenity battled her emotions as she watched the girls go through
this by themselves. She so wanted to go out there and finish the pre-game
for them but she knew she couldn't. The scouts became close to being
her daughters and it was just as tough to watch them, as it would be
to watch Serenity fight without her.
The Queen and King of Earth stood by watching with just as much intensity.
They weren't used to this kind of battle. On earth there had only been
mortal battles, never ones that involved magic or power. They both
felt powerless to do anything to help.
Luna appeared beside Queen Serenity at the exact same time Sailor Mercury
was stabbed while Greg appeared just behind the generals.
Maggie watched as she clutched King Terren's silk sleeve with anxiety. She
had never seen anything like this and when that bolt of energy destroyed a
huge tree she nearly fainted. That could have been her babies!
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The man stared at all of them with his hands to his sides and his cold
blue eyes studying them.
Sailor Mars glared at him hoping to get a reaction out of his steal frame
but he stayed put; his eyes and body never changing their appearance.
Mars huffed, "Is he just going stand there?"
Sailor Jupiter stared at the man. He knew more about them then they did him.
He had the upper advantage. Jupiter scanned over his frame. He was well
built and he was smart. She could tell by the way he thought before he
reacted. If he were like the others he would have charged at them
already.
The small man below Jupiter's foot moved, throwing Jupiter off her feet.
The small man stepped back and shook the dirt off him.
The girls stared at him, shocked that he was still okay.
The small man pulled out his daggers and sneered at them, "Touch me again,
and your dead, little missy." He glared a Mars.
Mars rolled her eyes before calling, "Mars Fire Ignite!" The flame of fire
hit him in the face before burning him to ashes.
Jupiter got to her feet a little ruffled for being taken off guard. She
dusted off her skirt and looked over at the man still standing again.
"If you're just going to stand there, we might as well all go home!"
Sailor Venus yelled at him getting a little annoyed by his stare.
The man smiled, the girls gasped. They hadn't expected him to move a
muscle.
"Hand over Princess Serenity and none of you will get hurt."
"Oh yeah?" Sailor Venus challenged.
"I am Duke, Queen Beryl's personal guard." He introduced himself, "And I
won't go lightly on you as did my comrades."
"Don't you think you should be babysitting your Queen then?"
Jupiter stepped on Venus's foot to shut her up. Sailor Venus gave a silent
yell before glaring daggers at Jupiter, "What was that for?"
Sailor Jupiter ignored her, "We can't let you take her. She is the Princess
of the Moon and we will die protecting her."
Princess Serenity bit her lip as she watched the scene play before her.
She didn't want them to die for her! She's rather die for them! How could
she live with the knowledge that it was because of her that their
beautiful lives were cut short?
"No!" Serenity walked forward only to be yanked back by Darien. Serenity
looked up at him, "I can't let them do this!" She tried to pull away again
but Darien held her tight.
Darien shook his head.
Serenity felt tears fill her eyes as she turned away from Darien's gaze.
She knew he was right but it was still hard to let her friends do this for
her.
The battle began in a blink of an eye. Duke unleashed his power and threw it
at the group of scouts. Mercury and Mars went down, knocked unconscious,
leaving Jupiter and Venus to fight on their own. The generals hurried over
to the two fallen girls and pulled them out of the way of the battle.
"Jupiter Thunder Crash!" Jupiter shouted. Lightening crackled as it
zoomed across the air. Duke jumped out of the way just in time and landed
on his feet a few yards away.
"You missed Princess."
Sailor Jupiter growled under her breath and threw another shot at him. This
time she got him in the foot. Duke didn't scream out but it was obvious he
was in pain. He limped on his foot glaring at Jupiter.
"Venus Love Chain Encircle!" The Love chain flew towards Duke but he was
ready for it and ducked just out of harms way.
"Hey!" Sailor Venus yelled.
"Bloody Fist!" Duke called and a burst of energy knocked Venus to the
ground. Sailor Venus groaned against the ground as she sucked in the iron
mixed dirt. One of her ribs poked her insides, giving her a sharp pain.
Andy ran over to Sailor Venus as the battle between Duke and Jupiter
continued.
"Let's get you out of here." He tired to lift her up but she screamed
out in pain.
"That bastered!" She hissed through her teeth.
Jupiter dodged Duke's attacks always just making it out of his way in
time. This is stupid! I'm just playing cat and mouse! Sailor Jupiter
stopped running and started attacking. Duke blocked her attacks much easer
this time as he became familiar with her powers.
"One of us has to give up!" Sailor Jupiter yelled in his direction.
"And that one will be you!"
Sailor Jupiter ducked as a ball of energy came towards her. She fell to
the ground as the energy ball skimmed her back, making it burn like ****.
Ken held himself back. If Lita went any further he was going to take the
brunt of the attacks himself! She may be Sailor Jupiter and the Princess
'of' Jupiter but she was only human.
"I told you it would be you." Duke walked steadily up to Sailor Jupiter.
The green scout struggled to push her self up despite the pain in her
back. Before Jupiter knew it Duke's black boots appeared in her view.
She cursed under her breath. She was caught unguarded.
No... Jupiter, get up! Serenity pleaded in her mind. She wasn't going to
let Jupiter get hurt! She had to get up!
Darien's grip on her hand tightened as if he knew what she was thinking at
that moment. Serenity glared silently at him. What if that was one of
his generals out there? Wouldn't he want to help them? He had to understand
that Jupiter need her help!
"Before I kill you... and you're friends, I just want you to know that
I enjoyed every minute of our little corral." She could practically see
him smirk in her in minds eye.
Duke raised his hand, "Goodbye, Sailor Jupiter."
"Stop."
Duke whirled around at the familiar voice of his Queen. Queen Beryl stood
in all her glory under the ship in a red robe, "We don't need to waste energy
on 'her', General Duke." She looked past Jupiter's frame to
Princess Serenity, "I see you found your heritage after all, little
brat."
Serenity stepped back and moved closer to Prince Darien's body.
Queen Beryl, with a glance, noticed Queen Serenity standing in front of
the Earth Palace. She knew the Queen wouldn't interfere with her
daughters' destiny.
"I'll make a deal with you Princess 'of the Moon'. You come with me and
all of your friends... live." She glanced at Duke.
Duke looked strait at Serenity telling her to challenge Beryl.
Serenity swallowed hard. She wasn't going to go back! Not after all the
time and energy it took to get here! She wasn't going to live on a world
where no love existed and where it was always dark and threatening!
No!
But then again, she couldn't let her friends die! Lita, Mina, Amy, Ray...
she couldn't let them loose their lives all because of her.
Serenity closed her eyes as tears fell down her face. She didn't know what
to do! Darien squeezed her hand, causing her to look up at him, surprised.
His eyes were soft yet determined. They held warmth, comfort and... love?
She knew what he was telling her. She nodded and looked strait into
Beryl's eyes, "No."
Queen Beryl snapped her figures, giving Duke the go ahead but Serenity
stopped them, "'I' have another proposal."
Duke looked at his Queen confused.
She held up her hand telling him to hold off, "And what would that be?"
"I... we... fight you." Serenity forced a smile to reassure herself, "If
we win you leave and never come back. If you win I leave with you and the
Moon Kingdom is yours."
Queen Beryl lifted an eyebrow, "You think you are up to the job
little Princess. You hardly know what powers you posses."
"Yes."
