Thanks for all the reviews guys. You are all so wonderful. I'm extremely
pleased that you're all enjoying the story so much. I'm sorry this one took
so long. It took me an incredibly long time to actually get in the right
mood to work on it. Lots of finding different kinds of music to listen to
while I wrote. But here it is. Long.long long.lol, or maybe it just feels
that way to me because I'm FINALLY finished with it. My thanks go out to
Empress J. You have been the biggest sweetheart. Thank you so much for
being my inspiration and just being there when I needed some help. Enjoy!!
Disclaimer: Don't own anybody. None of the characters or either of the shows belong to me!
Oh, real quick.some ages for you. Some of you may think Rini's too young, but hey, we've all suffered through this kind of thing at one time in our life!
Rini: 10 Goten: 11 Trunks: 12 Everyone else: Hey, your guess is as good as mine. I'm just making them the age I want them to be but thought you might need a little clarification on Rini's age.
Surrender Sweet Prince
Chapter Seven
Serena gaped in shock at the daughter, unable to quite believe what she was seeing. "Ri.Rini?!" she stammered, reaching blindly for the clothes Vegeta was holding out to her and taking them with a grateful nod, her eyes remaining fixed on the girl.
The pink haired sprite giggled. "I'll ahh.give you guys a moment." She said and quickly disappeared behind a hill of boulders.
"Oh god." Serena moaned in mortification, burring her face in the shirt she held. "My little girl has just seen her mother lying naked in the dirt with a man she doesn't even know!"
Vegeta rolled his eyes and pulled Serena into his arms. "Calm down woman. She didn't look upset to me."
Serena sighed, leaning heavily against him. "I hope you're right." She said, running her nails lightly over his bare leg.
He grabbed her hand and pulled it to his mouth, kissing the sensitive skin of her wrist. "It would be best if we didn't start that up again. The child is waiting." He stood, helping Serena up and they quickly dressed. When the were done, Vegeta pulled his princess against him and kissed her thoroughly, then pulled back and yelled, "We're done brat! You can come out now."
Rini stepped out from behind her hiding spot and Serena felt a lump form in her throat. She had been so stunned when her daughter, the daughter she hadn't seen in over a month, first stepped into the clearing that her passion-sated mind hadn't really taken in the reality of the situation. Now, with her mind much more clear that it had been, she stared down at the small girl with hot tears collecting in her eyes.
"Mother." Rini said, giving her a tremulous smile.
Serena sank to her knees, the past ten minutes disappearing, and held out her arms. Rini immediately ran into them, her small body shaking with silent sobs. "Hush Rini. Mommy's here now." She whispered. Tears fell over her cheeks as she whispered soothing words to the child. She made a vow to herself right then and there that nothing would ever again take her child from her. Now that Rini was here with her, this is where she would stay. "Oh, my sweet angel," she murmured, placing a kiss on the girls forehead. "How did you get here?"
Rini sniffled and moved slightly out of Serena's embrace. "Puu brought me."
"What?"
"I brought her. Hello Princess." Pluto stepped from the shadows and smiled down at mother and child. Turning to the startled Saiyan, she bowed her head respectfully. "Prince Vegeta."
"Pluto! What are you doing here?" Serena asked.
The guardian of Time placed a hand on Rini's head. A small frown marred her brow. "Things have changed very much since your.disappearance."
Serena released her daughter and stood, her features hardening. "How?"
"It's best not to go into detail. There are certain-."
"Sailor Pluto, you will tell me what has happened to my home." Serena demanded softly.
The jade haired beauty sighed, her dark eyes filling with pain as she placed her staff before her and created a large viewing sphere between them. Dark smoke swirled inside, slowly clearing to reveal a nightmarish scene of death and destruction.
"Oh no." Serena muttered. Her knees started to give out and she felt a strong arm slide around her waist. She looked up at Vegeta, vivid blue clashing with endless ebony. She mouthed the words thank you and he nodded. "This is your home?" he asked, his voice lacking any emotion.
"It was my home." Serena replied. She pulled her gaze from her brooding Prince and looked once again to Pluto. "How.how could this happen? Why are the Scouts not stopping it?"
Pluto waved her hand over the viewing globe and it disappeared. "After I sent you here the Inners paid a visit to Amara and Michelle. They demanded to know where you were. When they were refused an answer they transformed and attacked. The alliance between the Inner and Outer planets has been destroyed Princess.
"The Inners have been coming up with several plans to find you. You should know the first attempt failed and.and it resulted in one casualty."
Serena visibly paled. "Who?"
"Evil forces, much worse then any we have fought before, attacked while the Inners were attempting a Sailor Teleport. None of us saw the evil coming. And when we did...it was too late. To make matters worse the were joined by." She paused to glance at her shaken Princess. Serena nodded, her eyes full of questions and Pluto continued. "They were joined by Darien. He was very determined to keep the Scouts from you. I don't like to be the one who has to tell you this but.he killed Sailor Mars. I'm sorry Serena."
The small blond gasped, sudden tears spilling from her blue eyes and she released a desperate cry of denial. Vegeta watched and for the first time in his life, felt completely helpless. He had no idea who these two new comers were but he was starting to severely dislike the tall green haired one. Serena had been happy only moments before. Hell, he had been happy too, which never happened. Then these two had to show up. Serena was anything but happy now. He held her trembling form protectively, as if holding her close enough would make everything go away. "Do you want me to blast this woman back to where she came from?"
Serena jerked her head up and stared at him. "You're serious, aren't you?" she asked with a slight smile. "No. That will not be needed. I just have to think." She stood up straight and quickly dried her tears. Now was not the time for her to be falling apart. She was a born leader and she would find some way to stop the destruction that Darien was bringing upon the earth. "How bad have things gotten, Pluto?"
