Oct 2000
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, I'm just borrowing them. The story,
however, is mine.
It Matters To Me.
Chapter 7
"Dammit Jupiter, get out of there!"
"I'm going, I can only move so.. AH!"
"JUPITER!"
"Stay back... Mars."
"No! Burning... MANDALA!" burning rings of fire sprouted from Mars'
hands and hit the monster square in the chest. Fur ignited and smoked, the
creature rearing as huge paws slapped at the flames.
Venus jumped in, grabbed Jupiter, and jumped out, avoiding the claws of
the monster as she did.
"Mercury, you know what this thing's weak spot is yet? We could sure
use your help here!"
Mercury closed her computer, "Left claws on it's back foot!"
"Oh, sure, like we can hit that!" yelled back Jupiter.
Sailor Moon dropped into the middle of the battle from somewhere above
the scouts, landing heavily and favoring one of her sides but it didn't seem
to slow her down as she sidestepped the monster's attack; a breath weapon
that looked like berries. As they hit the ground behind her they buried deep
into the ground, exploding and showering the ground around it with red paint
like substance that hissed and oozed as it struck surfaces. Sailor Moon
glanced behind her and then ducked as another volley of the beads flew
towards her.
"The back left claw, Sailor Moon!" Mercury yelled to her, "That's the
weak point!"
The bear creature landed down on all fours, keeping its vulnerable claw
behind and out of view and spat another volley of the berries at Sailor Moon.
This time she tripped on loose pavement and fell, letting out a shriek of
pain as her side collided with the ground.
"Sailor Moon! Watch out!"
She clutched her side in pain, hearing the warning but unable to do
anything about it. She curled into a fetal position, closing her eyes as she
waited for the inevitable. Strong hands suddenly slid about her shoulders
and under her knees and she was pulled against a warm chest. Wind ruffled
her hair and her skirt as she felt the muscles in powerful legs kick off
against the earth. Still in the throes of pain, everything registered on the
edges of her consciousness. The sounds of battle dwindled to the back of her
mind as she squirmed, moaning from the pressure that was still pulsing
against her side. She registered something rough against her back and curled
up again, her arms curled protectively around the most painful part. Strong
hands pushed her away and she shrieked as they gently probed the wound.
"Dammit, Serena, you shouldn't be fighting! You're missing a big chunk
of your body! That hole should have warned you not to fight!"
She gritted her teeth, the world floating in a red haze, but she managed
to make out black hair, a black hat and a white mask. "I'm getting better,
Darien," she told him, her voice laced with pain, "It was worse when it
happened." She closed her eyes and a white light started to shine from her
locket. Tuxedo Mask grabbed her locket and wrenched it off her uniform
before she could react. Immediately her suit unravelled into long pink
ribbons and transformed back into her school clothes. She saw him frown
before she closed her eyes, fighting the pain. Her friends needed her! How
dare he try and manhandle her!
"You're bleeding," he said softly, running gentle glove covered hands
over her waist. She couldn't find the strength to fend him off as tears
soaked her cheeks. She knew he was trying to be gentle but every brush,
especially when she wasn't transformed, was really painful. His hands slid
under her loose shirt and pulled it up, revealing her mid-drift and the
bandage wrapped around her middle. It was soaked with blood on one side, the
stain ugly and menacing and he sat back on his heels. "I can't let you use
the silver crystal, Serena, you'll die if you use it when you're depleted
like this."
"I have to...to help... the scouts..." she bit out, rolling away from
him. Bent over, she forced herself to her feet, grasping the side of the tree
by which she was for support. The blood stain had seeped through the bandage
and was dotting her shirt with brilliant red.
Tuxedo Mask pocketed the broach, standing up to look at her calmly.
"You are in no position to help them fight. You're liable to get yourself
killed."
She shot him a look that was of dark amusement, "So? I'm no good to the
world as I am right now. Getting myself killed would only help the world.
Give me back my broach, Tuxedo Mask, I have to fight with them, they can't
beat this thing without me."
The sounds of Jupiter calling on her thunder attacks clearly echoed to
them and Serena held out her hand for the broach. She could only describe
the look on his face from her words as stunned. She sucked in a sharp breath
as he grabbed her viciously by the shoulders and pinned her against the tree
trunk, "Don't you ever say that," he told her venomously, "You're more
important to this world than anything and anyone. You're the defender of
justice and love, of good against evil. You've got a heart big enough to
encompass the whole world in its embrace, and you love without restraint.
There is no greater gift than that. Never. NEVER, say you're not important,
dammit! Without you this world would be in ruins many times over!"