"Fine, than. I'll take your proposal 'but' I am warning you, I won't be
easy on you."
Princess Serenity nodded.
Duke stepped away from Jupiter allowing Ken to help her up.
Now what am I supposed to do?! Serenity searched her mind for her powers or
for some link to her knowledge of the Moon but she came up with nothing.
Princesses Serenity turned to stare at her Mother. What am I supposed to do?
In an instant she heard her Mother's voice in her head. 'Search your heart.'
Serenity closed her eyes and felt the overwhelming power erupt at her will.
Her eyes flashed open in surprise!
"Luna!" She screamed, "The Moon Wand!"
Luna mentally hit herself. Of course the Princess couldn't fight unless she
had something to fight with! Luna ran across the field up to the Princess
and gave her the pink and gold wand. The Imperium Silver Crystal sat in
its base, twinkling up at her.
"Ready?" Queen Beryl asked.
Princess Serenity let go of Darien's hand and stepped up, closing in some of
the distance between her and Beryl, "Ready."
Serenity aimed the Moon Wand at Queen Beryl. This is for my Mother! Closing
her eyes she let the power travel through her. A sharp beam of light
zoomed across the air. For a second time stopped and everyone stared at
the magic in awe! Queen Beryl lifted her hand and met Serenity's power
half way. Dark and Light fought in the middle, trying to win the other
over.
Serenity wasn't prepared for the force Beryl leashed against her. Her feet
slid and her arms bent, making the Moon Wand almost touch her chest. With
all her strength she made her arms go out and her feet forward. Already she
was feeling sweat bead down her forehead.
Queen Beryl laughed, "Is this all you got?"
Serenity's mouth felt dry and her head was starting to feel light. She had
never had this much power running through her at once and it was taking its
toll on her. Her legs began to crumble beneath her as Beryl's energy
increased. I was a fool to think I could do this! Serenity thought
bitterly. Beryl was much stronger than she was. I can't... I can't...
do this! Serenity felt like crying. She was so confident but now she
felt so weak.
My friends need my help; she'll kill them if I let her win! Serenity
forced herself to try harder. Her arms were hurting and her legs felt
weak but she pushed until her breath was starting to come out in short
gasps.
Serenity gasped as the majority of the weight was taken off her. She
felt incredibly light and she would have dropped the Moon Wand if it weren't
for Prince Darien's strong hands covering hers.
"We're here...," he whispered.
Serenity nodded and she took a deep breath to calm herself down. She could
do this! She closed her eyes and focused her energy. She was surprised to
find not only her energy there but the scouts and Darien's as well!
Serenity felt a deep gratitude for her friends. They were helping her
even though she was the one that was supposed to be saving them!
Thrusting her power at Beryl, the world turned white all around them. Beryl
let out a frightened shriek of pain, "I will be back for your kingdom,
Moon Girl!"
Beryl yelled before everything went black.
Serenity opened her eyes. She was in a white room. Was she dead?
Serenity mentally shook her head. It didn't feel like heaven. Her arms,
legs, chest, head and feet hurt. This was definatly 'not' peace.
"Oh my gosh! She's awake!" The door slammed shut making Serenity wince in
pain. A few seconds later the doors opened and a whole group of people
were staring down at her. Queen Serenity, Queen Agasta, Ray, Lita, Amy and
Mina crowded around the bed.
"How do you feel?" her Mother asked.
Serenity giggled at their appearance, "Fine but all of you look horrible."
"Hey!" Mina cried out defensively, "So this is the thanks I get for
bailing you out?"
"Sorry."
Lita jabbed Mina in the ribs, "She's just joking. We're glad you're okay.
You've been out for a while."
"What happened? How long?"
"You've been out for four days." Queen Agasta informed.
"Four days!" Serenity tried to sit up but her head protested.
"Rest, you're going to need it." Queen Serenity wiped her bangs away from
her forehead. Serenity loved the feel of her Mother's hand. It was soft
and so... Motherly.
"You two banged up the whole field! You should see it! It looks like a war
zone hit it!" Ray smirked, "Next time give us a warning."
"Darien! Where's Darien?"
"He's fine." Queen Agasta wrinkled her nose, "A little inpatient maybe but
that has nothing to do with his physical condition."
"Are you sure?" Ray gave Serenity a wicked glance, "It sounds to me like
he's going through withdrawl."
Serenity blushed not quiet knowing why.
"So he's okay?" She asked.
"Yeah, he'll be fine in a couple of days. As for you though, I think
you're going to need a lot more time." Mina chipped in.
Serenity relaxed. Everyone was fine. She won! With the help of her friends,
of course. Serenity felt exhaustion take her away and lure her into
sleep.
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Epilogue:
"Move out of the way!" Mina whispered fiercely to Ray, "I can't see."
"Well, I can't hear!"
"What are they saying?"
"Beats me... YOU'RE BEING TO LOUD!"
"Shh..." Silence, "I think they heard you."
"They're walking away!"
"Let's follow them!"
Someone cleared through their behind them. All four girls turned to see
four generals watching them with amusement.
Ray blushed bright red, Lita scrawled at being caught by Ken (knowing
he would rub this in forever), Amy hid her face in her skirt and Mina
smiled unashamed up at the guys.
"Hey!" Mina jumped up and hugged Andy's arm, "Did you see them? They
are definitely going to get hitched!"
"Mina!" Ray fumed, embarrassed.
Chad knelt down next to Ray, "Spying are we, Ray? I thought you were
against such low tactics."
Ray glared at him, "What are 'you' all doing here anyway. It's a little
far out to be going on a walk, don't you say?"
Chad smiled, "Looking for you of course."
Ray blushed deep red.
Darien pulled Serenity behind a large tree before peeking out, "I think we
lost them."
Serenity giggled, "I think they were following us from the very
beginning."
Darien looked down at Serenity's beautiful face, "You're probably right."
He touched her cheek lovingly with the back of his hand, "Serenity..."
"Hum...?" She asked dreamily.
Darien looked around. This wasn't the right place. He dropped his hand and
took hers into his, "Come on."
They stopped by a shimmering lake. The setting sun reflected on the
water, mixing orange with the blue.
He set Serenity down on a rock and knelt down in front of her, looking
into her confused eyes. Would she accept him?
"Serenity... I... your Mother..." No that's not how he wanted to start this.
He took an intake of breath, "From the very beginning I insulted you but
you forgave me." He smiled nervously, "I don't know why you forgave me,
and honestly I don't. I certainly didn't deserve it."
"Darien-"
"No, let me say this. When the hurricane hit I thought-"
"Darien-
Darien took in a shuttering breath. Didn't she know how hard this was
for him? He was so nervous and uncertain.
"That wasn't the first time I saw you."
"Huh?" He stopped thinking about his nervousness and looked at her.
Serenity giggled at his lame expression, "When I first saw you I thought
you were going to eat me. We were in the forest and I had fallen in the
mud."
Darien's eyes went impossibly wide, "THAT WAS YOU?"
Serenity nodded with a big smile on her face.
Darien couldn't believe that this whole time Serenity was the strange girl
in the forest! A thought struck him and he dug in his pocket for something.
He pulled out the crystal bracelet and held it up to Serenity, "This is
yours?"
Serenity's eyes went wide; "I didn't even-" She stopped and looked down at
her wrist, "It was missing! Oh!" She grabbed the bracelet and hugged
him impulsively around the neck, "Thank you! I don't know what I'd do
without it!"