"Terrible. Darien and his forces are too much for us. Whatever he has turned into, whatever evil he has given his soul to has transformed him into a heartless and dangerously powerful man. He plans to come for you Serena. If he finds out Rini is with you, I fear greatly for what might happen. He wants his daughter back."
Serena clenched her hands into tight fists. "He won't be laying a hand on me or MY daughter! And Rini is not his!" Rini shook her head fiercely in agreement.
"Then tell me Princess.whose daughter is she?"
Serena opened her mouth and quickly closed it again. The way Pluto had spoke to her, with that knowing glint in her eyes and that small grin. Serena instantly knew what she was talking about. She knelt down in front of her daughter and brushed her light pink bangs from her eyes. Dark eyes.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Rini asked, her brows coming down in an achingly familiar scowl.
Serena looked up at Vegeta and her hand flew to her mouth. "Vegeta."
The Saiyan Prince looked slightly amused, as if he had known the entire time. "You don't have to tell me woman. I already know the brat is mine."
"He is right Serena." Pluto said calmly.
Rini looked back and forth between Vegeta and Serena, her brows knit in confusion. She then walked bravely up the Saiyan Prince and crossed her arms over her chest. "So.you're my dad, huh?"
Vegeta looked down at the small girl, feigning distain. "That's right. Got a problem with it?"
Rini giggled and looked over her shoulder to the Pluto. "He is my father, Puu!!"
The dark haired woman laughed softly and looked to her Princess. "Serena, are you going to be okay?" She asked, noticing that the blonde looked even paler then before.
"Oh, I'm fine. It's just so much to take in. Darien being evil. Vegeta being Rini's father. Rei." her voice trailed off.
Vegeta picked Serena up in his arms, cradling her slight body against his. "I'm taking her home now." He stated, his dark eyes daring Pluto to make some kind of protest. The Guardian of Time simply smiled and bowed her head to them.
"As you wish Prince Vegeta. Before you go.Serena, is there anything I can do?"
Serena thought for a moment then raised her eyes to her Senshi. "Bring the Scouts to me. All of them."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Much later that evening, after sharing a steamy goodnight kiss with Vegeta, Serena crawled beneath the blankets of her bed where Rini patiently waited. She pulled her daughter to her in a tight hug. "Hey there kiddo."
"Hi mom." Rini mumbled, snuggling close. "I'm really proud of you Serena. You've matured a lot since the last time I saw you."
Serena laughed. "Thanks.I think." She kissed the girls head and sighed, the sound echoing faintly in the darkness. "I'm so sorry Rini. I should have made you come with me when I first left."
"It's okay." Rini said on a yawn.
Serena smiled. It felt so wonderful to be able to hold her daughter again. She couldn't believe that she used to find the little minx annoying. Now she couldn't picture her life without Rini in it. "I love you, my angel." She whispered. "Get some sleep, okay?"
"Okay. Love you too mom." Rini said her voice muffled from the pillow. It took only one minute and the girl was out cold. Serena smiled and turned to lie on her back, staring up at the ceiling and letting her thoughts drift idly through her head. She tried not to think of Rei. Granted she had been mad at Rei for lying to her but she would never wish such a thing on someone who had spent years putting her own life before Serena's. She would never forget the brave Priestess. She would avenge her death. Darien would pay for what he had done. How would she manage it though? End the life of the man she was supposed to spend the rest of her life with? It would be much more difficult then it sounded. Serena tossed restlessly. 'I wonder if Vegeta is still awake?' she though to herself. She closed her eyes blissfully, remembering the feel of his searching hands over her body. He had brought her to places she never dreamed existed. Oh, how she loved him.
Smiling lazily, Serena slowly opened her eyes and stared at the drape covered windows. The moon was so bright tonight. It's blue light spilled in through the window where the drapes did not cover, casting an eerie glow into the bedroom. She was about to turn back around when a shadow moved across the window. At first she thought it was Vegeta, but she could not feel his familiar energy. Each muscle slowly tensed. The shadow was clearly outlined and she watched she watched with growing dread as it turn slowly and came to a stop in front of porch door. It was tall. Serena didn't know anyone that tall. Then she felt it. Evil. It seeped through her, dragging with it unleashed fear. She ever so slowly turned over, her breath coming in unsteady pants, and shook her sleeping daughter.
"Rini." she whispered urgently. "Rini honey, wake up."
Rini mumbled something incoherent and pushed at Serena's hand. "Rini.please." She pleaded softly, shaking her a little harder. She cast a quick glance over her shoulder. The shadow was still standing where she had last seen it. She turned back to her daughter and tugged on her nose. Slowly the girl's eyes opened, focusing on Serena who quickly put a finger to her lips. Feeling her mother's terror, Rini's eyes went wide. Serena pointed to the porch door. "We need to get out of here." She whispered. Rini nodded, her eyes full of fright. Slowly they climbed from the bed and crept across the bedroom floor. Still, the shadow stood, unmoving. Serena gradually turned the knob and opened the door pushing her daughter ahead of her. Rini made a small whimper and grabbed for her mothers hand. "It's okay Rini." She whispered. But it wasn't. Whatever was outside possessed a vast amount of sinister malevolence. It scared the hell out of Serena.
They crossed the floor quickly, trying to get to the door that lead out into the hallway as fast as they could. Rini turned to face her. Her eyes darted across the room and she let loose a chilling scream. Pulling her frightened daughter to her protectively, Serena turned. Her heart slammed against her ribs and she froze. A creature with blood red eyes, glowing unnaturally, stood directly in the middle of the massive picture window outlined by the pale moonlight, his lips pulled back in a horrifying smile revealing straight rows of razor sharp teeth. Its grayish green skin clung to abnormally lengthy bones. A hand with impossibly long bony fingers raised slowly, each appendage wiggling with the creatures greeting.
