Pale Beams
Chapter #1
The Betrayal
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon and all associated characters are the property of
Takeuchi Naoko, Toei Animation, and DIC.
Rated 'R' for strong language.
Another D-, what was her mother going to say about this one?
Worse yet, what was Darien going to say? He was never going to want
to go out with her again! After all who would want o go out with a dumb
16 year old that couldn't do simple algebra? The young girl walked
dejectedly home. Slim with tall legs she almost looked petite and fragile
from far away. Until you got up close, She was no tiny breakable flower.
The girl also had an inner strength; a certain way that she carried herself
that said that she was strong and yet vulnerable. Her long hair was put up
into an unusual hairstyle. Two golden buns were on either side of her head,
from them hung long streamers of the softest golden hair that a person ever
saw they fell down passed the calves of her almost impossible long legs.
She had large expressive eyes that were always smiling and full of never
ending sparkle, however if one looked closely they could see that she had
an almost haunted look deep in her eyes that spoke of tragedies that no
normal 16 year old could have possibly gone through in one life time. Serena
almost burst into tears at the thought of it. She walked even slower home. She
didn't have to pick up Reenie at school because Reenie said that she was old
enough to walk home on her own now. Of course Serena still worried about
her going home all alone, but she had to let her go some time right? Luckily
when she walked into the house there was no one there. Mom must have
gone out for grocery's she thought.
Quickly she went up to her room and shut the door. Looking again
at her test she grimaced. I really am smart, she thought. So why do I continue
to do this on all of my tests?
I guess it all goes back to the time that I got my first B-. She had
only been in third grade and had nightmares that night before the test. The
next day she had slept through the test waking only in time to quickly do
the first 10 questions giving her an incomplete assignment. The teacher had
looked at her and told her that she simply wasn't smart, only a dumb child
couldn't finish a simple spelling test. But she supposed that she would give
her a B- since she had done some of it. Serena had cried all that day and
the next. She had cried so hard that her mom kept her home from school
because she was so worried about her.
Serena had just never done well at tests after that, and then her
grades had gone down. She had decided that she was too dumb to do
her homework to, after all why do the homework if you're going to fail
the test? There was just no point. So now every one thought that she
was just naturally stupid. Again she looked at the test, well there was
nothing she could do about it now, it was too late, and Serena never
liked to stick to a depressing topic for too long. She decided that she
was hungry, again. So she ran down stairs to grab a bite to eat. Half way
down the stairs her communicator beeped.
Great She thought.
Just Great. Why did this have to happen now?
"Serena here, what's up?" She spoke to her wrist.
"Serena?"
Amys voice came clearly through the intercom. "We need
you down at the school yard, right away. Some new Yuma is attacking
the children and Reenies in the group he's taken hostage!"
Immediately concern filled Serena's head. Oh, God Reenie!
"I'll be right there Amy," she yelled.
Knowing that she was alone she brought her hands out in front
of her chest and whispered "Moon Gorgeous Make Up!"
Within seconds her body was wrapped in soft moon glow that
disappeared leaving her clad in her sailor outfit. Forcing her self to
concentrate she thought of an area near the school yard and willed her
self to be there. Her body glowed and then she was gone, traveling through
the air in tiny pieces only to arrive at the exact location that she had though
of.
Yes! She thought. Teleportation by herself was one of the newer
tricks that she had been working on secretly. There were a great many things
that she had learned to do alone that the others didn't know about, and that
she didn't wish to share quite yet. As soon as she landed she took off running
toward the playground of the school.
Arriving at the scene she saw Mars and Venus double-teaming
a huge monster. Man was this thing ugly! She thought. . It was green
and had sharp spikes all over its body. Scanning the field quickly she
saw Reenie with a bunch of children. She had not been able to transform
due to all of the attention that was on her as she tried to quiet down the
younger... and older children. They made eye contact and Reenie nodded
saying that she was all right and that she could sit this one out. Serena
smiled and took her fighting stance.
"About time Meatball Head!" Rae yelled. "Take the monster out already!"
But Serena couldn't the monster was too fast and she needed time to
gather the energy to fight it, so she did what she always did in this situation,
she played with it. Serena dashed about looking like a total moron,
completely fooling the monster into believing that she was incompetent.
It always worked. Just as she was ready to give up on that tactic, the
monster lost all interest in her. Turning his interest to ...Amy! No!
Serena thought as he fired up an attack at an unsuspecting Amy who
was trying to get readings on it for future reference. Serena thought
quickly and dived/ jumped into the line of fire. She heard Reenies
cry of dismay as she felt the burning heat scorch her back.
"Serena get out of the way!" She heard Mars yell." God cant
you just stay out of things? You didn't have to jump right into
that you know."
Mars was totally exasperated, but she had not seen
what Serena had so Serena let it go. She stood up and saw
that now the monster was looking at Mars. She closed her eyes and mentally
called her Rod to her hand, and as it was appearing she was already saying
the words to make the magic come.
"MOON GORGEOUS MEDITATION!" She cried. The only reason that she
yelled those words instead of whispered it like most of the girls was to cover up
the pain that she always felt when she channeled the magic energy. She felt it like
a hot brand searing her veins and blistering her hands as she released it into the
rod. It came out of the top of the rod in dozens of deadly pure sparks that killed
the evil monster on the spot.
Tiredly she ran an arm across her perspiring brow to get rid of the sweat.
That always hurts so badly when I'm done doing it. She thought. All of the
children cheered
"Sailor Moon, Sailor Moon!" Serena smiled and waved to them knowing that
all they knew was that Sailor Moon had saved them, not that the monster
was actually dangerous. Oh to be a kid again. She thought to herself.
"Geeze moron why did you run INTO the attack instead of staying out
of the way! You could have gotten one of us killed. I swear you have
got to be the most irresponsible person I know!" Mars started yelling at her.
"Uh, Mars, can we go somewhere else for this?" asked Amy softly.
"Yea, sure, if that's all right with our Leader."
The tone of her voice had changed to mocking, as usual on the
word leader. She's never going to believe me capable to lead the group.
Serena smiled and nodded as if she hadn't understood the sarcasm in Rae's
voice. She glanced at Reenie who again nodded to say that she would follow
when she could.
] The scouts all leaped away to a safe spot in the park near by.
Oh boy, here it comes! Serena thought as she saw the look on Mars'
face. Sure enough it came. Loudly.
