Chapter 8: Challenges
"Darien, you did what?!" There was a dual exclamation from Lita and Raye. They were at the temple having a meeting. Darien was standing, Serena at his side for support facing the other girls.
"I told Sensei Caine about us: that I am Tuxedo Mask and Serena is Sailor Moon," he stated calmly.
"One question, who is Sensei Caine?" Ami asked.
"Yeah, who is he?" the other girls chorused.
"Serena, you mean you've gone this long without telling them?" Darien was slightly amazed.
"What didn't you tell us?"
"Is he cute?"
"You've been keeping a secret from us?"
"Is he single?"
"What?" They all looked at Lita.
"Well, I didn't want to hurt your feelings because I was taking training from someone else," Serena told them, "I told you I was doing stuff with my family and I was, Sammy and I took classes together."
"Can you start at the beginning, please?" Raye asked.
"About a year a go, I started training with Peter Caine, a Shaolin priest from America. We became friends and he's helped me a few times," Darien began explaining.
"Then, when Sammy got to know Darien, he wanted lessons," Serena continued, "and Daddy signed me up too, saying a girl should know how to protect herself. So we've been going every week. Sammy's really steamed that I've advanced faster than he has."
"Way to go, Serena!" injected Lita.
"'Course, I've had practice."
Darien picked up the story, "Then the other night, he asked me where I had been fighting and in the midst of exchanging confidences, I told him and," he paused, "something strange happened. We saw each other as we really are: he saw me as Prince Endymion, and I saw him as priest and warrior. He pledged to protect and defend us and I promised the same to him and named him Advisor."
"Advisor to what?" Mina asked.
"Crystal Tokyo." Darien answered simply.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Thank you for supporting me, Serena. I wondered if I was being a bit presumptuous." They were on their way to the dojo. Darien was still worrying about the meeting earlier and Serena was apprehensive about the class they were headed for.
"No, I think you did the right thing," she replied.
"It's just that I feel the need to prepare for the future."
"Is that why you are changing your major, Darien?"
"Yes. I spent most of my life preparing to meet my princess," he smiled at her, "and now that we have a hint of what's to come, I want to be ready for it."
"Won't you miss being a doctor?"
"Not much. I wanted to help people and I'll still do that, but I found out I hate hospitals. I'll leave being a doctor to Andrew, he has a better bedside manner, anyway."
"Oh, I don't know, I think you'd be good beside a bed," she answered distractedly.
"Uh, thanks, Serena. I'll look forward to that," he replied, grinning wickedly.
"Huh? Why you.!" she exclaimed indignantly, hitting him.
"Ow! Save it for class, will ya?"
"Class? Darien, I'm not sure I'm ready. I'm afraid I'm going to mess up," she looked down pensively.
"Peter wouldn't have asked me to bring you if he didn't think you could handle it. I told you he wants to see how we work together."
*sigh* "Work together- I like the sound of it. And later- hmmm?" she hummed suggestively.
"Desert?" he ventured.
"Oh, Muffin!"
*score*
"You didn't tell the other girls where we were going tonight, did you?"
"No, I didn't want to be spied on. I'm nervous enough already."
At the dojo, there were eight other students, six men and two women of various ages from twenty to fifty. After calling the class to order, Sensei Caine introduced them. "This is Darien Chiba. He has been training for some time and has extensive experience. This is Serena Tsukino. Don't let her youth or techniques fool you, I asked her to come as a challenge for herself and you. After warm-ups, we will pair up for sparring. Begin."
They separated and stood spaced apart in the room. For twenty minutes they did the exercises that increased flexibility, speed and focus. Then they practiced striking and blocking. Sensei Caine walked among them, correcting their forms, being especially patient with Serena. After that, he paired them up for unarmed sparring. Serena found herself facing an older man who reminded her of her father. After the initial bow, she started her usual chatter as she dodged his attack.
Darien was matched with another young man, shorter but more muscular. They bowed to each other, then started a series of testing feints. Darien dodged and deflected the other's blows easily, ignoring the noise from the other side of the room. When a loud squeal distracted his opponent, he clipped him, causing him to fall and ending the match.