Darien's head spun. If she was 'this' excited about him finding her
bracelet what would her reaction be to a ring?
"Whoa..." He untangled her arms from his neck, "Serenity..." He tried
to figure out where he left off but he couldn't remember. Oh heck!
"Serenity, you will marry me?"
Serenity stared at him, eyes gone wide.
"Seren-"
Serenity burst out into tears.
Darien's heart wrenched. He didn't mean to make her cry! He wrapped his
arms around her, "I'm sorry... I didn't think-"
"I will." She muffled against his shirt. Darien went stiff. Did she say
what he thought she said, "Serenity?"
She pulled away from him to look into his eyes, "I WILL!" She screamed
through her tears, "But I can't believe you would really want to-" She
was cut off as Darien grabbed her shoulders and kissed her passionately
on the mouth. She muffled a silent squeak of surprise before settling
into the intense kiss that began to overwhelm her.
Her arms wrapped around his neck and she sighed into his mouth.
"I KNEW IT!"
Darien and Serenity broke apart and turned around. Four girls and four
generals stood just beyond the forest watching them with amusement or
with an air of romance.
"I knew it!" Mina repeated, "I told you they would get hitched."
Ray bonked Mina over the head, "Everyone knew it."
"Hey, you know what this means?" Lita asked.
"Yeah!" Mina grabbed Andy's neck and pulled his head down, giving him a
very throu kiss.
The girls broke out laughing at Mina's blunt show of emotions. The
generals all blushed.
Serenity and Darien went back to looking at each other.
"I'm sorry for letting you go, Princess."
"And I'm sorry for running away."
The two kissed again, this time it lasted much much longer.
Meanwhile, off in the distance, two beautiful trees stood together. An
apple and an orange tree. Their roots wrapped around each other and
their braches shot up high in the sky, casting a cool shadow over the
dry heated grass.
So after all, apples and oranges did prosper together.
(The End)
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Well, I guess I did end up making the apple and orange tree part of the
story after all. I hope everyone liked it! I worked REALLY hard to get
this chapter out!
This is the LONGEST chapter of this COMPLETED story. Gosh, it took '
forever'!
Thanks for read'in!
Author: Marie J.W.
Chapter: Ten
Rated: G - PG
Email: angellady41@hotmail.com
Last chapter is out! Glad? Yep, me too! I hope everyone enjoys this!
Please email! And speaking of email! THANK YOU FOR THEM! Everyone was
really wonderful and I loved knowing what you thought about the story.
One fan asked why Darien didn't let the generals go after Serenity in
the beginning (if anyone can remember that) and I think I gave her the
wrong answer. In truth, I don't really know. It was my unconscious mind
doing the writing there I think. I guess Darien was just a real jerk in
the beginning.
I won't be posting stories for a while, I'm sorry to say. However, I WILL
be writing still so when I get back on the internet I will have lots more
for you to read like "The Return of T.S.S." and "Forever and a Day".
Okay, that's it. Read on!
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"She's TURNING BLUE!" Natia screamed out in horror. Serenity lay on the
marble floor unconscious and stiff.
Darien ran to Serenity and pulled her into his lap. He looked her over,
her skin was blue and her neck and hands were ice cold.
Queen Serenity stared down at her daughter shocked. That wasn't supposed
to happen!
"I-" Queen Agasta's mouth fell open. She looked at Queen Serenity, "Can
you explain what you just did?"
"It wasn't supposed... to happen! I- She was just supposed to sleep."
"Well she's an ice cube now!" Natia rudely injected.
Lita gave Serena a worried look before glaring at Natia, "You're coming
with me." She grabbed onto Natia's arm and hauled her out of the room.
Natia was the last thing the royals needed to worry about!
Queen Serenity dropped to her knees above Serenity's head. I did this.
How could I? This doesn't make sense! Queen Serenity lifted her head and
looked around, "Where's Amy, where's Mercury?"
Darien met the Queen's worried face, "She's in the orchard."
Suddenly the sound of swift footsteps sounded just down the hall. Amy and
Greg appeared looking upset and flushed, "What happened?" Amy asked even
before she saw Serenity.
Queen Serenity jumped up, "Amy, do you have your computer?"
Amy nodded confused, "But-"
Queen Serenity pointed towards her daughter.
Amy's mouth fell open, "What happened?"
Queen Serenity related what she did as Amy knelt down and started to do
an analysis.
"You're right, Serenity should be just sleeping." Amy looked at Serenity
then back down at her computer, "I don't under-wait! Wait, unless..."
Amy trailed off and started typing buttons.
Queen Serenity nibbled on her thumbnail, looking like a scared rabbit.
"Has Serenity been near any dark energy?"
"She came from a world called the Dark Planet." Darien supplied.
Amy's brow creased, "Even so...
Lita came in with a satisfied look on her face as she dusted her hands
off, "That little witch from Dark-dom is out of our hair!"
Amy's eyes snapped up at Lita, "Who?"
"Natia. Natians sister."
"Oh no... this is not good!" Amy stood up and started pacing.
"What?" Queen Serenity and Agasta coursed.
Darien's heart was beating so loud be thought it might burst through his
chest. Was Serenity doomed? Did she not have a chance? He wouldn't know what
to do with himself if he lost her.
"Here's what I think." Amy paced the room, "Serenity being on a
Dark planet with dark energy wouldn't do anything. Yes it would stun her
powers but it wouldn't do that to her." Amy glanced at Serenity's form
before continuing, "No- she would have to be touched by someone with
dark energy."
"Natia..." Lita breathed.
"No. Natian." Amy thought allowed, "He is from the planet too, remember.
His sister didn't come till today. Natian could have used his powers on
her anytime. We trusted him."
"Yeah..."
"So?" Agasta asked.
"So, Moon power and Dark power doesn't mix! If they're combined you get...
uh, iced."
"So what do we do about it?" Darien asked as he started to stand up
with Serenity in his arms.
Amy stared at the blue girl, "I'm... not sure... I would have to do
some research on it."
Queen Serenity felt horrible as she watched her only daughter unconscious.
I should have known something was wrong! I should have known!
Darien looked strangely calm to Amy. She wondered what he was
thinking.
"I'm going to take her to her room. Can you help her there?" Darien
asked.
Amy nodded, "Yes... I'll just need to bring something's with me."
Darien started towards her room.
Queen Serenity, Agasta, and Amy followed. Lita stayed behind to inform
the rest of the group what transpired while they were gone.
Once Serenity was placed on the bed, Amy checked Serenity's pulse and
her forehead.
"She'll be fine for now but I need to go to the Moon as soon as possible.
Luna could you come with me?"
Luna looked startled but nodded.
Amy and Luna left, leaving Darien, Queen Serenity and Queen Agasta in the
room.
"Why did you stop her?" Darien asked.
Queen Agasta stepped back to let Queen Serenity explain.
"I..." Queen Serenity gathered her thoughts, "It has to do with my
daughter being kidnapped thirteen years ago."
Darien looked at the Moon Queen, curious, "What does that have to do
with Serenity?" Darien eyes widened, "You mean... Serenity... of course..."
He looked down at Serenity in amazement. So she wasn't a princess of the
Dark Planet she was the princess of the Moon!