"You are so dumb Serena, how are we supposed to protect you if all you
do is get yourself into danger? You are..."
Serena just droned it out for the rest of the tirade as she usually did
only nodding and grimacing every now and again to assure Rae that she
was listening to her. She suddenly heard something that made her start to
pay attention to Rae again.
"Whoa! What did you just say?" She asked incredulous and sure that
she had heard right.
"You heard what I said Meatballs for Brains, I said that your a bad
mother to Reenie. No real mom who cared about her daughter would just
run around trying to get us and the kids injured by some dumb Yuma. Reenie
can't look up to someone like that. You're horrible at school, being on time,
fighting, and ...your horrible at protecting your own child. Reenie could have
gotten hurt out there. YOUR A BAD MOM!!" Rae finished this at a shout,
her face all red she stormed off.
Serena and the rest of the girls stood rooted to the spot, their mouths
open in shock. Sympathetically the girls each detransformed and cam over
to Serena.
"It's all right Serena, she didn't mean it." Lita started.
"Yeah! I'm sure that she just had a majorly bad day." Mina added.
"I wouldn't worry about it, Rae's always like that. I'm sure you're not a bad
mother." Amy added her two senses in.
Serena forced a smile and put on her I'm a ditz mode and cheerfully said,
"Yeah, your right. I'm not really Reenies mom yet anyway, and she's just
being herself right?"
The girls were all fooled and smiled thinking that Serena hadn't really
been hurt by anything that Rae had said.
"OK, we'll see you tomorrow." they said and walked away sure that
everything was fine. But they each had a small doubt in their minds, Maybe
Rae was right, Maybe she was too ditzy to be the leader, and worse off future
Queen? Serena stood quietly there in the park for a while, she didn't power
down, knowing that her back was still not healed after the monsters attack. If she
left her suit on for a little while longer then her skin would heal and leave no visible
marks.
Am I such a horrible mom? Do I really deserve to rule this wonderful planet
and watch over the people? I must do better, for Reenie, and to do a better job
as a leader! So engrossed in her own thought was she that she failed to hear Reenie come up beside her, until she took her hand. Startled Serena looked down. Blue
eyes met red ones filled with concern.
Reenie looked up at Serena with concern. She
knew that her mom was hurting, but she didn't know why. All she knew was that
the special silver thread inside of her was trembling, which meant that something
was troubling Serena.
"Are you all right Serena?" she asked
. Serena nodded and powered down from her sailor suit. Reenie saw her
wince and quickly let go of her hand, knowing that it probably still hurt from her
release of energy. Only her and Darien knew that rush of power was no simple
attack but that it actually took a great deal out of Serena. Reenie herself only
knew because she had seen the blisters on Serenas hands and saw her tremble
when she was alone after a fight. Reenie had a great deal of faith in her mom, she
never showed it of course but it was there all the same. When Reenie used any
of her attacks she felt only a little bit of pain, and she knew that she released way
less energy than Serena did, so she felt relief that she did not have to handle that
power yet. So she was startled when Serena grabbed hold of her hands again.
Looking up she saw Serena smile. Inside the string had stopped trembling so
she smiled back, glad that things were O.K. again.
"Do you want to go grab a bite to eat Small Lady/" Serena asked.
"Uh, huh!" Reenie said smiling at the affectionate term that only her mom
could say with such love. "Maybe things are OK." Reenie smiled as she
walked off with Serena.
Serena had stilled the thread that her and
her daughter shared as easily as she had stilled the one between her and Darien.
Knowing that he would pick up on her distress also she had thought ahead
and stopped it. Enough of that now it was time to eat. Serena smiled and
congratulated Reenie on her excellent job on her test in History that day. When
Reenie told her that she had gotten a one hundred percent she promised to take
her out for ice cream after dinner that night. Even though she had fun spending time
with Reenie the thought still lingered inside of her mind when she went to bed that night. What if I'm NOT good enough?
The next morning Serena woke up fresh and energized for the day. It was beautiful outside and in response she was in a great mood. Serena had already decided
to forgive Rae for her words, keeping a grudge against anyone just wasn't her style. However she had decided to show all of her friends that she wasn't just a 'Meatball
Head' but actually that she was a really smart girl. Besides this would help her be a
better role model to Reenie. With all her thoughts clear in her mind Serena ran, without tripping, and on time, down stairs for breakfast.
"Serena!" her mom said, quite stunned that her only daughter was up this early in
the morning. "What on earth are you doing up at this hour of the morning?"
"Mom, it's six o'clock, school starts in an hour and I need to eat and help Reenie
get ready for the day. So I need to be up now, don't I?" Serena said this with a
sweet smile of innocence.
'Uh, , well, yes I guess you do dear." Her mom said this with confidence and a
little pride that her daughter had thought ahead for once. And of course she wanted
her to do it again, so she didn't ask any questions. Quickly Serena consumed the food
with only the energy that her and Reenie had and dashed upstairs to wake her up.
Opening the door to Reenies room up carefully she gazed in on her sleeping daughter. She looks so peaceful there, so beautiful and sweet. How on the Moon could I have
ever not loved this child? Even for a second? With her curly pink hair all tousled and fanning her face, the 'Small Lady' looked nothing like a small lady, but more like a
sleeping angel. Smiling softly Serena walked over to the bed and knelt down
next to it. Placing her hand on Reenies' shoulder she whispered
"Small Lady?"
Reenie merely mumbled something that sounded like "Mommy? Just
five more
minutes mommy." and rolled over. "Oh no you don't." Serena grinned
and tried again, louder.
"SMALL LADY!!!!!" The walls seemed to vibrate with her voice. "WAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!" Reenie cried and jumped
three feet into the air. "WHY DID You do that?" she yelled the first words
then quieted down when she saw who it was.
"To wake you up." Serena said flippantly. "I swear on the moon Small
Lady, you remind me of me sometimes." Turning around she didn't see the
smile that crossed Reenies face at her last words.
The look on Ms. Harukas' face when Serena stepped into class was
amazing. Since Serena was usually the last student in, it was quite a shock
to the poor teacher when she was the first one in that day. The rest of the
day was also a stunning success for Serena. The surprise quiz was simple
and she smiled when she handed in the paper. Ms. Haruka however
grimaced as she thought of how guilty she would feel when she handed
Serena back a fifteen or less. She had to check the paper four times
and even then she had someone else check it. There was no way that
Serena could have gotten a 100%, there was just no way. She was
even more surprised when Serena handed in all of her other work
and her homework for that day, before the hour was over.