The squeal came from Serena, of course. The older man had started slow, unwilling to hurt the girl. As she continued to sidestep his attacks, making disparaging comments, he had gotten frustrated and attacked faster. She had given an ear-splitting shriek at a near-miss kick. He froze (and so did nearly everyone else), sure he had hurt her. Taking advantage of his distraction, she turned around and dropped him with her elbow.
In the silence, Sensei Caine clapped his hands for attention. "You did well, Serena," he complimented.
"Thank you, Sensei," she bowed in return.
"Class, I noticed that most of you were distracted by Serena's scream. I warned you her technique would be a challenge. Her style is different because I have not been teaching her to compete, I have been teaching her to survive. The screaming is a part of it. One: it gives her courage and focus. Two: it distracts the enemy. Three: it attracts the attention of others." He motioned with his arms to indicate the class, "On the streets, you can't expect your opponents to follow rules. You need to be prepared for anything. Change partners and pair up, this time we're using staves."
Darien was paired with a woman this time. She had dark hair done in a single braid and an attitude that reminded him of Haruka. The circled each other, crouching slightly, testing their defenses.
"I'm not like blondie over there," she said, "I'm not going to cry out loud if you attack, so don't go easy on me."
"I won't," Darien replied, "I've known too many good female fighters." They traded blows, faster and harder. At last, when she struck high, instead of blocking it, Darien sidestepped and swung low, tripping her and ending the match. He helped her up and looked over to see how Serena was doing.
She had been paired with the other woman in the class. She had short maroon hair and a congenial attitude. Serena held the staff gingerly, she had not used one much before. Sensei Caine watched carefully, ready to stop the match, while also observing the rest of the class. The girl with maroon hair started a series of light but fast taps, which Serena barely blocked. Then she began making larger, harder swings, leaving openings for attack, but Serena just dodged out of the way.
"Just stand still and fight, will ya?" the girl panted after a few minutes.
"I don't want to hurt you," Serena panted back, "I'm not exactly used to this thing." She swerved and danced to avoid the increasingly wide-struck blows. Other matches were ended and cleared the floor to make room for them. The girl swung her staff wide and low. Serena jumped over it and spun, striking the other girl in her ribs with enough force to knock them both over.
"Oof! Sorry about that," Serena apologized.
"Don't mention it, I left myself wide open," the other girl responded, starting to get up, "Ow!"
"All right, good job everyone. Take five," Sensei Caine announced. He then came over to the two girls. "Are you two okay?" he asked.
"Yes, I'm fine," Serena answered.
"Just bruised, I think," the other girl replied, holding her side.
"Are you sure? Perhaps you should sit out the rest of the class," the Sensei suggested.
"All right," she agreed reluctantly.
Darien came to check on Serena. "I see you're holding your own." he noted.
"Yes, surprising, isn't it?"
"Not for me, you've come a long way, Sere," he gave her a small hug, "Are you ready to show them what we can do together?"
"Let's do it," she said confidently.
Peter stepped up to them, smiling, "You've been doing great so far, Serena."
"Thank you again, Sensei," the girl replied, feeling pleased.
"I'd like you two to stay after class for a talk," he said in a low voice, giving them a wink. Darien smiled back and nodded. Peter left them and went to speak encouraging words to the other students and to arrange the next match.
The next match was two-on-two. Both the man and the woman that Darien had fought were on one team and triumphed over their opponents.
Then it was Darien and Serena's turn. Their challengers were three men whom he had sparred with at the dojo before. He knew they were good and they knew he was fast. It was not going to be easy this time. They had a choice of using a staff or not. Serena gave hers' up, Darien kept his. She could avoid one while he defended against two. Of the other three, one kept a staff and the others were unarmed.
So the pair faced the three men. Darien and the other with a staff started trading blows while one of the others started his attack against Serena. The last man stood ready, deciding the best strategy. Serena backed up, dodging without making any attack of her own. The last man moved towards her, deciding to strike against the weaker of the two. Darien noticed this and gave his opponent a mighty shove that made him stagger back. Darien then used his staff to vault across the distance and kicked the second man, knocking him down, did a side roll and came up facing his first opponent in time to catch the other's staff, deflecting the strike and using the momentum to throw him. Meanwhile, Serena took advantage of the slight distraction and turned her dodging into a kick that went right past her opponent's guard and swept him off his feet, ending the match.