"Oh god, oh god, oh god." Serena chanted over and over again, her hand reaching for the knob as if it were a lifeline. Her only escape. The skeletal creature levitated into the air and started floating forward, coming right through the wall of the house and into the room. Serena couldn't stop the scream that tore from her throat. She turned back to the door and grasped desperately at the knob, yanking the door open and dragging a hysterical Rini into the hallway. She slammed the door behind them and backed up against the wall on the opposite side of the hallway.
"Wh.what was that??" Rini asked in a terrified whisper.
Serena shook her head slowly, breathing hard. That was a very good question. Another good question was why was she running? She was Sailor Moon after all. She used to fight deadly creatures every day! But this.this THING was nothing like the Negaverse monsters. Not even close. It was made purely from evil and more then likely had tainted blood as black as night running through it's withered veins. If only she had her brooch then maybe.maybe she could beat it but in her moment of unrestrained fear, she had forgotten it in the drawer of her bedside table.
Serena crossed the floor, placing each foot cautiously before the other and trying to make as little noise as possible. She pressed her ear to the door and listened. Nothing. "I think it's gone." She said softly, turning to give her daughter a reassuring smile. The second her back was turned a hand shot from the door and grabbed Serena's neck, each bony finger closing around it one by one, cutting the flow of blood to her brain. It lifted her from the ground and yanked her back, her body slamming painfully against the closed door.
Spots swam in Serena's vision as she tried to pry the cold, dead fingers from her throat. She opened her mouth, trying vainly to drag air into her body. She struggled desperately against the creature's harsh grip but could feel herself getting weaker. Rini's frantic cries echoed in her mind. The pink haired girl was pulling at Serena's legs but there was nothing Rini could do to free Serena from her captor. Her eyelids drooped. Her thrashing slowed.
Serena was about to give in, let the darkness that called to her consume her being, when something exploded next to her and she was dropped, landing on her side in the carpeted hallway. She immediately drew in deep, ragged breaths. The air burned her throat and filled her starving lungs. She could feel Vegeta's familiar Ki filling her and smiled slightly. She should have known he would come.
A hand gripped her arm. "Come on woman. He's not gone yet." The Saiyan Prince growled in his usual manner.
"Not gone?" She croaked, staggering to her feet. Anxious voices suddenly surrounded her. Bulma raced into the hallway where Serena, Rini and Vegeta stood, a blue robe pulled around her and a tired looking Trunks being pulled along in her wake.
"What's going on?" Bulma asked when she reached them.
"There's some.thing in the house. It's evil. I can still feel it." Serena said. She shivered slightly.
Vegeta and he eyed her worriedly, his gaze flickering to her neck. He raised his hand and brushed his fingers over the bruises the demon had left upon her skin. "I'm going to kill him."
"It can go through walls. How are we supposed to kill something that can go through walls?" she asked.
He didn't have an answer. Suddenly the hall lights flickered and the group was pitched into darkness. Rini and Bulma whimpered and Serena tightened her grasp on Vegeta's hand, waiting for her eyes to adjust to the darkness.
"Princccesssss.."
Serena stiffened as she felt something brush her arm. Cold breath fanned across her neck and shoulder. Knowing any hesitation would cost her; she quickly pivoted around and brought her elbow up. It encountered nothing but air and evil laughter echoed around them.
"Stupid fools. How do you expect to survive this night?" the voice hissed. "You shall all be dead by sunrise."
The blonde princess cried out as she was abruptly lifted from her feet and thrown into the wall.
"Mommy!!!" Rini cried out, rushing to the fallen woman's side.
Having seen his mate once again harmed, Vegeta felt his blood boil. He was going to make whatever demon this was pay for what it had done to his woman. "Trunks, take your mother and sister back to your room and don't come out until I tell you to."
"But dad-."
"Do as I say boy. You can fight next time"
Trunks nodded and took Rini's hand, pulling his new sister to him protectively. "Come on Rini. Dad will take care of them."
The little girl sniffled, but quickly stood and followed Bulma and Trunks.
Vegeta knelt down next to Serena and put an arm around her neck, helping her sit up. "Are you hurt?"
She grimaced in the darkness. "A little pissed, but nothings broken."
The Saiyan Prince smirked. She was a tough one all right. Helping her up, Vegeta constantly scanned the hallway, waiting for the next attack. "What do you say we find this thing and kill it?"
"I don't have my brooch."
"You don't need it Sere. You're strong enough without it. Trust me." He said.
Serena nodded with determination. "Okay. Let's get him."
"I think that's an invitation to get your worthless asses kicked!!" The freakish creature appeared before them, his long arms stretched out at his side and his hateful grin in place. Orbs of bright fire formed in his hands.
Vegeta pulled Serena behind him and easily blocked the first attack. "You'll pay for coming here tonight." He said with a cruel laugh.
The demon laughed right back and once again disappeared. "Come and find me." He sang in a disturbing off key voice.
"Shit." Vegeta closed his eyes and focused in on the evil power. He knew he could find it if he just concentrated. This thing was tricky.but Vegeta was the Prince of all Saiyans. He didn't know how to loose. "There..he's in the living room. Come on."
Serena followed her mate, almost colliding with him when he came to a sudden halt. She could feel the iniquity filling the room. It was overwhelming. "Come out and fight you goddamn coward!" she yelled.
"Right behind you Princess."
Serena turned and stared into the foreboding eyes of the demon. God, it was hideous. It was like staring into the face of death itself. "So are you actually going to fight us, or are you just going to vanish again?" she asked coolly, despite the terror consuming her.
"I shall not only fight you.I shall kill you as well." It hissed.
"Yeah. Sure you will." Vegeta said disdainfully, crossing his arms over his chest and looking for the entire world that he didn't care about the fact that there was an insanely evil demon standing before him. "Please. I've fought and killed creatures that make you look like nothing more then a fucking kitten."
The demon lashed out. Vegeta easily caught its hand and smirked. "Not so tough when you're visible, are you?"