The substitute came in after lunch recess to tell the class that
Ms. Haruka had gone to see the doctor and wouldn't be back
until the next day. After school Serena remembered that she
and the girls had a scout meeting that night at Raes' temple.
Boy aren't those guys going to be surprised!
Serena stopped by Reenies School to pick her up on the
way over but discovered that her mom had already done it.
Knowing that if she didn't hurry she would be late for the meeting
Serena ran as fast as she could to the temple. With her enhanced
physical capabilities she ran the three-mile distance in less than 30 seconds.
Slowing down she walked up the steps and entered the temple as if she
had walked there.
"Hi guys! Am I late?" she asked taking a seat near Mina. The girls
stopped talking and did a double take.
"Serena?" Lita asked in surprise. "What are you doing here so early?"
"Well the meeting starts in five minutes so I thought that I would be here on
time for once so that you guys didn't have to wait for me. Especially for Rae,
I know that your always yelling at that and me you do it for my own good, so
I'm sorry for yesterday hush. Forgive me?" Serena asked smiling at her friend.
Rae just stared at her and slowly nodded.
"Well then lets get started shall we?" Serena settled in for the beginning of the
meeting, which in the past she had always missed. Mina started it.
"Well as I was saying," she said glancing at Serena. "We should find out where
the base is and what these Yuma's are after."
"Yea, the monster didn't come out of no where, it has to have a purpose like
what Amy said, and it's a special type of Yuma that we've never seen." Lita
added in.
"Wait! what did I miss? Did you guys start the meeting with out me?
I was here five minutes early!" Serena butted in shocked.
"Well Serena we always get all of the ...more. Uh, ... hard, yea that's it!
Most of the hard parts of the meetings over before you show up anyway."
Mina said.
"You guys do this all the time? Now I know why you always seemed to know
more about the monster than I do. How you all seem to know where to look
for them. I always thought that it was dumb luck!' Serena was indignant now,
her face was red and she was close to tears.
"Do you realize that I could get hurt because I know less about the monster
than you guys do? That Reenie could have gotten hurt. That I would NOT
have been properly prepared to protect people, to protect YOU!"
The girls just looked up at a now standing Serena almost afraid of her.
"Well, we didn't think that much of it Serena. And besides its not like you
actually protect any one, we do all the fighting! You just finish him off
because we're to tired form using all of our energy to do it." Rae fired
back, as usual acting before she thought.
"But I try to protect you the best that I can." Serena began to explain.
BEEEEEEEEP! BEEEEEP! All of their beepers went off at the same
time. Serena punched the button on her beeper that let her see who it was
that was calling. Reenies face appeared. She was in her sailor suit ready
to fight.
"Serena! Girls, Get over here as fast as you can! There's a Yuma and
he's attacking the kids at the park!" "We're on our way!" The girls shouted
and transformed quickly. In a flash they were off to the park. Upon
arriving they found Chibi Moon already fighting the monster with her
wand.
"You guys," Amy began. "The monster seems to be after the little
children, from what I've seen they are all children under the age of 11."
It barely registered to Serena that Reenie was only 10 years old; she
was too busy watching the monsters attack to see what it was made of.
Lots of sharp objects and very good aim. But, it seems to have
problems seeing out of its right eye and is very protective of the
jewel on its left arm. She thought.
The monster was only momentarily distracted by the scout's appearance.
It then turned back to the children.
"Oh no!" Jupiter whispered.
"What is it Jupiter? Are you O.K.?" Serena asked quickly.
"Robby, Robby's in that group." Jupiter was looking towards a little
boy about Reenies age who had light brown hair that curled impishly
around his face. His dark chocolate eyes were brimming with tears
as the monster advanced on the children.
"Robby?" Serena was puzzled, who was Robby? Then she remembered
something that Lita had told her earlier that week about being
a mentor to a little boy.
"Not Robby the kid your mentoring Robby." Lita nodded grimly.
"He's not going to get his hands on Robby." she said firmly.
Serena understood that tone of voice; she used it oddly enough
every time that Reenie was in danger.
No, she thought That monster wont harm Robby, I swear it.
"Hey moron!" Mars shouted. "Over here! Mars Flame SNIPER!"
she felled and sent out her arrow. The monster ducked and the shot
went wide. "Shoot!' Mars grumbled.
"Let me try..." Jupiter said.
"Wait no!" Serena cried. But it was too late.
"Jupiter Oak EVOLUTION!' Electricity headed straight for the
monster and ... missed when the monster ducked. Unfortunately
Sailor Chibi Moon was standing right behind it. And the lightning
was headed straight for her! "NOOOOOO!" Serena yelled and
ran towards Reenie. Jumping she tackled Reenie to the side and
took the force of the blow to her back and her legs.
"AAAAHHH!!!" she yelled as pure electricity shot through
her lower body.
"No!! Serena!' Reenie shouted. "Are you O.K.? Please Serena
talk to me!" The little girl was almost crying as she tried to push
Serenas limp body off of hers.
Serena grunted with pain and seeing her child's distress she managed a smile and nodded. "It's OK honey." she said and got slowly to her feet. She unknowingly leaned on Reenie when she was up and didn't seem to realize it. The other scouts were oblivious to the fact that their leader was hurt due to the fact that the monster had immediately turned its attention onto the children when He had finished ducking, so none of them even knew what Jupiter's bolts had hit when they'd missed their target.
"Sailor Moon!!" Mina said exasperated. "This is no time to be a sissy. Come and fight damnit!" Thinking that Serena was hiding behind Chibi Moon. The rest of the group turned to see what their leader was doing and forgot about the monster. Serena hadn't of course, and she saw it aim for the small child that Lita cared so much for. Forcing her dead limbs to move she walked, she couldn't run, as fast as she could to save the child.
"You guys, Robby! He's after Robby!" Serena was closer but she couldn't make it in time so she called on the other girls."
Lita turned a look of utter horror crossing her features.
"ROBBY!!" she yelled. She tried to get to the child but only managed to save it from some of the attack. Serena gathered all of her strength and yelled
"MOON GORGEOUS MEDITATION!"