Sensei Caine talked to each of the students before they left, complementing and criticizing. He came to Darien and Serena last.
"So, whadya think? Did we do great or what?" she enthused.
"Well, you two did a good job of showing them the unexpected. Although you avoided the attacks most of the time, Serena, you were quick to take advantage of distractions. Still, you need to be a bit more aggressive. Darien, I hope you enjoyed the workout. You are welcome back anytime."
"Thank you Peter. Did you get an answer back from your friend?" Darien asked eagerly.
"Yes, I did. Would you two like to come up for coffee and discuss it?"
"Sure," they replied together.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Welcome to my home, Princess," Peter said, opening the door of the small upstairs apartment.
"Just Serena," she giggled, "unless you want me to call you 'My Lord Advisor'."
"Point taken, Serena," he smiled, filling a pot. "Do you drink coffee or would you like something else?"
"Tea, please, or cocoa if you have it," she requested.
"If you're done flirting with my girl, would you please tell me what your friend found out?" Darien teased.
"You should have more confidence in her ability to defend herself, Darien, socially and otherwise," the older man advised.
"Thanks Peter. See Darien, I have been getting better," she stuck her tongue out at him.
"I know, and I'm proud of you, Serena," he drew her in for a quick hug and a kiss.
Peter looked askance at the couple, it was the first time he had actually seen them together. It was easy to see why her father would have reservations about them. His height and a maturity beyond his years formed by a life of sorrow, pain, and loneliness contrasted sharply against her petite form and childish demeanor. The policeman in him didn't approve, but as their friend, he knew they balanced each other. He had seen the boy brought from a brooding despair to a commanding confidence and faith in the girl whose wise eyes and loving manner belied the way she clung to adolescence. He recalled that she had gone to each of her opponents before they left and made sure they were alright, especially the young woman. Darien had also spoken with others, giving pointers about tactics and form.
He ended his reverie and got out cups for their drinks. "Ahem," he cleared his throat, looking at the two. Serena had been telling Darien about her fight, demonstrating with a broom. Then the young man had stood behind her, showing her better positioning, moving with her in an unconscious ballet. "I could put some music on if you want to dance," he teased.
The two stopped, chagrinned. "Sorry, Peter," Darien said, putting the broom away.
"No problem, you're doing her some good. Now, about that picture," he walked over to his desk and got some papers from the printer, "Kermit was able to get a clear resolution on the name and track it down."
"Really? What was the name?" Darien asked eagerly. Serena looked on hopefully.
"B. F. Pierce, Captain, U.S. Army records: Dr. Benjamin Pierce from Maine, stationed in Korea 1950-1953."
"Benjamin? Then it's not. What about the name 'Hawkeye'?" A cold disappointment entered his voice.
"See for yourself, this is the picture that accompanied the records." He handed over a printout that showed the visage of a man in uniform, eyes set with a trace of humor. It was the same man.
"My grandfather."
"Kermit checked the state records- social security, DMV, AMA; as far as he can tell, he's still alive, living in Maine."
"He's alive." Darien repeated, stunned. He hadn't expected this. Joyful realization hit him like a wave. "Serena, he's alive! I have family! Whohoo!" Ecstatic, he picked her up and spun her around. "I've got to contact him, write a letter- Peter, what should I do?"
Peter grinned, happy for his friend. He too had known what it was like to find family long lost or unknown, but he had never been as alone as the young man before him. "I think it would be best to do this through official channels. The American Red Cross handles family contacts for servicemen. There's an office at the Embassy. I can go with you and give you a reference as a citizen," he offered, putting a hand on the other man's shoulder.
"Thank you, Peter, this means more than you can know." Darien looked at him with gratitude, put his hand on the other's shoulder and stood, locked in friendship, brothers with a common past and destiny.
AN: Okay, now I need a disclaimer for MASH- I don't own it or any part of it. I'm not that old! Yep, I was looking for an American tie-in from that time period with those looks and Hawkeye Pierce is what I came up with.
Thanks again to all who reviewed. Next chapter: Ikuko gets an earful in 'Gossip'.