"It was never good enough for you Darien," she replied, tears of pain
gathering in her eyes, "You never wanted my heart did you? You didn't think
we could last after what we've been through in this life and the last. You
always thought I was a burden, one you didn't want and you never wanted my
love, you don't want anyone's love, you just want to be alone and miserable.
Well, I'm giving you the chance. Give me back my broach, my friends need me,
unlike some people that will remain nameless."
He looked like he'd been punched in the gut. Her head was tilted at a
defiant angel as she glared daggers up at him through her tears. Unable to
reach her he bit out a furious curse that made her eyes widen and then bent
his head and ground his lips onto hers in a kiss that shocked her.
Serena's eyes fluttered closed of their own violation as her head
connected with the tree trunk behind her. Darien's mouth ground viciously
into hers, speaking of frustration held too long at bay, anger, sorrow, and
above all else love. His lips gentled on hers, became a caress and she
opened her mouth to him, making a tiny sound in the back of her throat. Her
arms crept up to encircle his neck as he slid one hand underneath each of her
arms and held her to him, careful, even when kissing her, of not touching her
wound. She tugged on his head, angling her head to better kiss him as his
tongue delved into her mouth, and kissed him back with a frustration, anger
and love that sent him to his knees, brining her with him.
White light neither of them could see started to glow from his pocket
and encompass them. Darien felt the change first. His body felt heavier, a
weight at his side distracting him momentarily from his love. His hands
froze on her back as a second shock happened and his hands encountered skin,
almost as if her shirt had melted away. He pulled back, breathing hard, to
look at her. Her mouth was bruised by his kisses, her face flushed. The
crescent moon in the middle of her forehead stood out in contrast of her
alabaster skin. "Serenity," he breathed, seeing that he had also
transformed. The locket containing the silver crystal was glowing brightly,
hanging suspended between them as it rose from his pocket.
Serenity opened her eyes, looking up into Prince Endymion's face. She
gasped, seeing the crystal glow with a bight light. "Endymion," she
murmured, reaching out a trembling hand to cup his face.
He kept his gaze locked with hers, seeing her love shining from the
depths of her sky blue eyes. He smiled gently at her, a smile he never used
for anyone else. She smiled in return.
"My children," they turned as one upon hearing the voice. Serenity's
eyes widened and she tore herself from the prince's grasp, running to the
woman who stood a few feet away.
"Mother!" she stopped short, curtsied and then threw herself into Queen
Serenity's arms, hugging her tightly.
"My little Serenity," the elegant woman murmured, gently brushing the
bangs off of her daughter's face. Princess Serenity suddenly gasped and her
hands went to her side, pulling the cloth close enough that it came away
soaked with crimson. "You're hurt child!"
She nodded, tears rimming her eyes, her voice choked, "In a fight,
mother. The fight to keep Earth free from evil is ongoing."
"And where were you, Prince, when my daughter needed your help?"
He flushed, looking away guiltily, "Elsewhere. I have regretted it ever
since. I never intended her harm, I love her more than life and I had a
premonition she would die if I stayed near her. I did my best, but I cannot
any longer. Without her, I have nothing to live for."
Queen Serenity knelt next to her daughter and extended her hands. The
silver crystal floated over and came to rest in the Queen's palms. She
touched the area of the wound, causing Serenity to hiss, "Be still child,
this won't take but a moment. Prince Endymion, I will require your
assistance." He walked over quickly. "Place your hands on my shoulders, I
will draw from you to help heal her. As a spirit I cannot heal you myself,
I'm afraid."
Endymion did as she asked and bright light flared, causing Princess
Serenity and Endymion to shield their eyes. "Live long and be happy, my
children. Never doubt your love for it is that which will save the world,"
Queen Serenity's voice echoed as the spots from the crystal's light were
starting to fade in their view.
They looked around. They were back in the park. Their eyes met and
Darien ducked his head halfway, inviting her to kiss him. She reached up and
captured his lips with hers, meeting him halfway. Warmth and love flowed
through her and she felt his arms slide around her waist. 'Was that real?'
she wondered silently. She felt no pain as his arms suddenly tightened and
fell away. He pulled his mouth off of hers, "I didn't hurt you did I?"
She shook her head, "No..." Mars' voice echoed back to them and she
froze, "The scouts!" she grabbed the locket with the crystal off the ground and
looked at him, "Transform, Darien, we're needed." She slanted him a look,
softening her next words with a smile, "We need to talk when this is over."
He nodded, and pulled out a rose, quickly changing from Darien to Tuxedo
Mask. She smiled at him and threw up her hand, the locket held tightly.
"Moon... Crystal... POWER!" Feathers and ribbons floated around her,
transforming her into the super heroine she was suddenly proud to be. Her
feet landed on the ground and she took off running. Tuxedo Mask was beside
her as they tore through the bushes back to the fight.