Hissing the demon smiled its ghastly smile, sharp pointed teeth glistening dangerously. "I have a surprise for you Saiyan." A dull red glow started from where Vegeta's and the demons hand connected, growing to encompass their forearms, then slowly surrounded the Saiyan Prince.
Vegeta looked down. "So you're going to make me glow..very impressive." He said scornfully. "Really, I do think you stand a chance now. What with all." Vegeta stopped. He looked confused for a moment, and then his featured twisted in pain. He gasped, feeling as if the demon was draining the life from his body. It didn't take him long to realize that it was exactly what the creature was doing. "Shit.SHIT!" he screamed. He yanked his hand back but it wouldn't move. This was not good!
"Get the hell away from my man!" Serena screamed, planting her fist firmly in the demons face. He stumbled slightly but did not release his hold on the Saiyan. She tried again but the thing would not move. What was she supposed to do? She looked frantically from her mate to the demon then her eyes lowered to their connected hands. Maybe she could break the connection to Vegeta and replace him with herself. She took a deep breath. It was worth a try. She could not let this thing kill the man she loved. She looked up, her eyes connecting with the ebony orbs of her lover. She could feel the pain that he was in, feel the life draining from his body. His precious life. No! She would not let this happen.
She jumped forward and threw her body against Vegeta's, reaching her hand out and grabbing the creature's arm, cringing at the feeling of the dead, scaly flesh. Instantly, pain tore through her body, wrenching at her heart.
Vegeta stared at his mate, amazed at the fact that she would put her life before his. She wasn't going to die. He would make sure of that. He powered up, a golden aura surrounding his muscular form and filling the room with its bright light. He would end this now. He slipped an arm around the blond's small waist and yanked her back, sending a small blast at the demon and severing the link between it and his princess.
The Saiyan Prince, with his mate safe in his arms and quickly regaining her strength, looked up at the demon and smirked. "I should have just finished you off earlier. Say goodnight." He said. Holding one hand up in front of him Vegeta delivered a death blast that went right through the demons heart as he was disappearing. There was a hissing scream followed by a deafening explosion and it was over.
Looking down at the woman in his arms, Vegeta scowled. He couldn't believe that she had risked her own life to save his. He could have handled the situation. Well, maybe not, but that didn't change the fact that what Serena had down was incredibly stupid. Not to mention the fact that it has scared the absolute shit out of him. What would he do without her? He didn't even know. "What were you thinking woman? You could have been killed?" he said, trying to sound angry.
She turned her vibrant blue eyes on him, her full lips curving in a warm smile and his heart twisted. She was so beautiful and pure hearted. It almost hurt to look at her. Vegeta didn't deserve her. He knew that. But he would be damned if he let anyone else have her. She was his, now and forever. "Stupid female." He muttered affectionately. His eyes and hair went back to their original black.
Serena laughed softly, then quickly sobered and stared up at him with wide solemn eyes. "I know you wouldn't let me die." She whispered.
She had to say something like that, didn't she? He groaned, crushing her small body to his and let down his defenses, something he found himself doing quite often now that she was around. "No. I would not have let you die." He admitted. He stared deep into her eyes, losing himself in their soothing depth.
Footsteps sounded in the hallway and they both looked up. Bulma walked in the room, Trunks behind her with Rini clutching his hand. The older woman glanced at Vegeta suspiciously then turned, her eyes going straight to the large charred hole in the living room wall.
"DAMN IT VEGETA!! Couldn't you have taken it outside? I swear you have absolutely no resp-."
"Quit your screeching! Christ woman, you're rich. It's not going to take all of your damn money to fix the wall." Vegeta said.
Bulma sighed. "That's besides the point. The point is-."
"I know what the point is." He said, cutting her off again. "I have better things to do then stand here and listen to you chew me out for a hole."
Bulma's face reddened slightly. Feeling yet another fight coming on, Serena quickly spoke up. "Listen.guys. It's been a long night. Why don't we all just get some sleep." She turned to Vegeta. "We'll deal with this in the morning." She finished in a hard voice that brooked no argument.
The Saiyan's eyes shifted from her to Bulma then back to her. "Fine." He said.
Serena smiled and kissed his cheek. "Thank you." She turned to Bulma, her winning smile still in place. "I'm so sorry about this Bulma. I promise I'll take care of it. Whatever you want me to do, I'll do it. I'll even repaint the room." She added jokingly.
"That's not a bad idea." Bulma commented thoughtfully, all hostility towards Vegeta forgotten. "You come in to work tomorrow and we'll go shopping. Rini can come with too." She smiled down at the pink haired girl who was staring up at her half brother with hero-worship sparkling in her burgundy eyes.
"Is 9:30 alright?" Serena asked.
"Perfect. See you in the morning." Bulma said. "Come on Trunks. Back to bed."
The lavender haired boy grimaced. "Come on mom. I'm a little too old to be told what to do, don't you think?" Rini giggled at his words and Trunks smiled down at her.
"Trunks, if you want to stay up all night waiting for the next demon.ugh, forget it. Go to bed!" She demanded, pointing her finger for emphasis.
Trunks grumbled and Rini relinquished her hold on his hand, moving to stand beside her mother and father. Serena knelt down and smoothed Rini's bangs out of her eyes. "Are you ready to go back to bed?"
Rini shook her head. "Not in THAT room!" she said.
Serena sighed. She agreed with her daughter completely. After seeing that thing staring in at her with its freakish smile from outside her window, her room was the last place she wanted to be. "We don't really have anywhere else to sleep angel."
"You can stay in my room."