"Darien, you did what?!" There was a dual exclamation from Lita and Raye. They were at the temple having a meeting. Darien was standing, Serena at his side for support facing the other girls.
"I told Sensei Caine about us: that I am Tuxedo Mask and Serena is Sailor Moon," he stated calmly.
"One question, who is Sensei Caine?" Ami asked.
"Yeah, who is he?" the other girls chorused.
"Serena, you mean you've gone this long without telling them?" Darien was slightly amazed.
"What didn't you tell us?"
"Is he cute?"
"You've been keeping a secret from us?"
"Is he single?"
"What?" They all looked at Lita.
"Well, I didn't want to hurt your feelings because I was taking training from someone else," Serena told them, "I told you I was doing stuff with my family and I was, Sammy and I took classes together."
"Can you start at the beginning, please?" Raye asked.
"About a year a go, I started training with Peter Caine, a Shaolin priest from America. We became friends and he's helped me a few times," Darien began explaining.
"Then, when Sammy got to know Darien, he wanted lessons," Serena continued, "and Daddy signed me up too, saying a girl should know how to protect herself. So we've been going every week. Sammy's really steamed that I've advanced faster than he has."
"Way to go, Serena!" injected Lita.
"'Course, I've had practice."
Darien picked up the story, "Then the other night, he asked me where I had been fighting and in the midst of exchanging confidences, I told him and," he paused, "something strange happened. We saw each other as we really are: he saw me as Prince Endymion, and I saw him as priest and warrior. He pledged to protect and defend us and I promised the same to him and named him Advisor."
"Advisor to what?" Mina asked.
"Crystal Tokyo." Darien answered simply.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Thank you for supporting me, Serena. I wondered if I was being a bit presumptuous." They were on their way to the dojo. Darien was still worrying about the meeting earlier and Serena was apprehensive about the class they were headed for.
"No, I think you did the right thing," she replied.
"It's just that I feel the need to prepare for the future."
"Is that why you are changing your major, Darien?"
"Yes. I spent most of my life preparing to meet my princess," he smiled at her, "and now that we have a hint of what's to come, I want to be ready for it."
"Won't you miss being a doctor?"
"Not much. I wanted to help people and I'll still do that, but I found out I hate hospitals. I'll leave being a doctor to Andrew, he has a better bedside manner, anyway."
"Oh, I don't know, I think you'd be good beside a bed," she answered distractedly.
"Uh, thanks, Serena. I'll look forward to that," he replied, grinning wickedly.
"Huh? Why you.!" she exclaimed indignantly, hitting him.
"Ow! Save it for class, will ya?"
"Class? Darien, I'm not sure I'm ready. I'm afraid I'm going to mess up," she looked down pensively.
"Peter wouldn't have asked me to bring you if he didn't think you could handle it. I told you he wants to see how we work together."
*sigh* "Work together- I like the sound of it. And later- hmmm?" she hummed suggestively.
"Desert?" he ventured.
"Oh, Muffin!"
*score*
"You didn't tell the other girls where we were going tonight, did you?"
"No, I didn't want to be spied on. I'm nervous enough already."
At the dojo, there were eight other students, six men and two women of various ages from twenty to fifty. After calling the class to order, Sensei Caine introduced them. "This is Darien Chiba. He has been training for some time and has extensive experience. This is Serena Tsukino. Don't let her youth or techniques fool you, I asked her to come as a challenge for herself and you. After warm-ups, we will pair up for sparring. Begin."
They separated and stood spaced apart in the room. For twenty minutes they did the exercises that increased flexibility, speed and focus. Then they practiced striking and blocking. Sensei Caine walked among them, correcting their forms, being especially patient with Serena. After that, he paired them up for unarmed sparring. Serena found herself facing an older man who reminded her of her father. After the initial bow, she started her usual chatter as she dodged his attack.
Darien was matched with another young man, shorter but more muscular. They bowed to each other, then started a series of testing feints. Darien dodged and deflected the other's blows easily, ignoring the noise from the other side of the room. When a loud squeal distracted his opponent, he clipped him, causing him to fall and ending the match.