"Yes." Queen Serenity confirmed when she saw Darien's expression, "She
was kidnapped when she was three years old. We thought we'd never find
her. However, just seven days ago I felt Serenity's presence. I knew she
was close and I sent out a search party to find her but we had no results
until now." Queen Serenity looked down at her beautiful daughter, "I missed
her so much... I couldn't let her leave until I spoke to her."
Darien bowed his head, "You must love her 'very' much."
Queen Serenity and Queen Agasta exchanged looks.
Queen Serenity looked at her daughter before swallowing very hard,
"Prince Darien, if Serenity wishes it, you may take her as your wife."
Darien's head snapped up, "Excuse me?"
Queen Serenity smiled understandingly, "Anyone who doesn't see how much
you love her is a fool. Even yourself, Prince of Earth."
His heart thumped wildly. Serenity... his thoughtful voice was reverent.
Could she... would she take him? He took her hand in his and kissed it,
"I accept your offer, Queen Serenity, but only if she'll take me."
Queen Serenity smiled. She knew her daughter would be in good hands with
such a handsome and kindhearted prince such as he. However,
Queen Serenity wondered at the change in the prince of earth. He
seemed... different then the last time she saw him. He was so much
more distant and... cold, if she remembered right. She never paid too
much attention to Prince Darien but she was sure Darien had never been
this considerate and kind.
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Queen Beryl sat down on her throne aboard a huge ship. She was on her way
to Earth. Yes, she knew where little Princess Serenity was. And if she
didn't hurry, Queen Serenity would make it there before she did!
Even so, if Queen Serenity made it to Earth before she did she would be
ready for her unlike last time! Beryl smiled evilly to herself. Yes,
Queen Serenity would be in for a big surprise!
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
"What?"
"How?"
"When did this happen?"
"Are you kidding!"
"What's going on?!"
"Will someone answer me!"
"How long ago was it?"
"Why did she turn blue?"
"How did you find out?"
Lita waved her hands in front of everyone, "Shut up!"
Ray, Chad, Andy, Mina, and Ken went silent.
"Okay, Serenity is going to be okay. Amy is going to the Moon to do research
and she'll be back as soon as possible. We think she turned blue because of
the mixture of light energy and dark energy. And it happened just over
fifteen minutes ago. Is that IT?"
"Oh, this is great! Now that we finally find the Moon Princess she passes
out on us!"
"Excuse me?" Lita grabbed Ray's collar, "Are you serious?"
Ray pushed her off, "Yes, Mina and I felt her energy in the orchard."
Mina nodded.
Lita's mouth dropped open.
"What happened? We came as soon as we could!" Maggie ran up to the scouts
and the generals with Garneth and Nick behind her.
"Is she okay?" Garneth asked.
Lita nodded, "Yes, but I don't know if the Queen will let you in to see
her."
"Shucks!" Nick snapped his fingers before smiling, "Why don't we just sneak
in then."
Maggie knocked him over the side of the head, "Enough of that. Serenity is
hurt and what was that strange energy?"
"You felt that?" Ray asked, amazed.
"Of course I did! It practically shook the earth like a giant Tuning Fork
hit the ground."
Mina's mouth dropped open, "I want to do that!"
"How did you find out? I thought this information was to stay in the
palace?" Chad asked.
"Oh, a friend of mine works here. She came and told me as soon as she
could."
Ken gave Maggie a suspicious look.
"Get that thought out of your mind, young man, I'm not about to reveal
my secrets." Maggie turned to Mina and Ray, "Has anyone seen her?"
"I have." Lita smiled softly, "However, I don't know what we can do about
her condition. Princess Amy went to the Moon to do some research and get a
few things."
Maggie nodded, "Come on, dear. Let's go have some tea to calm us down.
Goodness knows I sure need to."
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Queen Serenity took Serenity's hand in her own. She was finally left alone
with her only daughter. Prince Darien and Queen Agasta left to get something
to eat.
"I'm so sorry..." Queen Serenity whispered to her daughter before leaning
over and kissing her forehead, "I just... I just didn't know how to tell you.
I was so afraid... that you wouldn't remember me-" Queen Serenity let out
a chocked sob, "I'm so sorry."
Serenity looked around her surroundings. White, pure white clouds
surrounded her and lifted her up into the sky. They felt nice and cool
against her skin, like a morning summers breeze. Serenity inhaled the
smart air and closed her eyes. Flashes of moments before she fell
unconscious entered her vision. Darien and his cold eyes, Queen Serenity
of the Moon with such a sad expression on her face, and Natia glaring at
her with vengeance. She was away from all that now but did she really want
this kind of release from it? Serenity felt alone here even though this
place she was in was beautiful and nice.
"I'm sorry..." Serenity's eyes opened wide at the sound of a familiar
voice. The woman sounded so distant and sad. Serenity heard crying and
she so wanted to comfort the woman. She sounded so broken and tired.
Prince Darien walked in, "Amy is still not back yet." He looked down at
the Queen of the Moon, "When she wakes, you'll make sure to tell her."
Queen Serenity would have reprimanded the Earth Prince for his command
if it weren't for her guilt. She nodded and looked down at her
sleeping daughter.
Lightening suddenly struck the air, crisping around her head. Serenity
screamed and tried to move away from the dark cloud coming towards her.
Rain lifted and misted around her, throwing seemingly waves of cold water
in her face. The wind picked up and before she knew it large black
clouds cluttered around her.
"No more! Please stop!"
The dark clouds wrapped around her waist, soaking her white dress.
Serenity choked as the sudden fear of dying struck her. I can't die!
Not now! Serenity pushed at the clouds, "No! I won't die!"
Darien felt his eyes closing for sleep when a loud scream made him jump
to his feet. Serenity was screaming out in her dreams and struggling around
in her sheets. Queen Serenity tried to calm her but Serenity wouldn't
hold still.
"I won't die!" She screamed.
Darien quickly fell to the side of the bed and took Serenity's hand. He
closed his eyes and concentrated on her mind. 'I'm here, Serenity...
I'm here...' He tried to whisper through her mind.
Through the struggling storm Serenity heard a faint reassurance. She
didn't understand what the person was saying but she knew that person was
here to help, "I can't make it go away!" Serenity screamed to the
voice.
Darien closed his eyes tighter, pulling his mind into hers. Sweat started
to fall down his forehead and over his eyes. He squeezed Serenity's hand
gently. 'Try to reach me...' He beckoned.
Serenity started to cry when she didn't hear a response. I'm alone. All
of a sudden the clouds shifted, throwing her into the air. Serenity fell
in a splash on a dark cloud. She sputtered and whipped the water out of
her eyes, "Help!"
"Try to reach me..." the voice was there again.
Serenity didn't know what he meant, "How?"
"Close your eyes and think, Serenity, touch my mind. Concentrate."
Serenity shook her head, "I can't!"
"YOU CAN, DANGIT!"
Serenity's eyes opened wide in surprise. Darien? The wind tossed her
aside, taking her off guard. However this time she didn't land on a cloud.
She fell through the puffy darkness and continued to make a dive for the
ground.
Concentrate! Serenity willed her self to close her eyes and think of
Darien. Home, Darien, safety, Darien, love, Darien, home, mother...
mother... mother... mother... And in that instant she knew.
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
"You know what I think?" Maggie asked as she stared at the door, "I think
she's going to make it."
Lita nodded silently. It had been an hour already and still Amy
hadn't returned.