Serena looked up at Vegeta and smiled. "Are you sure? You don't look too happy about the idea." She said laughing at his harsh glare. He looked down at her and grinned. "I never look happy about anything woman. Get used to it."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
An hour later, Serena was laying in a massive king sized bed. Her daughter was fast asleep beside her, snoring lightly, and Vegeta was taking a shower. Serena, unlike Rini, couldn't possibly sleep. She listened to the sound of the shower, sinfully imagined the steaming water running over her lovers muscular, naked body, heard his amused chuckle echo in her mind because he knew what she was thinking about. It had been like that all day, ever since he had made love to her. She would hear his voice and ask him if he had said something, when he said no and gave her that smirk, she had demanded to know what was going on. He told her that they were bonded. "What does that mean?" she had asked. He didn't say anything, but his one thought rang clearly in her head. It meant they were destined to be together.
She heard the shower turn off and her muscles tensed in anticipation. She waited for what felt like hours and finally the bathroom door opened, casting its yellow glow into the bedroom. Vegeta ambled into the bedroom, wearing a pair of dark navy sweatpants with the cuffs cut off. They hung low on his hips. Serena smiled indulgently at the cocky picture he made.
He shut the bathroom light off, threw the towel he was using to dry his hair into a basket across the room and crawled into bed beside her. She giggled as he pulled her close and twined his legs through hers. "Hi there." She whispered softly.
"Is the brat asleep?" he asked, kissing Serena's lips softly.
Serena kissed him back, rubbing her lips against his. "As soon as her head hit the pillow."
Vegeta smirked in the darkness. How strange it felt, to have his family in one room. His mate, his child. For the first time in his life Vegeta felt content and at peace. Serena murmured something and tucked her head under his chin, her hand falling upon his chest, over his heart. "You know.you're going to have to move in here now. There is no way my mate is going to stay in a separate bedroom when she should be warming my bed."
She kissed his neck and he could hear the smile in her voice. "Of course. I knew you were going to ask that. But what about Rini?"
"There's another guest bedroom across the hall. It's close. She can have that one." He said.
Serena nodded once. "Vegeta.I."
"I know you do." He said softly, hearing her voice whisper it's sweet vow in his mind. He waited until he knew she was asleep and listened to her soft, even breathing. The soothing sound calmed his nerves and made him drowsy. He kissed her forehead, his arms tightening tenderly around her. "I love you too, Serena." He whispered then fell into the most peaceful slumber he had ever known.
Disclaimer: Don't own anybody. None of the characters or either of the shows belong to me!
Oh, real quick.some ages for you. Some of you may think Rini's too young, but hey, we've all suffered through this kind of thing at one time in our life!
Rini: 10 Goten: 11 Trunks: 12 Everyone else: Hey, your guess is as good as mine. I'm just making them the age I want them to be but thought you might need a little clarification on Rini's age.
Surrender Sweet Prince
Chapter Seven
Serena gaped in shock at the daughter, unable to quite believe what she was seeing. "Ri.Rini?!" she stammered, reaching blindly for the clothes Vegeta was holding out to her and taking them with a grateful nod, her eyes remaining fixed on the girl.
The pink haired sprite giggled. "I'll ahh.give you guys a moment." She said and quickly disappeared behind a hill of boulders.
"Oh god." Serena moaned in mortification, burring her face in the shirt she held. "My little girl has just seen her mother lying naked in the dirt with a man she doesn't even know!"
Vegeta rolled his eyes and pulled Serena into his arms. "Calm down woman. She didn't look upset to me."
Serena sighed, leaning heavily against him. "I hope you're right." She said, running her nails lightly over his bare leg.
He grabbed her hand and pulled it to his mouth, kissing the sensitive skin of her wrist. "It would be best if we didn't start that up again. The child is waiting." He stood, helping Serena up and they quickly dressed. When the were done, Vegeta pulled his princess against him and kissed her thoroughly, then pulled back and yelled, "We're done brat! You can come out now."
Rini stepped out from behind her hiding spot and Serena felt a lump form in her throat. She had been so stunned when her daughter, the daughter she hadn't seen in over a month, first stepped into the clearing that her passion-sated mind hadn't really taken in the reality of the situation. Now, with her mind much more clear that it had been, she stared down at the small girl with hot tears collecting in her eyes.
"Mother." Rini said, giving her a tremulous smile.
Serena sank to her knees, the past ten minutes disappearing, and held out her arms. Rini immediately ran into them, her small body shaking with silent sobs. "Hush Rini. Mommy's here now." She whispered. Tears fell over her cheeks as she whispered soothing words to the child. She made a vow to herself right then and there that nothing would ever again take her child from her. Now that Rini was here with her, this is where she would stay. "Oh, my sweet angel," she murmured, placing a kiss on the girls forehead. "How did you get here?"
Rini sniffled and moved slightly out of Serena's embrace. "Puu brought me."
"What?"
"I brought her. Hello Princess." Pluto stepped from the shadows and smiled down at mother and child. Turning to the startled Saiyan, she bowed her head respectfully. "Prince Vegeta."
"Pluto! What are you doing here?" Serena asked.
The guardian of Time placed a hand on Rini's head. A small frown marred her brow. "Things have changed very much since your.disappearance."
Serena released her daughter and stood, her features hardening. "How?"
"It's best not to go into detail. There are certain-."
"Sailor Pluto, you will tell me what has happened to my home." Serena demanded softly.
The jade haired beauty sighed, her dark eyes filling with pain as she placed her staff before her and created a large viewing sphere between them. Dark smoke swirled inside, slowly clearing to reveal a nightmarish scene of death and destruction.
"Oh no." Serena muttered. Her knees started to give out and she felt a strong arm slide around her waist. She looked up at Vegeta, vivid blue clashing with endless ebony. She mouthed the words thank you and he nodded. "This is your home?" he asked, his voice lacking any emotion.
"It was my home." Serena replied. She pulled her gaze from her brooding Prince and looked once again to Pluto. "How.how could this happen? Why are the Scouts not stopping it?"