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, I'm just borrowing them. The story,
however, is mine.
It Matters To Me.
Chapter 7
"Dammit Jupiter, get out of there!"
"I'm going, I can only move so.. AH!"
"JUPITER!"
"Stay back... Mars."
"No! Burning... MANDALA!" burning rings of fire sprouted from Mars'
hands and hit the monster square in the chest. Fur ignited and smoked, the
creature rearing as huge paws slapped at the flames.
Venus jumped in, grabbed Jupiter, and jumped out, avoiding the claws of
the monster as she did.
"Mercury, you know what this thing's weak spot is yet? We could sure
use your help here!"
Mercury closed her computer, "Left claws on it's back foot!"
"Oh, sure, like we can hit that!" yelled back Jupiter.
Sailor Moon dropped into the middle of the battle from somewhere above
the scouts, landing heavily and favoring one of her sides but it didn't seem
to slow her down as she sidestepped the monster's attack; a breath weapon
that looked like berries. As they hit the ground behind her they buried deep
into the ground, exploding and showering the ground around it with red paint
like substance that hissed and oozed as it struck surfaces. Sailor Moon
glanced behind her and then ducked as another volley of the beads flew
towards her.
"The back left claw, Sailor Moon!" Mercury yelled to her, "That's the
weak point!"
The bear creature landed down on all fours, keeping its vulnerable claw
behind and out of view and spat another volley of the berries at Sailor Moon.
This time she tripped on loose pavement and fell, letting out a shriek of
pain as her side collided with the ground.
"Sailor Moon! Watch out!"
She clutched her side in pain, hearing the warning but unable to do
anything about it. She curled into a fetal position, closing her eyes as she
waited for the inevitable. Strong hands suddenly slid about her shoulders
and under her knees and she was pulled against a warm chest. Wind ruffled
her hair and her skirt as she felt the muscles in powerful legs kick off
against the earth. Still in the throes of pain, everything registered on the
edges of her consciousness. The sounds of battle dwindled to the back of her
mind as she squirmed, moaning from the pressure that was still pulsing
against her side. She registered something rough against her back and curled
up again, her arms curled protectively around the most painful part. Strong
hands pushed her away and she shrieked as they gently probed the wound.
"Dammit, Serena, you shouldn't be fighting! You're missing a big chunk
of your body! That hole should have warned you not to fight!"
She gritted her teeth, the world floating in a red haze, but she managed
to make out black hair, a black hat and a white mask. "I'm getting better,
Darien," she told him, her voice laced with pain, "It was worse when it
happened." She closed her eyes and a white light started to shine from her
locket. Tuxedo Mask grabbed her locket and wrenched it off her uniform
before she could react. Immediately her suit unravelled into long pink
ribbons and transformed back into her school clothes. She saw him frown
before she closed her eyes, fighting the pain. Her friends needed her! How
dare he try and manhandle her!
"You're bleeding," he said softly, running gentle glove covered hands
over her waist. She couldn't find the strength to fend him off as tears
soaked her cheeks. She knew he was trying to be gentle but every brush,
especially when she wasn't transformed, was really painful. His hands slid
under her loose shirt and pulled it up, revealing her mid-drift and the
bandage wrapped around her middle. It was soaked with blood on one side, the
stain ugly and menacing and he sat back on his heels. "I can't let you use
the silver crystal, Serena, you'll die if you use it when you're depleted
like this."
"I have to...to help... the scouts..." she bit out, rolling away from
him. Bent over, she forced herself to her feet, grasping the side of the tree
by which she was for support. The blood stain had seeped through the bandage
and was dotting her shirt with brilliant red.
Tuxedo Mask pocketed the broach, standing up to look at her calmly.
"You are in no position to help them fight. You're liable to get yourself
killed."
She shot him a look that was of dark amusement, "So? I'm no good to the
world as I am right now. Getting myself killed would only help the world.
Give me back my broach, Tuxedo Mask, I have to fight with them, they can't
beat this thing without me."
The sounds of Jupiter calling on her thunder attacks clearly echoed to
them and Serena held out her hand for the broach. She could only describe
the look on his face from her words as stunned. She sucked in a sharp breath
as he grabbed her viciously by the shoulders and pinned her against the tree
trunk, "Don't you ever say that," he told her venomously, "You're more
important to this world than anything and anyone. You're the defender of
justice and love, of good against evil. You've got a heart big enough to
encompass the whole world in its embrace, and you love without restraint.
There is no greater gift than that. Never. NEVER, say you're not important,
dammit! Without you this world would be in ruins many times over!"