Ray stood up, "We should have known Natian was trouble. From the very
beginning he was giving Serenity weird looks."
"Ray sit down, we all know what happened."
"Yes, but it makes no excuses!" Ray slouched down on the Victorian chair,
"We should have known! We should have felt it." She whispered
dejectedly.
All of a sudden the ground beneath them began to shake.
"An earth quake!" Ken screamed, "Everyone down!"
The group fell down on their knees and put their head between their
legs. Vases, pictures, swords, and anything unattached fell to the floor.
Glass shattered and spread across the room and the palace continued to
rumble.
"Scouts up!" Ray yelled over the noise once her sixth sense kicked in,
"It's not a earthquake!"
Mina and Lita quickly pushed themselves up and did their best to
balance themselves.
Maggie poked her head up, "I'm coming with you!"
The generals got up as well and ran out of the room. "If that princess
thinks she's going to fight by herself this time, she's got another
thing coming!" Chad yelled at Ken and Andy on their way out.
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
"What's happening?" Queen Serenity gripped the bed as the room began to
shake. Darien fell out of Serenity's mind for an instant before gripping
her mind again, trying to guide her through.
Queen Serenity laid her head on her daughters' stomach as she stared at
the room in fear. Something doesn't feel right. Queen Serenity's eyes
shifted around the room. In a sudden moment Queen Serenity could feel
the evil approaching.
She lifted her head and looked at her daughter, "Oh... no..."
```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
The Princesses transformed and stood ready for the evil force to appear.
The generals took out their swords and stood just behind the girls,
"What is it?" Ken asked.
Jupiter turned her head, "I think it's the nega-verse." She turned to
Mars for confirmation. Mars nodded.
"I thought Queen Serenity banished Beryl." Mina screamed over the loud
sounds.
"Guess not!"
"Oh shoot!" Mars breathed as she stepped back. Up in the sky was a huge
space ship. It hung just above the clouds over their heads.
"You can say that again!"
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
"Serenity..."
Serenity turned towards the voice and reached out with her mind. She grasped
for something solid but came up with nothing. I can't do it!
"Yes you can!"
Concentrating harder, her head began to hurt. I can do this- ahhh...
Serenity felt her body colliding into something.
Darien collapsed next to Serenity. She made it.
Serenity fluttered her eyes open, "Darien?" She looked around not even
noticing the woman laying over her. Serenity felt the ground shaking
beneath her and screamed. Where was she?!
Darien groaned to the side of her attracting her attention.
"Darien!" She wrapped her arms around his neck in fright.
Darien lifted his head and tried to clear his mind. It took a lot of
energy to do what he did. He finally realized Serenity was holding on to
him for dear life, almost choking him.
"Serenity..." He coughed, "I can't breath, honey..."
Serenity's eyes widened as she quickly let go of him, totally forgetting
about her surroundings Serenity's mouth fell open, "What did you call me?"
Darien didn't have time to think about that. He could already feel a deep
force penetrating the earth.
"We have to get out of here. Can you walk?"
Serenity nodded but then realized Queen Serenity was still gripping her
dress.
"Queen Serenity! What are you doing here?"
"She's here."
Serenity pulled herself from under the Queen and settled for kneeling in
front of her, "Mother, please come with us."
Queen Serenity's head snapped up. Their eyes locked. Serenity smiled as
tears threatened to fall, "I know."
Queen Serenity grabbed her daughter into a hug, crying into her daughters
hair, "I'm so sorry, Serenity! I wanted to tell you!"
"It's okay..."
"We don't have time, they're already here!"
Queen Serenity and her daughter broke apart and ran with the prince. They
raced down the halls to the entrance of the palace. Queen Agasta,
King Terren and Maggie were standing just outside the doors, awed.
"The princesses!" Serenity pointed off into the field.
"Oh shoot!" Darien took out his sword, ready to join his generals when
Queen Serenity caught his arm, "You can't fight this." She looked strait
into him, "And you know it."
Prince Darien glared at her, "What do you want me to do? Stand back and
watch?"
"No." Queen Serenity turned to her daughter, "I want you to help
Serenity control her powers."
Serenity snapped her gaze away from the scouts to stare at her mother,
"I don't know how to use them!"
"Yes you do... How do you think you made it back to consciousness so
fast and with Prince Darien's help?" Queen Serenity hugged her daughter,
"You can at least do what you can."
Serenity smiled even though her insides were turning into a nervous wreak.
She had a mother, a mother who loved her!
"How do I help her?" Darien asked.
"You'll know what to do when you get out there." She pushed Serenity
lightly towards the scouts, "Now go help your friends."
Queen Serenity watched as her daughter and the Earth Prince made their
way out into the field. She could plainly see the ship hovering above
them, waiting to attack at any moment.
Queen Serenity felt fear, love and confidence all at once and she wondered
if her own Mother felt the same way on her first battle.
Queen Serenity knew she had to make her daughter go through with this.
Serenity had to fight off her own demons and for the first time, the Queen
of the Moon couldn't help.
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Serenity gripped Darien's hand in her own for reassurance. She looked up at
him looking for confidence and she got it. Darien's head was held high as
he watched the ship. He had determination in those dark eyes and
Serenity gripped onto his fearlessness like a woman drowning.
In that instant she knew she needed Darien just as much as she wanted a
good Mother. Serenity looked back to see her Mother standing in front of
the palace doors, her hands twisted in front of her thin waist. She's my
mother. She thought proudly.
She turned her head and went on with determination. She was the
Moon Queen's daughter! Serenity stopped suddenly, that thought had never
accured to her.
"Serenity?" Darien asked when she stopped them.
"I'm the Moon Princess!" She practically screamed at him with wide eyes.
Darien smiled and his heart fluttered for an unknown reason, "You can do
this."
Serenity smiled giddily and nodded. Darien was right. She could beat
Beryl's army.
"Prince Darien!" Andy caught sight of his Prince coming towards them.
Darien stopped next to General Ken who was standing beside Andy.
"May I ask what you're doing, Prince Darien?" Ken asked with a bit of a
snap in his voice.
"Helping Serenity."
"Serenity?" Ken glanced at the Princess.
Serenity wanted to reply to that look but she had no time. A large beam
shot down from the ship and hit the ground. In an instant three figures
appeared only 20 feet in front of them. The oldest one was a tall woman
with red hair and black eyes. She held a sword at her waist and an evil
smile on her face.
The second one was a short man with silver hair and pink eyes. He wore
daggers at his thighs and calves.
The last one was taller than the short man but shorter than the tall
woman. He had cold blue eyes and long black hair to his waist. He had no
weapon as far as the girls could see.
The scout's muscles stiffened at the sign of a fight. The generals weren't
sure what they would have to do. The scouts obviously were thinking of
taking care of it and their Prince was standing beside them ready to fight
as well with Serenity.
"Surrender Serenity of the Dark Planet." The woman stepped up with cool
intense eyes.
Sailor Mars lifted an eyebrow, "Surrender? I don't think so."
The woman looked at each of the scouts. All wore the same determined
stance.
"Then you will die, Scout."
The short man behind her snickered. He obviously was glad that he would
get the chance to fight them or kill them... which ever was on his
mind.
Serenity squeezed Darien's hand in worry. What would happen to her
friends... her scouts?
"Bring it on Nega-Scum!"
The woman charged at Sailor Mars with her sword, "Die!"