Pluto waved her hand over the viewing globe and it disappeared. "After I sent you here the Inners paid a visit to Amara and Michelle. They demanded to know where you were. When they were refused an answer they transformed and attacked. The alliance between the Inner and Outer planets has been destroyed Princess.
"The Inners have been coming up with several plans to find you. You should know the first attempt failed and.and it resulted in one casualty."
Serena visibly paled. "Who?"
"Evil forces, much worse then any we have fought before, attacked while the Inners were attempting a Sailor Teleport. None of us saw the evil coming. And when we did...it was too late. To make matters worse the were joined by." She paused to glance at her shaken Princess. Serena nodded, her eyes full of questions and Pluto continued. "They were joined by Darien. He was very determined to keep the Scouts from you. I don't like to be the one who has to tell you this but.he killed Sailor Mars. I'm sorry Serena."
The small blond gasped, sudden tears spilling from her blue eyes and she released a desperate cry of denial. Vegeta watched and for the first time in his life, felt completely helpless. He had no idea who these two new comers were but he was starting to severely dislike the tall green haired one. Serena had been happy only moments before. Hell, he had been happy too, which never happened. Then these two had to show up. Serena was anything but happy now. He held her trembling form protectively, as if holding her close enough would make everything go away. "Do you want me to blast this woman back to where she came from?"
Serena jerked her head up and stared at him. "You're serious, aren't you?" she asked with a slight smile. "No. That will not be needed. I just have to think." She stood up straight and quickly dried her tears. Now was not the time for her to be falling apart. She was a born leader and she would find some way to stop the destruction that Darien was bringing upon the earth. "How bad have things gotten, Pluto?"
"Terrible. Darien and his forces are too much for us. Whatever he has turned into, whatever evil he has given his soul to has transformed him into a heartless and dangerously powerful man. He plans to come for you Serena. If he finds out Rini is with you, I fear greatly for what might happen. He wants his daughter back."
Serena clenched her hands into tight fists. "He won't be laying a hand on me or MY daughter! And Rini is not his!" Rini shook her head fiercely in agreement.
"Then tell me Princess.whose daughter is she?"
Serena opened her mouth and quickly closed it again. The way Pluto had spoke to her, with that knowing glint in her eyes and that small grin. Serena instantly knew what she was talking about. She knelt down in front of her daughter and brushed her light pink bangs from her eyes. Dark eyes.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Rini asked, her brows coming down in an achingly familiar scowl.
Serena looked up at Vegeta and her hand flew to her mouth. "Vegeta."
The Saiyan Prince looked slightly amused, as if he had known the entire time. "You don't have to tell me woman. I already know the brat is mine."
"He is right Serena." Pluto said calmly.
Rini looked back and forth between Vegeta and Serena, her brows knit in confusion. She then walked bravely up the Saiyan Prince and crossed her arms over her chest. "So.you're my dad, huh?"
Vegeta looked down at the small girl, feigning distain. "That's right. Got a problem with it?"
Rini giggled and looked over her shoulder to the Pluto. "He is my father, Puu!!"
The dark haired woman laughed softly and looked to her Princess. "Serena, are you going to be okay?" She asked, noticing that the blonde looked even paler then before.
"Oh, I'm fine. It's just so much to take in. Darien being evil. Vegeta being Rini's father. Rei." her voice trailed off.
Vegeta picked Serena up in his arms, cradling her slight body against his. "I'm taking her home now." He stated, his dark eyes daring Pluto to make some kind of protest. The Guardian of Time simply smiled and bowed her head to them.
"As you wish Prince Vegeta. Before you go.Serena, is there anything I can do?"
Serena thought for a moment then raised her eyes to her Senshi. "Bring the Scouts to me. All of them."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Much later that evening, after sharing a steamy goodnight kiss with Vegeta, Serena crawled beneath the blankets of her bed where Rini patiently waited. She pulled her daughter to her in a tight hug. "Hey there kiddo."
"Hi mom." Rini mumbled, snuggling close. "I'm really proud of you Serena. You've matured a lot since the last time I saw you."
Serena laughed. "Thanks.I think." She kissed the girls head and sighed, the sound echoing faintly in the darkness. "I'm so sorry Rini. I should have made you come with me when I first left."
"It's okay." Rini said on a yawn.
Serena smiled. It felt so wonderful to be able to hold her daughter again. She couldn't believe that she used to find the little minx annoying. Now she couldn't picture her life without Rini in it. "I love you, my angel." She whispered. "Get some sleep, okay?"
"Okay. Love you too mom." Rini said her voice muffled from the pillow. It took only one minute and the girl was out cold. Serena smiled and turned to lie on her back, staring up at the ceiling and letting her thoughts drift idly through her head. She tried not to think of Rei. Granted she had been mad at Rei for lying to her but she would never wish such a thing on someone who had spent years putting her own life before Serena's. She would never forget the brave Priestess. She would avenge her death. Darien would pay for what he had done. How would she manage it though? End the life of the man she was supposed to spend the rest of her life with? It would be much more difficult then it sounded. Serena tossed restlessly. 'I wonder if Vegeta is still awake?' she though to herself. She closed her eyes blissfully, remembering the feel of his searching hands over her body. He had brought her to places she never dreamed existed. Oh, how she loved him.
Smiling lazily, Serena slowly opened her eyes and stared at the drape covered windows. The moon was so bright tonight. It's blue light spilled in through the window where the drapes did not cover, casting an eerie glow into the bedroom. She was about to turn back around when a shadow moved across the window. At first she thought it was Vegeta, but she could not feel his familiar energy. Each muscle slowly tensed. The shadow was clearly outlined and she watched she watched with growing dread as it turn slowly and came to a stop in front of porch door. It was tall. Serena didn't know anyone that tall. Then she felt it. Evil. It seeped through her, dragging with it unleashed fear. She ever so slowly turned over, her breath coming in unsteady pants, and shook her sleeping daughter.