"It was never good enough for you Darien," she replied, tears of pain
gathering in her eyes, "You never wanted my heart did you? You didn't think
we could last after what we've been through in this life and the last. You
always thought I was a burden, one you didn't want and you never wanted my
love, you don't want anyone's love, you just want to be alone and miserable.
Well, I'm giving you the chance. Give me back my broach, my friends need me,
unlike some people that will remain nameless."
He looked like he'd been punched in the gut. Her head was tilted at a
defiant angel as she glared daggers up at him through her tears. Unable to
reach her he bit out a furious curse that made her eyes widen and then bent
his head and ground his lips onto hers in a kiss that shocked her.
Serena's eyes fluttered closed of their own violation as her head
connected with the tree trunk behind her. Darien's mouth ground viciously
into hers, speaking of frustration held too long at bay, anger, sorrow, and
above all else love. His lips gentled on hers, became a caress and she
opened her mouth to him, making a tiny sound in the back of her throat. Her
arms crept up to encircle his neck as he slid one hand underneath each of her
arms and held her to him, careful, even when kissing her, of not touching her
wound. She tugged on his head, angling her head to better kiss him as his
tongue delved into her mouth, and kissed him back with a frustration, anger
and love that sent him to his knees, brining her with him.
White light neither of them could see started to glow from his pocket
and encompass them. Darien felt the change first. His body felt heavier, a
weight at his side distracting him momentarily from his love. His hands
froze on her back as a second shock happened and his hands encountered skin,
almost as if her shirt had melted away. He pulled back, breathing hard, to
look at her. Her mouth was bruised by his kisses, her face flushed. The
crescent moon in the middle of her forehead stood out in contrast of her
alabaster skin. "Serenity," he breathed, seeing that he had also
transformed. The locket containing the silver crystal was glowing brightly,
hanging suspended between them as it rose from his pocket.
Serenity opened her eyes, looking up into Prince Endymion's face. She
gasped, seeing the crystal glow with a bight light. "Endymion," she
murmured, reaching out a trembling hand to cup his face.
He kept his gaze locked with hers, seeing her love shining from the
depths of her sky blue eyes. He smiled gently at her, a smile he never used
for anyone else. She smiled in return.
"My children," they turned as one upon hearing the voice. Serenity's
eyes widened and she tore herself from the prince's grasp, running to the
woman who stood a few feet away.
"Mother!" she stopped short, curtsied and then threw herself into Queen
Serenity's arms, hugging her tightly.
"My little Serenity," the elegant woman murmured, gently brushing the
bangs off of her daughter's face. Princess Serenity suddenly gasped and her
hands went to her side, pulling the cloth close enough that it came away
soaked with crimson. "You're hurt child!"
She nodded, tears rimming her eyes, her voice choked, "In a fight,
mother. The fight to keep Earth free from evil is ongoing."
"And where were you, Prince, when my daughter needed your help?"
He flushed, looking away guiltily, "Elsewhere. I have regretted it ever
since. I never intended her harm, I love her more than life and I had a
premonition she would die if I stayed near her. I did my best, but I cannot
any longer. Without her, I have nothing to live for."
Queen Serenity knelt next to her daughter and extended her hands. The
silver crystal floated over and came to rest in the Queen's palms. She
touched the area of the wound, causing Serenity to hiss, "Be still child,
this won't take but a moment. Prince Endymion, I will require your
assistance." He walked over quickly. "Place your hands on my shoulders, I
will draw from you to help heal her. As a spirit I cannot heal you myself,
I'm afraid."
Endymion did as she asked and bright light flared, causing Princess
Serenity and Endymion to shield their eyes. "Live long and be happy, my
children. Never doubt your love for it is that which will save the world,"
Queen Serenity's voice echoed as the spots from the crystal's light were
starting to fade in their view.
They looked around. They were back in the park. Their eyes met and
Darien ducked his head halfway, inviting her to kiss him. She reached up and
captured his lips with hers, meeting him halfway. Warmth and love flowed
through her and she felt his arms slide around her waist. 'Was that real?'
she wondered silently. She felt no pain as his arms suddenly tightened and
fell away. He pulled his mouth off of hers, "I didn't hurt you did I?"
She shook her head, "No..." Mars' voice echoed back to them and she
froze, "The scouts!" she grabbed the locket with the crystal off the ground and
looked at him, "Transform, Darien, we're needed." She slanted him a look,
softening her next words with a smile, "We need to talk when this is over."
He nodded, and pulled out a rose, quickly changing from Darien to Tuxedo
Mask. She smiled at him and threw up her hand, the locket held tightly.
"Moon... Crystal... POWER!" Feathers and ribbons floated around her,
transforming her into the super heroine she was suddenly proud to be. Her
feet landed on the ground and she took off running. Tuxedo Mask was beside
her as they tore through the bushes back to the fight.