Serenity stepped forward in alarm but Darien held her hand tight in
his grip. He wouldn't let her go yet; it wasn't time for her to fight.
General Chad also moved to help Ray but Ken and Andy stepped in his
way.
Chad growled at his friends but didn't fight to get through.
Sailor Mars summoned her powers, "Mars Fire Ignite!" The flame of fire
swirled around the woman just before her sword reached Sailor Mars' heart.
The woman screamed out in horror and fear as the burning fire scorched her
white skin. The woman fell to the ground and rolled until the fire was out.
She lay there breathing roughly.
"My turn sister!" The short one charged forward at Sailor Mercury, who
just appeared with Greg, a dagger in both hands.
Sailor Mercury was caught off guard; she hadn't expected to fight that
soon. One of the daggers went through her side. Blood trailed down her
side as she pulled away from the short man and the dagger. The man smirked
and stepped back, "Never fool with my daggers, Blue Scout!"
"No! Mercury!" Sailor Venus, Sailor Jupiter and Sailor Mars screamed out
as Amy staggered back with her hand on her bloody waist.
The woman on the ground chuckled, "Good work, Dash."
The small man named Dash spit on the ground and looked past the scouts to
the blonde girl near the dark haired man.
"You are all weaklings." He scoffed at the scouts before walking in
strides towards the girl.
Sailor Mars's eyes lit up. There was no way in **** she was going to
let him take Serenity especially after what he did to her friend! Mars
wasn't that far from Dash so she easily made it up to his side. Dash
buckled over in an instant as Mar's knee came in contact with his
stomach. Sailor Mars brought her elbow down on his upper back, knocking
him to the floor.
The woman stood up, "That's too many point for you fire girl!" She coughed
out smoke but continued towards Sailor Mars, "Taste this!" She let out a
ball of energy. It went strait at Mars's head. Sailor Mercury was the first
to react to this unexpected power. She pushed Sailor Venus, who had come to
help her, away and ran past Sailor Jupiter. She knocked Sailor Mars to
the ground just in time. The ball of energy flew past their head and
headed strait towards the generals.
"Duck!" All the men fell to the ground.
Darien pulled Serenity a good distance away from the energy ball. The
large ball kept going until it finally hit a tree. It burst into flames
and made big puffs of smoke burst into the sky.
Serenity's mouth fell open and her eyes went wide.
"Shoot!" Ken whistled, "Another one of those and I don't think we're going
to be so lucky."
Sailor Mars lifted Sailor Mercury off her, "Thanks..." She whispered, "Are
you okay?"
Sailor Mercury smiled up at her, "Yeah..." She winced.
The two girls got up and faced the angry red head. Her mouth was now in a
thin line and her eyes blazed with a passion to kill.
"If she does that again, I'm going to kill her!" General Chad watched Ray
and Amy pull them selves up.
"She's okay, Chad... calm down."
"CALM DOWN?!" Chad screamed, "ARE YOU INSANE?"
Andy moved away from Chad to stand closer to Ken, "Okay, okay, don't
calm down."
Sailor Venus pulled out her golden chain, "Love Chain Encircle!" Caught
off guard the red haired woman was encircled by the love chain. She screamed
out in frustration and fell to her knees as she tried to wiggle out of the
tight chain.
"Cool!" Sailor Venus held her powers as she did a short victory dance.
Sailor Jupiter rolled her eyes. A small groan sounded below her. Sailor
Jupiter looked down to see Dash starting to push himself up. Jupiter lifted
her foot and pushed him back down again, "Stay put or you'll get hurt
again." She crossed her arms over her chest and watched Venus and the red
haired woman.
"You're going to regret this!" the women screamed.
Sailor Venus narrowed her eyes on the woman, "You come here and demand that
we give you Serenity, no, I don't think I will regret destroying you!"
The woman's eyes flashed with fear for only a second. She glared at
Sailor Venus, "So be it."
"Venus Love Chain Snap!" Venus pulled hard on the love chain. It
tightened around the woman and she burst into flames before turning
into dust.
"Good job, Sailor Venus!" Mars gave her thumbs up.
Serenity didn't like the gruesome scene the woman made when she burst
into flames but she was sure glad that she was gone. Serenity sighed in
relief. Maybe the scouts wouldn't need help in the end. Maybe this would
all be over before they knew it and she could go back and be with her
Mother... and maybe she could be with Darien. She glanced up at him. He
didn't look impressed.
Then again, maybe not.
The other man with no weapons just stood there watching them. Observing
them. Sailor Jupiter didn't like it. He probably could already tell what
their weaknesses were and how they fought.
Sailor Mars and the rest of the scouts didn't seem to notice the man too
much or at all. They crowded around Sailor Jupiter and the short man
beneath her.
"Well, that wasn't too hard." Sailor Mars boasted.
Sailor Mercury leaned on Sailor Mars, still holding her sides, "You guys,
I don't think this is over yet." Sailor Mercury noticed Sailor Jupiter's
intense gaze on the last man standing.
"Huh?" Sailor Mars noticed Jupiter too and followed her gaze,
"Oh shoot!"
"Yeah..." Sailor Mercury chuckled lightly before wincing in pain.
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Queen Serenity battled her emotions as she watched the girls go through
this by themselves. She so wanted to go out there and finish the pre-game
for them but she knew she couldn't. The scouts became close to being
her daughters and it was just as tough to watch them, as it would be
to watch Serenity fight without her.
The Queen and King of Earth stood by watching with just as much intensity.
They weren't used to this kind of battle. On earth there had only been
mortal battles, never ones that involved magic or power. They both
felt powerless to do anything to help.
Luna appeared beside Queen Serenity at the exact same time Sailor Mercury
was stabbed while Greg appeared just behind the generals.
Maggie watched as she clutched King Terren's silk sleeve with anxiety. She
had never seen anything like this and when that bolt of energy destroyed a
huge tree she nearly fainted. That could have been her babies!
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
The man stared at all of them with his hands to his sides and his cold
blue eyes studying them.
Sailor Mars glared at him hoping to get a reaction out of his steal frame
but he stayed put; his eyes and body never changing their appearance.
Mars huffed, "Is he just going stand there?"
Sailor Jupiter stared at the man. He knew more about them then they did him.
He had the upper advantage. Jupiter scanned over his frame. He was well
built and he was smart. She could tell by the way he thought before he
reacted. If he were like the others he would have charged at them
already.
The small man below Jupiter's foot moved, throwing Jupiter off her feet.
The small man stepped back and shook the dirt off him.
The girls stared at him, shocked that he was still okay.
The small man pulled out his daggers and sneered at them, "Touch me again,
and your dead, little missy." He glared a Mars.
Mars rolled her eyes before calling, "Mars Fire Ignite!" The flame of fire
hit him in the face before burning him to ashes.
Jupiter got to her feet a little ruffled for being taken off guard. She
dusted off her skirt and looked over at the man still standing again.
"If you're just going to stand there, we might as well all go home!"
Sailor Venus yelled at him getting a little annoyed by his stare.
The man smiled, the girls gasped. They hadn't expected him to move a
muscle.
"Hand over Princess Serenity and none of you will get hurt."
"Oh yeah?" Sailor Venus challenged.
"I am Duke, Queen Beryl's personal guard." He introduced himself, "And I
won't go lightly on you as did my comrades."
"Don't you think you should be babysitting your Queen then?"