"Rini." she whispered urgently. "Rini honey, wake up."
Rini mumbled something incoherent and pushed at Serena's hand. "Rini.please." She pleaded softly, shaking her a little harder. She cast a quick glance over her shoulder. The shadow was still standing where she had last seen it. She turned back to her daughter and tugged on her nose. Slowly the girl's eyes opened, focusing on Serena who quickly put a finger to her lips. Feeling her mother's terror, Rini's eyes went wide. Serena pointed to the porch door. "We need to get out of here." She whispered. Rini nodded, her eyes full of fright. Slowly they climbed from the bed and crept across the bedroom floor. Still, the shadow stood, unmoving. Serena gradually turned the knob and opened the door pushing her daughter ahead of her. Rini made a small whimper and grabbed for her mothers hand. "It's okay Rini." She whispered. But it wasn't. Whatever was outside possessed a vast amount of sinister malevolence. It scared the hell out of Serena.
They crossed the floor quickly, trying to get to the door that lead out into the hallway as fast as they could. Rini turned to face her. Her eyes darted across the room and she let loose a chilling scream. Pulling her frightened daughter to her protectively, Serena turned. Her heart slammed against her ribs and she froze. A creature with blood red eyes, glowing unnaturally, stood directly in the middle of the massive picture window outlined by the pale moonlight, his lips pulled back in a horrifying smile revealing straight rows of razor sharp teeth. Its grayish green skin clung to abnormally lengthy bones. A hand with impossibly long bony fingers raised slowly, each appendage wiggling with the creatures greeting.
"Oh god, oh god, oh god." Serena chanted over and over again, her hand reaching for the knob as if it were a lifeline. Her only escape. The skeletal creature levitated into the air and started floating forward, coming right through the wall of the house and into the room. Serena couldn't stop the scream that tore from her throat. She turned back to the door and grasped desperately at the knob, yanking the door open and dragging a hysterical Rini into the hallway. She slammed the door behind them and backed up against the wall on the opposite side of the hallway.
"Wh.what was that??" Rini asked in a terrified whisper.
Serena shook her head slowly, breathing hard. That was a very good question. Another good question was why was she running? She was Sailor Moon after all. She used to fight deadly creatures every day! But this.this THING was nothing like the Negaverse monsters. Not even close. It was made purely from evil and more then likely had tainted blood as black as night running through it's withered veins. If only she had her brooch then maybe.maybe she could beat it but in her moment of unrestrained fear, she had forgotten it in the drawer of her bedside table.
Serena crossed the floor, placing each foot cautiously before the other and trying to make as little noise as possible. She pressed her ear to the door and listened. Nothing. "I think it's gone." She said softly, turning to give her daughter a reassuring smile. The second her back was turned a hand shot from the door and grabbed Serena's neck, each bony finger closing around it one by one, cutting the flow of blood to her brain. It lifted her from the ground and yanked her back, her body slamming painfully against the closed door.
Spots swam in Serena's vision as she tried to pry the cold, dead fingers from her throat. She opened her mouth, trying vainly to drag air into her body. She struggled desperately against the creature's harsh grip but could feel herself getting weaker. Rini's frantic cries echoed in her mind. The pink haired girl was pulling at Serena's legs but there was nothing Rini could do to free Serena from her captor. Her eyelids drooped. Her thrashing slowed.
Serena was about to give in, let the darkness that called to her consume her being, when something exploded next to her and she was dropped, landing on her side in the carpeted hallway. She immediately drew in deep, ragged breaths. The air burned her throat and filled her starving lungs. She could feel Vegeta's familiar Ki filling her and smiled slightly. She should have known he would come.
A hand gripped her arm. "Come on woman. He's not gone yet." The Saiyan Prince growled in his usual manner.
"Not gone?" She croaked, staggering to her feet. Anxious voices suddenly surrounded her. Bulma raced into the hallway where Serena, Rini and Vegeta stood, a blue robe pulled around her and a tired looking Trunks being pulled along in her wake.
"What's going on?" Bulma asked when she reached them.
"There's some.thing in the house. It's evil. I can still feel it." Serena said. She shivered slightly.
Vegeta and he eyed her worriedly, his gaze flickering to her neck. He raised his hand and brushed his fingers over the bruises the demon had left upon her skin. "I'm going to kill him."
"It can go through walls. How are we supposed to kill something that can go through walls?" she asked.
He didn't have an answer. Suddenly the hall lights flickered and the group was pitched into darkness. Rini and Bulma whimpered and Serena tightened her grasp on Vegeta's hand, waiting for her eyes to adjust to the darkness.
"Princccesssss.."
Serena stiffened as she felt something brush her arm. Cold breath fanned across her neck and shoulder. Knowing any hesitation would cost her; she quickly pivoted around and brought her elbow up. It encountered nothing but air and evil laughter echoed around them.
"Stupid fools. How do you expect to survive this night?" the voice hissed. "You shall all be dead by sunrise."
The blonde princess cried out as she was abruptly lifted from her feet and thrown into the wall.
"Mommy!!!" Rini cried out, rushing to the fallen woman's side.
Having seen his mate once again harmed, Vegeta felt his blood boil. He was going to make whatever demon this was pay for what it had done to his woman. "Trunks, take your mother and sister back to your room and don't come out until I tell you to."
"But dad-."
"Do as I say boy. You can fight next time"
Trunks nodded and took Rini's hand, pulling his new sister to him protectively. "Come on Rini. Dad will take care of them."
The little girl sniffled, but quickly stood and followed Bulma and Trunks.
Vegeta knelt down next to Serena and put an arm around her neck, helping her sit up. "Are you hurt?"
She grimaced in the darkness. "A little pissed, but nothings broken."