Agonizing pain rippled through her and after releasing the energy she collapsed onto her knees, too weak to stand. Clutching the ground as if it were a lifeline she managed to hold back the tears that were brimming in her eyes. When she was able to control her expression she looked up.
"Jupiter I am so very, very sorry." she said quietly, she was ashamed that she hadn't gotten to Robby in time.
Jupiter was still holding the small child in her arms. She looked up her face was a mask of anger and rage.
"He'll be fine, just some bruises, that's all." All of the girls breathed a sigh of relief. "No thanks to you Sailor Moon." This was said in a menacing whisper.
"Huh?' Lita heard Serena say. She looked over at her 'friends' baffled expression.
"I said, No Thanks To YOU!" All of Jupiter's doubts about Serena had come true that night. She had always pushed them back thinking that there was no way that Serena could be that irresponsible to let and innocent bystander get hurt. When she looked down into her arms at the small boy, she remembered how earlier that week he had been laughing and playing baseball with her in this very same park. How much joy she had felt when Robby had run up to her and hugged her with only the enthusiasm that a small boy of ten could have. He was so still now, so still. Her rage boiled over.
"You were closer than all of us Serena. You could have saved the boy, but no, you just sat there on the ground being inexcusably lazy. God Serena, you acted like you couldn't get up. How could you just sit there while this kid got hurt? You were my friend and while you were a crybaby and a little clumsy and lazy, I never until now believed that you would ever do this. This is inexcusable and I am ashamed to call you my princess."
Jupiter didn't actually mean this but she was just so mad at her friends incompetence tat she couldn't stop the words from tumbling out of her mouth. She had after all seen Serena just sit there and look numbly at the child. True, she had called out a warning but what good was it to just do that? Why, Why hadn't she moved? Grasping the child tightly Lita gave Sailor Moon one more scathing look and ran off towards the hospital.
"But..." Serena began. But it was too late. Jupiter had left. "You guys..." Serena started, but the look on the other girl's faces stopped her words. She had never seen them so mad at any one. Not even a monster. "Protect us the best you can, huh? You couldn't protect a tree! I'm sick of trying to protect a princess who doesn't even care for others. That's what a princess should do you know. Care more about others than herself. You aren't a princess, you're just a stupid crybaby and I denounce you from your role as Sailor Scout Leader. All in favor?"
Mars posed the question. Mina raised her hand quickly, looking with scorn upon Serena.
"Amy?"
Mars asked. Almost reluctantly Amy raised her hand.
"Then it's final, Serena is out of the group and Mina is the new leader." Serena felt as if her heart was breaking,
"No," she whispered. Protecting this group and people was her life, her whole life. "Please don't do this. Please." she begged.
"Its too late Princessss." Mars dragged out the last letter. We are no longer your court."
With that they all turned and disappeared into the night. Serena detransformed and started to cry. Heart braking sobs that racked her chest.
"Chibi Moon?" Mina said.
Mina! I knew she wouldn't leave me! Serena thought looking up with hope in her eyes. But Mina wasn't looking at her.
"You can still come with us. We'll fight with you. Come on, you can stay with me." Mina smiled and held out her hand.
Reenie Serena had forgotten that she was there. She looked over. Reenie had tears falling down her face and she was still in her sailor outfit.
"Small Lady, You can go if you want to. Maybe they're right, maybe you would be safer with them." Serena stated. She managed a smile even though inside she was dying with the thought of not having Reenie close. " Go on." She said this very softly and fully expected Reenie to stay with one of the girls, she was always telling Serena how she would love to stay at one of their houses so that she wouldn't have to deal with Serena's whining. Serena was startled when Reenies' face got red and she stood up.
Reenie felt like her insides were being shredded, especially her heart.
"How could you? How could you do this to Serena? She has protected you all for years. She is the light that holds the sailor scouts together. I still have faith in her, I always will. She's never let me down yet." Reenie stood up taller, taking the princess stance that her mom had tried so hard to get her to do in the future. She had never felt the need to act higher than anyone until now.
"I am ashamed of you all, never have I ever been ashamed to call any of you my trusted and loyal friends, neither has my mother in the future. This will come back to haunt you. Mark my words you will regret this that you have done tonight. I am staying with my mother. You may go now."
Turning she dismissed the ex captain of her mothers guard with an imperious wave of her hand. She had never felt so triumphant and yet so sad in her whole life. The scouts were her friends and protectors in the future as well as here in this time, and she didn't want to treat them this way but they deserved it. Reenie powered down and helped a still weak Serena to her feet." Can you walk home?" She asked with worry in her voice. Serena smiled. "No, just wait here a minute OK?" Reenie didn't understand why they had to wait there but she nodded to please Serena.
Serena knew why they should wait. Darien was home. He had gone away for a college field trip for the weekend. She felt him coming closer. She hadn't expected him to be back so soon but he must have gotten back today. Unfortunately he had also felt their string vibrate and was on his way. She watched the rooftops for him and was slightly surprised when he pulled up to the park entrance in his car. He got out of the car and she was still taken back by his appearance. He was so ruggedly handsome with all of that black glossy hair and muscles rippling beneath his shirt.
"Serena? Are you all right? Was there a Yuma? Why is Reenie in her suit but your not?"
He's babbling Serena almost laughed and probably would have if the world wou7ld have stopped turning so fast.
" D-D-Darien! She's hurt; one of Jupiter's attacks hit her instead of the Yuma! A-A-A-And the s-scoutstheyweresayingallthisbadstuffsboutheraandthen................."
Reenie started out slow but had picked up speed and was talking to fast for Darien and Serena to understand. She trailed off and was about to start one of Serena's full-fledged wails when Serena held up her hand. Serena had gained a little strength back and had moved a small way away from Reenie. She managed a smile and started to speak.
"Muffin," she addressed Darien." I'm all right."
"Serena that's bull." He began when she held up her hand again.
"No," she said sternly. "I'm really OK, lets just go home now all right? No small lady, its all right we can tell him later, hmm."
Reenie shut her mouth; She had been about to start all over again about the other girls when Serena had cut her off.
"Now, all we have to do is go home and rest and. Darien?" "Yes sweetheart?"
He looked up from his pockets where he had been searching for the keys to open his car again.
"Catch me...."Serena fell down like a stone.
Hey! How did you like it, this is my very first fan fiction so if its hated by any one go easy Kay? Please let me know how you feel. Write me at
More coming!