Jupiter stepped on Venus's foot to shut her up. Sailor Venus gave a silent
yell before glaring daggers at Jupiter, "What was that for?"
Sailor Jupiter ignored her, "We can't let you take her. She is the Princess
of the Moon and we will die protecting her."
Princess Serenity bit her lip as she watched the scene play before her.
She didn't want them to die for her! She's rather die for them! How could
she live with the knowledge that it was because of her that their
beautiful lives were cut short?
"No!" Serenity walked forward only to be yanked back by Darien. Serenity
looked up at him, "I can't let them do this!" She tried to pull away again
but Darien held her tight.
Darien shook his head.
Serenity felt tears fill her eyes as she turned away from Darien's gaze.
She knew he was right but it was still hard to let her friends do this for
her.
The battle began in a blink of an eye. Duke unleashed his power and threw it
at the group of scouts. Mercury and Mars went down, knocked unconscious,
leaving Jupiter and Venus to fight on their own. The generals hurried over
to the two fallen girls and pulled them out of the way of the battle.
"Jupiter Thunder Crash!" Jupiter shouted. Lightening crackled as it
zoomed across the air. Duke jumped out of the way just in time and landed
on his feet a few yards away.
"You missed Princess."
Sailor Jupiter growled under her breath and threw another shot at him. This
time she got him in the foot. Duke didn't scream out but it was obvious he
was in pain. He limped on his foot glaring at Jupiter.
"Venus Love Chain Encircle!" The Love chain flew towards Duke but he was
ready for it and ducked just out of harms way.
"Hey!" Sailor Venus yelled.
"Bloody Fist!" Duke called and a burst of energy knocked Venus to the
ground. Sailor Venus groaned against the ground as she sucked in the iron
mixed dirt. One of her ribs poked her insides, giving her a sharp pain.
Andy ran over to Sailor Venus as the battle between Duke and Jupiter
continued.
"Let's get you out of here." He tired to lift her up but she screamed
out in pain.
"That bastered!" She hissed through her teeth.
Jupiter dodged Duke's attacks always just making it out of his way in
time. This is stupid! I'm just playing cat and mouse! Sailor Jupiter
stopped running and started attacking. Duke blocked her attacks much easer
this time as he became familiar with her powers.
"One of us has to give up!" Sailor Jupiter yelled in his direction.
"And that one will be you!"
Sailor Jupiter ducked as a ball of energy came towards her. She fell to
the ground as the energy ball skimmed her back, making it burn like ****.
Ken held himself back. If Lita went any further he was going to take the
brunt of the attacks himself! She may be Sailor Jupiter and the Princess
'of' Jupiter but she was only human.
"I told you it would be you." Duke walked steadily up to Sailor Jupiter.
The green scout struggled to push her self up despite the pain in her
back. Before Jupiter knew it Duke's black boots appeared in her view.
She cursed under her breath. She was caught unguarded.
No... Jupiter, get up! Serenity pleaded in her mind. She wasn't going to
let Jupiter get hurt! She had to get up!
Darien's grip on her hand tightened as if he knew what she was thinking at
that moment. Serenity glared silently at him. What if that was one of
his generals out there? Wouldn't he want to help them? He had to understand
that Jupiter need her help!
"Before I kill you... and you're friends, I just want you to know that
I enjoyed every minute of our little corral." She could practically see
him smirk in her in minds eye.
Duke raised his hand, "Goodbye, Sailor Jupiter."
"Stop."
Duke whirled around at the familiar voice of his Queen. Queen Beryl stood
in all her glory under the ship in a red robe, "We don't need to waste energy
on 'her', General Duke." She looked past Jupiter's frame to
Princess Serenity, "I see you found your heritage after all, little
brat."
Serenity stepped back and moved closer to Prince Darien's body.
Queen Beryl, with a glance, noticed Queen Serenity standing in front of
the Earth Palace. She knew the Queen wouldn't interfere with her
daughters' destiny.
"I'll make a deal with you Princess 'of the Moon'. You come with me and
all of your friends... live." She glanced at Duke.
Duke looked strait at Serenity telling her to challenge Beryl.
Serenity swallowed hard. She wasn't going to go back! Not after all the
time and energy it took to get here! She wasn't going to live on a world
where no love existed and where it was always dark and threatening!
No!
But then again, she couldn't let her friends die! Lita, Mina, Amy, Ray...
she couldn't let them loose their lives all because of her.
Serenity closed her eyes as tears fell down her face. She didn't know what
to do! Darien squeezed her hand, causing her to look up at him, surprised.
His eyes were soft yet determined. They held warmth, comfort and... love?
She knew what he was telling her. She nodded and looked strait into
Beryl's eyes, "No."
Queen Beryl snapped her figures, giving Duke the go ahead but Serenity
stopped them, "'I' have another proposal."
Duke looked at his Queen confused.
She held up her hand telling him to hold off, "And what would that be?"
"I... we... fight you." Serenity forced a smile to reassure herself, "If
we win you leave and never come back. If you win I leave with you and the
Moon Kingdom is yours."
Queen Beryl lifted an eyebrow, "You think you are up to the job
little Princess. You hardly know what powers you posses."
"Yes."
"Fine, than. I'll take your proposal 'but' I am warning you, I won't be
easy on you."
Princess Serenity nodded.
Duke stepped away from Jupiter allowing Ken to help her up.
Now what am I supposed to do?! Serenity searched her mind for her powers or
for some link to her knowledge of the Moon but she came up with nothing.
Princesses Serenity turned to stare at her Mother. What am I supposed to do?
In an instant she heard her Mother's voice in her head. 'Search your heart.'
Serenity closed her eyes and felt the overwhelming power erupt at her will.
Her eyes flashed open in surprise!
"Luna!" She screamed, "The Moon Wand!"
Luna mentally hit herself. Of course the Princess couldn't fight unless she
had something to fight with! Luna ran across the field up to the Princess
and gave her the pink and gold wand. The Imperium Silver Crystal sat in
its base, twinkling up at her.
"Ready?" Queen Beryl asked.
Princess Serenity let go of Darien's hand and stepped up, closing in some of
the distance between her and Beryl, "Ready."
Serenity aimed the Moon Wand at Queen Beryl. This is for my Mother! Closing
her eyes she let the power travel through her. A sharp beam of light
zoomed across the air. For a second time stopped and everyone stared at
the magic in awe! Queen Beryl lifted her hand and met Serenity's power
half way. Dark and Light fought in the middle, trying to win the other
over.
Serenity wasn't prepared for the force Beryl leashed against her. Her feet
slid and her arms bent, making the Moon Wand almost touch her chest. With
all her strength she made her arms go out and her feet forward. Already she
was feeling sweat bead down her forehead.
Queen Beryl laughed, "Is this all you got?"
Serenity's mouth felt dry and her head was starting to feel light. She had
never had this much power running through her at once and it was taking its
toll on her. Her legs began to crumble beneath her as Beryl's energy
increased. I was a fool to think I could do this! Serenity thought
bitterly. Beryl was much stronger than she was. I can't... I can't...
do this! Serenity felt like crying. She was so confident but now she
felt so weak.
My friends need my help; she'll kill them if I let her win! Serenity
forced herself to try harder. Her arms were hurting and her legs felt
weak but she pushed until her breath was starting to come out in short
gasps.