The squeal came from Serena, of course. The older man had started slow, unwilling to hurt the girl. As she continued to sidestep his attacks, making disparaging comments, he had gotten frustrated and attacked faster. She had given an ear-splitting shriek at a near-miss kick. He froze (and so did nearly everyone else), sure he had hurt her. Taking advantage of his distraction, she turned around and dropped him with her elbow.
In the silence, Sensei Caine clapped his hands for attention. "You did well, Serena," he complimented.
"Thank you, Sensei," she bowed in return.
"Class, I noticed that most of you were distracted by Serena's scream. I warned you her technique would be a challenge. Her style is different because I have not been teaching her to compete, I have been teaching her to survive. The screaming is a part of it. One: it gives her courage and focus. Two: it distracts the enemy. Three: it attracts the attention of others." He motioned with his arms to indicate the class, "On the streets, you can't expect your opponents to follow rules. You need to be prepared for anything. Change partners and pair up, this time we're using staves."
Darien was paired with a woman this time. She had dark hair done in a single braid and an attitude that reminded him of Haruka. The circled each other, crouching slightly, testing their defenses.
"I'm not like blondie over there," she said, "I'm not going to cry out loud if you attack, so don't go easy on me."
"I won't," Darien replied, "I've known too many good female fighters." They traded blows, faster and harder. At last, when she struck high, instead of blocking it, Darien sidestepped and swung low, tripping her and ending the match. He helped her up and looked over to see how Serena was doing.
She had been paired with the other woman in the class. She had short maroon hair and a congenial attitude. Serena held the staff gingerly, she had not used one much before. Sensei Caine watched carefully, ready to stop the match, while also observing the rest of the class. The girl with maroon hair started a series of light but fast taps, which Serena barely blocked. Then she began making larger, harder swings, leaving openings for attack, but Serena just dodged out of the way.
"Just stand still and fight, will ya?" the girl panted after a few minutes.
"I don't want to hurt you," Serena panted back, "I'm not exactly used to this thing." She swerved and danced to avoid the increasingly wide-struck blows. Other matches were ended and cleared the floor to make room for them. The girl swung her staff wide and low. Serena jumped over it and spun, striking the other girl in her ribs with enough force to knock them both over.
"Oof! Sorry about that," Serena apologized.
"Don't mention it, I left myself wide open," the other girl responded, starting to get up, "Ow!"
"All right, good job everyone. Take five," Sensei Caine announced. He then came over to the two girls. "Are you two okay?" he asked.
"Yes, I'm fine," Serena answered.
"Just bruised, I think," the other girl replied, holding her side.
"Are you sure? Perhaps you should sit out the rest of the class," the Sensei suggested.
"All right," she agreed reluctantly.
Darien came to check on Serena. "I see you're holding your own." he noted.
"Yes, surprising, isn't it?"
"Not for me, you've come a long way, Sere," he gave her a small hug, "Are you ready to show them what we can do together?"
"Let's do it," she said confidently.
Peter stepped up to them, smiling, "You've been doing great so far, Serena."
"Thank you again, Sensei," the girl replied, feeling pleased.
"I'd like you two to stay after class for a talk," he said in a low voice, giving them a wink. Darien smiled back and nodded. Peter left them and went to speak encouraging words to the other students and to arrange the next match.
The next match was two-on-two. Both the man and the woman that Darien had fought were on one team and triumphed over their opponents.
Then it was Darien and Serena's turn. Their challengers were three men whom he had sparred with at the dojo before. He knew they were good and they knew he was fast. It was not going to be easy this time. They had a choice of using a staff or not. Serena gave hers' up, Darien kept his. She could avoid one while he defended against two. Of the other three, one kept a staff and the others were unarmed.
So the pair faced the three men. Darien and the other with a staff started trading blows while one of the others started his attack against Serena. The last man stood ready, deciding the best strategy. Serena backed up, dodging without making any attack of her own. The last man moved towards her, deciding to strike against the weaker of the two. Darien noticed this and gave his opponent a mighty shove that made him stagger back. Darien then used his staff to vault across the distance and kicked the second man, knocking him down, did a side roll and came up facing his first opponent in time to catch the other's staff, deflecting the strike and using the momentum to throw him. Meanwhile, Serena took advantage of the slight distraction and turned her dodging into a kick that went right past her opponent's guard and swept him off his feet, ending the match.