Chapter #1
The Betrayal
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon and all associated characters are the property of
Takeuchi Naoko, Toei Animation, and DIC.
Rated 'R' for strong language.
Another D-, what was her mother going to say about this one?
Worse yet, what was Darien going to say? He was never going to want
to go out with her again! After all who would want o go out with a dumb
16 year old that couldn't do simple algebra? The young girl walked
dejectedly home. Slim with tall legs she almost looked petite and fragile
from far away. Until you got up close, She was no tiny breakable flower.
The girl also had an inner strength; a certain way that she carried herself
that said that she was strong and yet vulnerable. Her long hair was put up
into an unusual hairstyle. Two golden buns were on either side of her head,
from them hung long streamers of the softest golden hair that a person ever
saw they fell down passed the calves of her almost impossible long legs.
She had large expressive eyes that were always smiling and full of never
ending sparkle, however if one looked closely they could see that she had
an almost haunted look deep in her eyes that spoke of tragedies that no
normal 16 year old could have possibly gone through in one life time. Serena
almost burst into tears at the thought of it. She walked even slower home. She
didn't have to pick up Reenie at school because Reenie said that she was old
enough to walk home on her own now. Of course Serena still worried about
her going home all alone, but she had to let her go some time right? Luckily
when she walked into the house there was no one there. Mom must have
gone out for grocery's she thought.
Quickly she went up to her room and shut the door. Looking again
at her test she grimaced. I really am smart, she thought. So why do I continue
to do this on all of my tests?
I guess it all goes back to the time that I got my first B-. She had
only been in third grade and had nightmares that night before the test. The
next day she had slept through the test waking only in time to quickly do
the first 10 questions giving her an incomplete assignment. The teacher had
looked at her and told her that she simply wasn't smart, only a dumb child
couldn't finish a simple spelling test. But she supposed that she would give
her a B- since she had done some of it. Serena had cried all that day and
the next. She had cried so hard that her mom kept her home from school
because she was so worried about her.
Serena had just never done well at tests after that, and then her
grades had gone down. She had decided that she was too dumb to do
her homework to, after all why do the homework if you're going to fail
the test? There was just no point. So now every one thought that she
was just naturally stupid. Again she looked at the test, well there was
nothing she could do about it now, it was too late, and Serena never
liked to stick to a depressing topic for too long. She decided that she
was hungry, again. So she ran down stairs to grab a bite to eat. Half way
down the stairs her communicator beeped.
Great She thought.
Just Great. Why did this have to happen now?
"Serena here, what's up?" She spoke to her wrist.
"Serena?"
Amys voice came clearly through the intercom. "We need
you down at the school yard, right away. Some new Yuma is attacking
the children and Reenies in the group he's taken hostage!"
Immediately concern filled Serena's head. Oh, God Reenie!
"I'll be right there Amy," she yelled.
Knowing that she was alone she brought her hands out in front
of her chest and whispered "Moon Gorgeous Make Up!"
Within seconds her body was wrapped in soft moon glow that
disappeared leaving her clad in her sailor outfit. Forcing her self to
concentrate she thought of an area near the school yard and willed her
self to be there. Her body glowed and then she was gone, traveling through
the air in tiny pieces only to arrive at the exact location that she had though
of.
Yes! She thought. Teleportation by herself was one of the newer
tricks that she had been working on secretly. There were a great many things
that she had learned to do alone that the others didn't know about, and that
she didn't wish to share quite yet. As soon as she landed she took off running
toward the playground of the school.
Arriving at the scene she saw Mars and Venus double-teaming
a huge monster. Man was this thing ugly! She thought. . It was green
and had sharp spikes all over its body. Scanning the field quickly she
saw Reenie with a bunch of children. She had not been able to transform
due to all of the attention that was on her as she tried to quiet down the
younger... and older children. They made eye contact and Reenie nodded
saying that she was all right and that she could sit this one out. Serena
smiled and took her fighting stance.
"About time Meatball Head!" Rae yelled. "Take the monster out already!"
But Serena couldn't the monster was too fast and she needed time to
gather the energy to fight it, so she did what she always did in this situation,
she played with it. Serena dashed about looking like a total moron,
completely fooling the monster into believing that she was incompetent.
It always worked. Just as she was ready to give up on that tactic, the
monster lost all interest in her. Turning his interest to ...Amy! No!
Serena thought as he fired up an attack at an unsuspecting Amy who
was trying to get readings on it for future reference. Serena thought
quickly and dived/ jumped into the line of fire. She heard Reenies
cry of dismay as she felt the burning heat scorch her back.
"Serena get out of the way!" She heard Mars yell." God cant
you just stay out of things? You didn't have to jump right into
that you know."
Mars was totally exasperated, but she had not seen
what Serena had so Serena let it go. She stood up and saw
that now the monster was looking at Mars. She closed her eyes and mentally
called her Rod to her hand, and as it was appearing she was already saying
the words to make the magic come.
"MOON GORGEOUS MEDITATION!" She cried. The only reason that she
yelled those words instead of whispered it like most of the girls was to cover up
the pain that she always felt when she channeled the magic energy. She felt it like
a hot brand searing her veins and blistering her hands as she released it into the
rod. It came out of the top of the rod in dozens of deadly pure sparks that killed
the evil monster on the spot.
Tiredly she ran an arm across her perspiring brow to get rid of the sweat.
That always hurts so badly when I'm done doing it. She thought. All of the
children cheered
"Sailor Moon, Sailor Moon!" Serena smiled and waved to them knowing that
all they knew was that Sailor Moon had saved them, not that the monster
was actually dangerous. Oh to be a kid again. She thought to herself.
"Geeze moron why did you run INTO the attack instead of staying out
of the way! You could have gotten one of us killed. I swear you have
got to be the most irresponsible person I know!" Mars started yelling at her.
"Uh, Mars, can we go somewhere else for this?" asked Amy softly.
"Yea, sure, if that's all right with our Leader."
The tone of her voice had changed to mocking, as usual on the
word leader. She's never going to believe me capable to lead the group.
Serena smiled and nodded as if she hadn't understood the sarcasm in Rae's
voice. She glanced at Reenie who again nodded to say that she would follow
when she could.
] The scouts all leaped away to a safe spot in the park near by.
Oh boy, here it comes! Serena thought as she saw the look on Mars'
face. Sure enough it came. Loudly.