Serenity gasped as the majority of the weight was taken off her. She
felt incredibly light and she would have dropped the Moon Wand if it weren't
for Prince Darien's strong hands covering hers.
"We're here...," he whispered.
Serenity nodded and she took a deep breath to calm herself down. She could
do this! She closed her eyes and focused her energy. She was surprised to
find not only her energy there but the scouts and Darien's as well!
Serenity felt a deep gratitude for her friends. They were helping her
even though she was the one that was supposed to be saving them!
Thrusting her power at Beryl, the world turned white all around them. Beryl
let out a frightened shriek of pain, "I will be back for your kingdom,
Moon Girl!"
Beryl yelled before everything went black.
Serenity opened her eyes. She was in a white room. Was she dead?
Serenity mentally shook her head. It didn't feel like heaven. Her arms,
legs, chest, head and feet hurt. This was definatly 'not' peace.
"Oh my gosh! She's awake!" The door slammed shut making Serenity wince in
pain. A few seconds later the doors opened and a whole group of people
were staring down at her. Queen Serenity, Queen Agasta, Ray, Lita, Amy and
Mina crowded around the bed.
"How do you feel?" her Mother asked.
Serenity giggled at their appearance, "Fine but all of you look horrible."
"Hey!" Mina cried out defensively, "So this is the thanks I get for
bailing you out?"
"Sorry."
Lita jabbed Mina in the ribs, "She's just joking. We're glad you're okay.
You've been out for a while."
"What happened? How long?"
"You've been out for four days." Queen Agasta informed.
"Four days!" Serenity tried to sit up but her head protested.
"Rest, you're going to need it." Queen Serenity wiped her bangs away from
her forehead. Serenity loved the feel of her Mother's hand. It was soft
and so... Motherly.
"You two banged up the whole field! You should see it! It looks like a war
zone hit it!" Ray smirked, "Next time give us a warning."
"Darien! Where's Darien?"
"He's fine." Queen Agasta wrinkled her nose, "A little inpatient maybe but
that has nothing to do with his physical condition."
"Are you sure?" Ray gave Serenity a wicked glance, "It sounds to me like
he's going through withdrawl."
Serenity blushed not quiet knowing why.
"So he's okay?" She asked.
"Yeah, he'll be fine in a couple of days. As for you though, I think
you're going to need a lot more time." Mina chipped in.
Serenity relaxed. Everyone was fine. She won! With the help of her friends,
of course. Serenity felt exhaustion take her away and lure her into
sleep.
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Epilogue:
"Move out of the way!" Mina whispered fiercely to Ray, "I can't see."
"Well, I can't hear!"
"What are they saying?"
"Beats me... YOU'RE BEING TO LOUD!"
"Shh..." Silence, "I think they heard you."
"They're walking away!"
"Let's follow them!"
Someone cleared through their behind them. All four girls turned to see
four generals watching them with amusement.
Ray blushed bright red, Lita scrawled at being caught by Ken (knowing
he would rub this in forever), Amy hid her face in her skirt and Mina
smiled unashamed up at the guys.
"Hey!" Mina jumped up and hugged Andy's arm, "Did you see them? They
are definitely going to get hitched!"
"Mina!" Ray fumed, embarrassed.
Chad knelt down next to Ray, "Spying are we, Ray? I thought you were
against such low tactics."
Ray glared at him, "What are 'you' all doing here anyway. It's a little
far out to be going on a walk, don't you say?"
Chad smiled, "Looking for you of course."
Ray blushed deep red.
Darien pulled Serenity behind a large tree before peeking out, "I think we
lost them."
Serenity giggled, "I think they were following us from the very
beginning."
Darien looked down at Serenity's beautiful face, "You're probably right."
He touched her cheek lovingly with the back of his hand, "Serenity..."
"Hum...?" She asked dreamily.
Darien looked around. This wasn't the right place. He dropped his hand and
took hers into his, "Come on."
They stopped by a shimmering lake. The setting sun reflected on the
water, mixing orange with the blue.
He set Serenity down on a rock and knelt down in front of her, looking
into her confused eyes. Would she accept him?
"Serenity... I... your Mother..." No that's not how he wanted to start this.
He took an intake of breath, "From the very beginning I insulted you but
you forgave me." He smiled nervously, "I don't know why you forgave me,
and honestly I don't. I certainly didn't deserve it."
"Darien-"
"No, let me say this. When the hurricane hit I thought-"
"Darien-
Darien took in a shuttering breath. Didn't she know how hard this was
for him? He was so nervous and uncertain.
"That wasn't the first time I saw you."
"Huh?" He stopped thinking about his nervousness and looked at her.
Serenity giggled at his lame expression, "When I first saw you I thought
you were going to eat me. We were in the forest and I had fallen in the
mud."
Darien's eyes went impossibly wide, "THAT WAS YOU?"
Serenity nodded with a big smile on her face.
Darien couldn't believe that this whole time Serenity was the strange girl
in the forest! A thought struck him and he dug in his pocket for something.
He pulled out the crystal bracelet and held it up to Serenity, "This is
yours?"
Serenity's eyes went wide; "I didn't even-" She stopped and looked down at
her wrist, "It was missing! Oh!" She grabbed the bracelet and hugged
him impulsively around the neck, "Thank you! I don't know what I'd do
without it!"
Darien's head spun. If she was 'this' excited about him finding her
bracelet what would her reaction be to a ring?
"Whoa..." He untangled her arms from his neck, "Serenity..." He tried
to figure out where he left off but he couldn't remember. Oh heck!
"Serenity, you will marry me?"
Serenity stared at him, eyes gone wide.
"Seren-"
Serenity burst out into tears.
Darien's heart wrenched. He didn't mean to make her cry! He wrapped his
arms around her, "I'm sorry... I didn't think-"
"I will." She muffled against his shirt. Darien went stiff. Did she say
what he thought she said, "Serenity?"
She pulled away from him to look into his eyes, "I WILL!" She screamed
through her tears, "But I can't believe you would really want to-" She
was cut off as Darien grabbed her shoulders and kissed her passionately
on the mouth. She muffled a silent squeak of surprise before settling
into the intense kiss that began to overwhelm her.
Her arms wrapped around his neck and she sighed into his mouth.
"I KNEW IT!"
Darien and Serenity broke apart and turned around. Four girls and four
generals stood just beyond the forest watching them with amusement or
with an air of romance.
"I knew it!" Mina repeated, "I told you they would get hitched."
Ray bonked Mina over the head, "Everyone knew it."
"Hey, you know what this means?" Lita asked.
"Yeah!" Mina grabbed Andy's neck and pulled his head down, giving him a
very throu kiss.
The girls broke out laughing at Mina's blunt show of emotions. The
generals all blushed.
Serenity and Darien went back to looking at each other.
"I'm sorry for letting you go, Princess."
"And I'm sorry for running away."
The two kissed again, this time it lasted much much longer.
Meanwhile, off in the distance, two beautiful trees stood together. An
apple and an orange tree. Their roots wrapped around each other and
their braches shot up high in the sky, casting a cool shadow over the
dry heated grass.
So after all, apples and oranges did prosper together.
(The End)
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Well, I guess I did end up making the apple and orange tree part of the
story after all. I hope everyone liked it! I worked REALLY hard to get
this chapter out!
This is the LONGEST chapter of this COMPLETED story. Gosh, it took '
forever'!
Thanks for read'in!