Sensei Caine talked to each of the students before they left, complementing and criticizing. He came to Darien and Serena last.
"So, whadya think? Did we do great or what?" she enthused.
"Well, you two did a good job of showing them the unexpected. Although you avoided the attacks most of the time, Serena, you were quick to take advantage of distractions. Still, you need to be a bit more aggressive. Darien, I hope you enjoyed the workout. You are welcome back anytime."
"Thank you Peter. Did you get an answer back from your friend?" Darien asked eagerly.
"Yes, I did. Would you two like to come up for coffee and discuss it?"
"Sure," they replied together.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Welcome to my home, Princess," Peter said, opening the door of the small upstairs apartment.
"Just Serena," she giggled, "unless you want me to call you 'My Lord Advisor'."
"Point taken, Serena," he smiled, filling a pot. "Do you drink coffee or would you like something else?"
"Tea, please, or cocoa if you have it," she requested.
"If you're done flirting with my girl, would you please tell me what your friend found out?" Darien teased.
"You should have more confidence in her ability to defend herself, Darien, socially and otherwise," the older man advised.
"Thanks Peter. See Darien, I have been getting better," she stuck her tongue out at him.
"I know, and I'm proud of you, Serena," he drew her in for a quick hug and a kiss.
Peter looked askance at the couple, it was the first time he had actually seen them together. It was easy to see why her father would have reservations about them. His height and a maturity beyond his years formed by a life of sorrow, pain, and loneliness contrasted sharply against her petite form and childish demeanor. The policeman in him didn't approve, but as their friend, he knew they balanced each other. He had seen the boy brought from a brooding despair to a commanding confidence and faith in the girl whose wise eyes and loving manner belied the way she clung to adolescence. He recalled that she had gone to each of her opponents before they left and made sure they were alright, especially the young woman. Darien had also spoken with others, giving pointers about tactics and form.
He ended his reverie and got out cups for their drinks. "Ahem," he cleared his throat, looking at the two. Serena had been telling Darien about her fight, demonstrating with a broom. Then the young man had stood behind her, showing her better positioning, moving with her in an unconscious ballet. "I could put some music on if you want to dance," he teased.
The two stopped, chagrinned. "Sorry, Peter," Darien said, putting the broom away.
"No problem, you're doing her some good. Now, about that picture," he walked over to his desk and got some papers from the printer, "Kermit was able to get a clear resolution on the name and track it down."
"Really? What was the name?" Darien asked eagerly. Serena looked on hopefully.
"B. F. Pierce, Captain, U.S. Army records: Dr. Benjamin Pierce from Maine, stationed in Korea 1950-1953."
"Benjamin? Then it's not. What about the name 'Hawkeye'?" A cold disappointment entered his voice.
"See for yourself, this is the picture that accompanied the records." He handed over a printout that showed the visage of a man in uniform, eyes set with a trace of humor. It was the same man.
"My grandfather."
"Kermit checked the state records- social security, DMV, AMA; as far as he can tell, he's still alive, living in Maine."
"He's alive." Darien repeated, stunned. He hadn't expected this. Joyful realization hit him like a wave. "Serena, he's alive! I have family! Whohoo!" Ecstatic, he picked her up and spun her around. "I've got to contact him, write a letter- Peter, what should I do?"
Peter grinned, happy for his friend. He too had known what it was like to find family long lost or unknown, but he had never been as alone as the young man before him. "I think it would be best to do this through official channels. The American Red Cross handles family contacts for servicemen. There's an office at the Embassy. I can go with you and give you a reference as a citizen," he offered, putting a hand on the other man's shoulder.
"Thank you, Peter, this means more than you can know." Darien looked at him with gratitude, put his hand on the other's shoulder and stood, locked in friendship, brothers with a common past and destiny.
AN: Okay, now I need a disclaimer for MASH- I don't own it or any part of it. I'm not that old! Yep, I was looking for an American tie-in from that time period with those looks and Hawkeye Pierce is what I came up with.
Thanks again to all who reviewed. Next chapter: Ikuko gets an earful in 'Gossip'.