"You are so dumb Serena, how are we supposed to protect you if all you
do is get yourself into danger? You are..."
Serena just droned it out for the rest of the tirade as she usually did
only nodding and grimacing every now and again to assure Rae that she
was listening to her. She suddenly heard something that made her start to
pay attention to Rae again.
"Whoa! What did you just say?" She asked incredulous and sure that
she had heard right.
"You heard what I said Meatballs for Brains, I said that your a bad
mother to Reenie. No real mom who cared about her daughter would just
run around trying to get us and the kids injured by some dumb Yuma. Reenie
can't look up to someone like that. You're horrible at school, being on time,
fighting, and ...your horrible at protecting your own child. Reenie could have
gotten hurt out there. YOUR A BAD MOM!!" Rae finished this at a shout,
her face all red she stormed off.
Serena and the rest of the girls stood rooted to the spot, their mouths
open in shock. Sympathetically the girls each detransformed and cam over
to Serena.
"It's all right Serena, she didn't mean it." Lita started.
"Yeah! I'm sure that she just had a majorly bad day." Mina added.
"I wouldn't worry about it, Rae's always like that. I'm sure you're not a bad
mother." Amy added her two senses in.
Serena forced a smile and put on her I'm a ditz mode and cheerfully said,
"Yeah, your right. I'm not really Reenies mom yet anyway, and she's just
being herself right?"
The girls were all fooled and smiled thinking that Serena hadn't really
been hurt by anything that Rae had said.
"OK, we'll see you tomorrow." they said and walked away sure that
everything was fine. But they each had a small doubt in their minds, Maybe
Rae was right, Maybe she was too ditzy to be the leader, and worse off future
Queen? Serena stood quietly there in the park for a while, she didn't power
down, knowing that her back was still not healed after the monsters attack. If she
left her suit on for a little while longer then her skin would heal and leave no visible
marks.
Am I such a horrible mom? Do I really deserve to rule this wonderful planet
and watch over the people? I must do better, for Reenie, and to do a better job
as a leader! So engrossed in her own thought was she that she failed to hear Reenie come up beside her, until she took her hand. Startled Serena looked down. Blue
eyes met red ones filled with concern.
Reenie looked up at Serena with concern. She
knew that her mom was hurting, but she didn't know why. All she knew was that
the special silver thread inside of her was trembling, which meant that something
was troubling Serena.
"Are you all right Serena?" she asked
. Serena nodded and powered down from her sailor suit. Reenie saw her
wince and quickly let go of her hand, knowing that it probably still hurt from her
release of energy. Only her and Darien knew that rush of power was no simple
attack but that it actually took a great deal out of Serena. Reenie herself only
knew because she had seen the blisters on Serenas hands and saw her tremble
when she was alone after a fight. Reenie had a great deal of faith in her mom, she
never showed it of course but it was there all the same. When Reenie used any
of her attacks she felt only a little bit of pain, and she knew that she released way
less energy than Serena did, so she felt relief that she did not have to handle that
power yet. So she was startled when Serena grabbed hold of her hands again.
Looking up she saw Serena smile. Inside the string had stopped trembling so
she smiled back, glad that things were O.K. again.
"Do you want to go grab a bite to eat Small Lady/" Serena asked.
"Uh, huh!" Reenie said smiling at the affectionate term that only her mom
could say with such love. "Maybe things are OK." Reenie smiled as she
walked off with Serena.
Serena had stilled the thread that her and
her daughter shared as easily as she had stilled the one between her and Darien.
Knowing that he would pick up on her distress also she had thought ahead
and stopped it. Enough of that now it was time to eat. Serena smiled and
congratulated Reenie on her excellent job on her test in History that day. When
Reenie told her that she had gotten a one hundred percent she promised to take
her out for ice cream after dinner that night. Even though she had fun spending time
with Reenie the thought still lingered inside of her mind when she went to bed that night. What if I'm NOT good enough?
The next morning Serena woke up fresh and energized for the day. It was beautiful outside and in response she was in a great mood. Serena had already decided
to forgive Rae for her words, keeping a grudge against anyone just wasn't her style. However she had decided to show all of her friends that she wasn't just a 'Meatball
Head' but actually that she was a really smart girl. Besides this would help her be a
better role model to Reenie. With all her thoughts clear in her mind Serena ran, without tripping, and on time, down stairs for breakfast.
"Serena!" her mom said, quite stunned that her only daughter was up this early in
the morning. "What on earth are you doing up at this hour of the morning?"
"Mom, it's six o'clock, school starts in an hour and I need to eat and help Reenie
get ready for the day. So I need to be up now, don't I?" Serena said this with a
sweet smile of innocence.
'Uh, , well, yes I guess you do dear." Her mom said this with confidence and a
little pride that her daughter had thought ahead for once. And of course she wanted
her to do it again, so she didn't ask any questions. Quickly Serena consumed the food
with only the energy that her and Reenie had and dashed upstairs to wake her up.
Opening the door to Reenies room up carefully she gazed in on her sleeping daughter. She looks so peaceful there, so beautiful and sweet. How on the Moon could I have
ever not loved this child? Even for a second? With her curly pink hair all tousled and fanning her face, the 'Small Lady' looked nothing like a small lady, but more like a
sleeping angel. Smiling softly Serena walked over to the bed and knelt down
next to it. Placing her hand on Reenies' shoulder she whispered
"Small Lady?"
Reenie merely mumbled something that sounded like "Mommy? Just
five more
minutes mommy." and rolled over. "Oh no you don't." Serena grinned
and tried again, louder.
"SMALL LADY!!!!!" The walls seemed to vibrate with her voice. "WAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!" Reenie cried and jumped
three feet into the air. "WHY DID You do that?" she yelled the first words
then quieted down when she saw who it was.
"To wake you up." Serena said flippantly. "I swear on the moon Small
Lady, you remind me of me sometimes." Turning around she didn't see the
smile that crossed Reenies face at her last words.
The look on Ms. Harukas' face when Serena stepped into class was
amazing. Since Serena was usually the last student in, it was quite a shock
to the poor teacher when she was the first one in that day. The rest of the
day was also a stunning success for Serena. The surprise quiz was simple
and she smiled when she handed in the paper. Ms. Haruka however
grimaced as she thought of how guilty she would feel when she handed
Serena back a fifteen or less. She had to check the paper four times
and even then she had someone else check it. There was no way that
Serena could have gotten a 100%, there was just no way. She was
even more surprised when Serena handed in all of her other work
and her homework for that day, before the hour was over.
The substitute came in after lunch recess to tell the class that
Ms. Haruka had gone to see the doctor and wouldn't be back
until the next day. After school Serena remembered that she
and the girls had a scout meeting that night at Raes' temple.
Boy aren't those guys going to be surprised!
Serena stopped by Reenies School to pick her up on the
way over but discovered that her mom had already done it.
Knowing that if she didn't hurry she would be late for the meeting
Serena ran as fast as she could to the temple. With her enhanced
physical capabilities she ran the three-mile distance in less than 30 seconds.
Slowing down she walked up the steps and entered the temple as if she
had walked there.
"Hi guys! Am I late?" she asked taking a seat near Mina. The girls
stopped talking and did a double take.
"Serena?" Lita asked in surprise. "What are you doing here so early?"
"Well the meeting starts in five minutes so I thought that I would be here on
time for once so that you guys didn't have to wait for me. Especially for Rae,
I know that your always yelling at that and me you do it for my own good, so
I'm sorry for yesterday hush. Forgive me?" Serena asked smiling at her friend.
Rae just stared at her and slowly nodded.
"Well then lets get started shall we?" Serena settled in for the beginning of the
meeting, which in the past she had always missed. Mina started it.
"Well as I was saying," she said glancing at Serena. "We should find out where
the base is and what these Yuma's are after."
"Yea, the monster didn't come out of no where, it has to have a purpose like
what Amy said, and it's a special type of Yuma that we've never seen." Lita
added in.
"Wait! what did I miss? Did you guys start the meeting with out me?
I was here five minutes early!" Serena butted in shocked.
"Well Serena we always get all of the ...more. Uh, ... hard, yea that's it!
Most of the hard parts of the meetings over before you show up anyway."
Mina said.
"You guys do this all the time? Now I know why you always seemed to know
more about the monster than I do. How you all seem to know where to look
for them. I always thought that it was dumb luck!' Serena was indignant now,
her face was red and she was close to tears.
"Do you realize that I could get hurt because I know less about the monster
than you guys do? That Reenie could have gotten hurt. That I would NOT
have been properly prepared to protect people, to protect YOU!"
The girls just looked up at a now standing Serena almost afraid of her.
"Well, we didn't think that much of it Serena. And besides its not like you
actually protect any one, we do all the fighting! You just finish him off
because we're to tired form using all of our energy to do it." Rae fired
back, as usual acting before she thought.
"But I try to protect you the best that I can." Serena began to explain.
BEEEEEEEEP! BEEEEEP! All of their beepers went off at the same
time. Serena punched the button on her beeper that let her see who it was
that was calling. Reenies face appeared. She was in her sailor suit ready
to fight.
"Serena! Girls, Get over here as fast as you can! There's a Yuma and
he's attacking the kids at the park!" "We're on our way!" The girls shouted
and transformed quickly. In a flash they were off to the park. Upon
arriving they found Chibi Moon already fighting the monster with her
wand.
"You guys," Amy began. "The monster seems to be after the little
children, from what I've seen they are all children under the age of 11."
It barely registered to Serena that Reenie was only 10 years old; she
was too busy watching the monsters attack to see what it was made of.
Lots of sharp objects and very good aim. But, it seems to have
problems seeing out of its right eye and is very protective of the
jewel on its left arm. She thought.
The monster was only momentarily distracted by the scout's appearance.
It then turned back to the children.
"Oh no!" Jupiter whispered.
"What is it Jupiter? Are you O.K.?" Serena asked quickly.
"Robby, Robby's in that group." Jupiter was looking towards a little
boy about Reenies age who had light brown hair that curled impishly
around his face. His dark chocolate eyes were brimming with tears
as the monster advanced on the children.
"Robby?" Serena was puzzled, who was Robby? Then she remembered
something that Lita had told her earlier that week about being
a mentor to a little boy.
"Not Robby the kid your mentoring Robby." Lita nodded grimly.
"He's not going to get his hands on Robby." she said firmly.
Serena understood that tone of voice; she used it oddly enough
every time that Reenie was in danger.
No, she thought That monster wont harm Robby, I swear it.
"Hey moron!" Mars shouted. "Over here! Mars Flame SNIPER!"
she felled and sent out her arrow. The monster ducked and the shot
went wide. "Shoot!' Mars grumbled.
"Let me try..." Jupiter said.
"Wait no!" Serena cried. But it was too late.
"Jupiter Oak EVOLUTION!' Electricity headed straight for the
monster and ... missed when the monster ducked. Unfortunately
Sailor Chibi Moon was standing right behind it. And the lightning
was headed straight for her! "NOOOOOO!" Serena yelled and
ran towards Reenie. Jumping she tackled Reenie to the side and
took the force of the blow to her back and her legs.
"AAAAHHH!!!" she yelled as pure electricity shot through
her lower body.
"No!! Serena!' Reenie shouted. "Are you O.K.? Please Serena
talk to me!" The little girl was almost crying as she tried to push
Serenas limp body off of hers.
Serena grunted with pain and seeing her child's distress she managed a smile and nodded. "It's OK honey." she said and got slowly to her feet. She unknowingly leaned on Reenie when she was up and didn't seem to realize it. The other scouts were oblivious to the fact that their leader was hurt due to the fact that the monster had immediately turned its attention onto the children when He had finished ducking, so none of them even knew what Jupiter's bolts had hit when they'd missed their target.
"Sailor Moon!!" Mina said exasperated. "This is no time to be a sissy. Come and fight damnit!" Thinking that Serena was hiding behind Chibi Moon. The rest of the group turned to see what their leader was doing and forgot about the monster. Serena hadn't of course, and she saw it aim for the small child that Lita cared so much for. Forcing her dead limbs to move she walked, she couldn't run, as fast as she could to save the child.
"You guys, Robby! He's after Robby!" Serena was closer but she couldn't make it in time so she called on the other girls."
Lita turned a look of utter horror crossing her features.
"ROBBY!!" she yelled. She tried to get to the child but only managed to save it from some of the attack. Serena gathered all of her strength and yelled
"MOON GORGEOUS MEDITATION!"
Agonizing pain rippled through her and after releasing the energy she collapsed onto her knees, too weak to stand. Clutching the ground as if it were a lifeline she managed to hold back the tears that were brimming in her eyes. When she was able to control her expression she looked up.
"Jupiter I am so very, very sorry." she said quietly, she was ashamed that she hadn't gotten to Robby in time.
Jupiter was still holding the small child in her arms. She looked up her face was a mask of anger and rage.
"He'll be fine, just some bruises, that's all." All of the girls breathed a sigh of relief. "No thanks to you Sailor Moon." This was said in a menacing whisper.
"Huh?' Lita heard Serena say. She looked over at her 'friends' baffled expression.
"I said, No Thanks To YOU!" All of Jupiter's doubts about Serena had come true that night. She had always pushed them back thinking that there was no way that Serena could be that irresponsible to let and innocent bystander get hurt. When she looked down into her arms at the small boy, she remembered how earlier that week he had been laughing and playing baseball with her in this very same park. How much joy she had felt when Robby had run up to her and hugged her with only the enthusiasm that a small boy of ten could have. He was so still now, so still. Her rage boiled over.
"You were closer than all of us Serena. You could have saved the boy, but no, you just sat there on the ground being inexcusably lazy. God Serena, you acted like you couldn't get up. How could you just sit there while this kid got hurt? You were my friend and while you were a crybaby and a little clumsy and lazy, I never until now believed that you would ever do this. This is inexcusable and I am ashamed to call you my princess."
Jupiter didn't actually mean this but she was just so mad at her friends incompetence tat she couldn't stop the words from tumbling out of her mouth. She had after all seen Serena just sit there and look numbly at the child. True, she had called out a warning but what good was it to just do that? Why, Why hadn't she moved? Grasping the child tightly Lita gave Sailor Moon one more scathing look and ran off towards the hospital.
"But..." Serena began. But it was too late. Jupiter had left. "You guys..." Serena started, but the look on the other girl's faces stopped her words. She had never seen them so mad at any one. Not even a monster. "Protect us the best you can, huh? You couldn't protect a tree! I'm sick of trying to protect a princess who doesn't even care for others. That's what a princess should do you know. Care more about others than herself. You aren't a princess, you're just a stupid crybaby and I denounce you from your role as Sailor Scout Leader. All in favor?"
Mars posed the question. Mina raised her hand quickly, looking with scorn upon Serena.
"Amy?"
Mars asked. Almost reluctantly Amy raised her hand.
"Then it's final, Serena is out of the group and Mina is the new leader." Serena felt as if her heart was breaking,
"No," she whispered. Protecting this group and people was her life, her whole life. "Please don't do this. Please." she begged.
"Its too late Princessss." Mars dragged out the last letter. We are no longer your court."
With that they all turned and disappeared into the night. Serena detransformed and started to cry. Heart braking sobs that racked her chest.
"Chibi Moon?" Mina said.
Mina! I knew she wouldn't leave me! Serena thought looking up with hope in her eyes. But Mina wasn't looking at her.
"You can still come with us. We'll fight with you. Come on, you can stay with me." Mina smiled and held out her hand.
Reenie Serena had forgotten that she was there. She looked over. Reenie had tears falling down her face and she was still in her sailor outfit.
"Small Lady, You can go if you want to. Maybe they're right, maybe you would be safer with them." Serena stated. She managed a smile even though inside she was dying with the thought of not having Reenie close. " Go on." She said this very softly and fully expected Reenie to stay with one of the girls, she was always telling Serena how she would love to stay at one of their houses so that she wouldn't have to deal with Serena's whining. Serena was startled when Reenies' face got red and she stood up.
Reenie felt like her insides were being shredded, especially her heart.
"How could you? How could you do this to Serena? She has protected you all for years. She is the light that holds the sailor scouts together. I still have faith in her, I always will. She's never let me down yet." Reenie stood up taller, taking the princess stance that her mom had tried so hard to get her to do in the future. She had never felt the need to act higher than anyone until now.
"I am ashamed of you all, never have I ever been ashamed to call any of you my trusted and loyal friends, neither has my mother in the future. This will come back to haunt you. Mark my words you will regret this that you have done tonight. I am staying with my mother. You may go now."
Turning she dismissed the ex captain of her mothers guard with an imperious wave of her hand. She had never felt so triumphant and yet so sad in her whole life. The scouts were her friends and protectors in the future as well as here in this time, and she didn't want to treat them this way but they deserved it. Reenie powered down and helped a still weak Serena to her feet." Can you walk home?" She asked with worry in her voice. Serena smiled. "No, just wait here a minute OK?" Reenie didn't understand why they had to wait there but she nodded to please Serena.
Serena knew why they should wait. Darien was home. He had gone away for a college field trip for the weekend. She felt him coming closer. She hadn't expected him to be back so soon but he must have gotten back today. Unfortunately he had also felt their string vibrate and was on his way. She watched the rooftops for him and was slightly surprised when he pulled up to the park entrance in his car. He got out of the car and she was still taken back by his appearance. He was so ruggedly handsome with all of that black glossy hair and muscles rippling beneath his shirt.
"Serena? Are you all right? Was there a Yuma? Why is Reenie in her suit but your not?"
He's babbling Serena almost laughed and probably would have if the world wou7ld have stopped turning so fast.
" D-D-Darien! She's hurt; one of Jupiter's attacks hit her instead of the Yuma! A-A-A-And the s-scoutstheyweresayingallthisbadstuffsboutheraandthen................."
Reenie started out slow but had picked up speed and was talking to fast for Darien and Serena to understand. She trailed off and was about to start one of Serena's full-fledged wails when Serena held up her hand. Serena had gained a little strength back and had moved a small way away from Reenie. She managed a smile and started to speak.
"Muffin," she addressed Darien." I'm all right."
"Serena that's bull." He began when she held up her hand again.
"No," she said sternly. "I'm really OK, lets just go home now all right? No small lady, its all right we can tell him later, hmm."
Reenie shut her mouth; She had been about to start all over again about the other girls when Serena had cut her off.
"Now, all we have to do is go home and rest and. Darien?" "Yes sweetheart?"
He looked up from his pockets where he had been searching for the keys to open his car again.
"Catch me...."Serena fell down like a stone.
Hey! How did you like it, this is my very first fan fiction so if its hated by any one go easy Kay? Please let me know how you feel. Write me at
More coming!