The Saiyan Prince smirked. She was a tough one all right. Helping her up, Vegeta constantly scanned the hallway, waiting for the next attack. "What do you say we find this thing and kill it?"
"I don't have my brooch."
"You don't need it Sere. You're strong enough without it. Trust me." He said.
Serena nodded with determination. "Okay. Let's get him."
"I think that's an invitation to get your worthless asses kicked!!" The freakish creature appeared before them, his long arms stretched out at his side and his hateful grin in place. Orbs of bright fire formed in his hands.
Vegeta pulled Serena behind him and easily blocked the first attack. "You'll pay for coming here tonight." He said with a cruel laugh.
The demon laughed right back and once again disappeared. "Come and find me." He sang in a disturbing off key voice.
"Shit." Vegeta closed his eyes and focused in on the evil power. He knew he could find it if he just concentrated. This thing was tricky.but Vegeta was the Prince of all Saiyans. He didn't know how to loose. "There..he's in the living room. Come on."
Serena followed her mate, almost colliding with him when he came to a sudden halt. She could feel the iniquity filling the room. It was overwhelming. "Come out and fight you goddamn coward!" she yelled.
"Right behind you Princess."
Serena turned and stared into the foreboding eyes of the demon. God, it was hideous. It was like staring into the face of death itself. "So are you actually going to fight us, or are you just going to vanish again?" she asked coolly, despite the terror consuming her.
"I shall not only fight you.I shall kill you as well." It hissed.
"Yeah. Sure you will." Vegeta said disdainfully, crossing his arms over his chest and looking for the entire world that he didn't care about the fact that there was an insanely evil demon standing before him. "Please. I've fought and killed creatures that make you look like nothing more then a fucking kitten."
The demon lashed out. Vegeta easily caught its hand and smirked. "Not so tough when you're visible, are you?"
Hissing the demon smiled its ghastly smile, sharp pointed teeth glistening dangerously. "I have a surprise for you Saiyan." A dull red glow started from where Vegeta's and the demons hand connected, growing to encompass their forearms, then slowly surrounded the Saiyan Prince.
Vegeta looked down. "So you're going to make me glow..very impressive." He said scornfully. "Really, I do think you stand a chance now. What with all." Vegeta stopped. He looked confused for a moment, and then his featured twisted in pain. He gasped, feeling as if the demon was draining the life from his body. It didn't take him long to realize that it was exactly what the creature was doing. "Shit.SHIT!" he screamed. He yanked his hand back but it wouldn't move. This was not good!
"Get the hell away from my man!" Serena screamed, planting her fist firmly in the demons face. He stumbled slightly but did not release his hold on the Saiyan. She tried again but the thing would not move. What was she supposed to do? She looked frantically from her mate to the demon then her eyes lowered to their connected hands. Maybe she could break the connection to Vegeta and replace him with herself. She took a deep breath. It was worth a try. She could not let this thing kill the man she loved. She looked up, her eyes connecting with the ebony orbs of her lover. She could feel the pain that he was in, feel the life draining from his body. His precious life. No! She would not let this happen.
She jumped forward and threw her body against Vegeta's, reaching her hand out and grabbing the creature's arm, cringing at the feeling of the dead, scaly flesh. Instantly, pain tore through her body, wrenching at her heart.
Vegeta stared at his mate, amazed at the fact that she would put her life before his. She wasn't going to die. He would make sure of that. He powered up, a golden aura surrounding his muscular form and filling the room with its bright light. He would end this now. He slipped an arm around the blond's small waist and yanked her back, sending a small blast at the demon and severing the link between it and his princess.
The Saiyan Prince, with his mate safe in his arms and quickly regaining her strength, looked up at the demon and smirked. "I should have just finished you off earlier. Say goodnight." He said. Holding one hand up in front of him Vegeta delivered a death blast that went right through the demons heart as he was disappearing. There was a hissing scream followed by a deafening explosion and it was over.
Looking down at the woman in his arms, Vegeta scowled. He couldn't believe that she had risked her own life to save his. He could have handled the situation. Well, maybe not, but that didn't change the fact that what Serena had down was incredibly stupid. Not to mention the fact that it has scared the absolute shit out of him. What would he do without her? He didn't even know. "What were you thinking woman? You could have been killed?" he said, trying to sound angry.
She turned her vibrant blue eyes on him, her full lips curving in a warm smile and his heart twisted. She was so beautiful and pure hearted. It almost hurt to look at her. Vegeta didn't deserve her. He knew that. But he would be damned if he let anyone else have her. She was his, now and forever. "Stupid female." He muttered affectionately. His eyes and hair went back to their original black.
Serena laughed softly, then quickly sobered and stared up at him with wide solemn eyes. "I know you wouldn't let me die." She whispered.
She had to say something like that, didn't she? He groaned, crushing her small body to his and let down his defenses, something he found himself doing quite often now that she was around. "No. I would not have let you die." He admitted. He stared deep into her eyes, losing himself in their soothing depth.
Footsteps sounded in the hallway and they both looked up. Bulma walked in the room, Trunks behind her with Rini clutching his hand. The older woman glanced at Vegeta suspiciously then turned, her eyes going straight to the large charred hole in the living room wall.
"DAMN IT VEGETA!! Couldn't you have taken it outside? I swear you have absolutely no resp-."
"Quit your screeching! Christ woman, you're rich. It's not going to take all of your damn money to fix the wall." Vegeta said.
Bulma sighed. "That's besides the point. The point is-."
"I know what the point is." He said, cutting her off again. "I have better things to do then stand here and listen to you chew me out for a hole."
Bulma's face reddened slightly. Feeling yet another fight coming on, Serena quickly spoke up. "Listen.guys. It's been a long night. Why don't we all just get some sleep." She turned to Vegeta. "We'll deal with this in the morning." She finished in a hard voice that brooked no argument.
The Saiyan's eyes shifted from her to Bulma then back to her. "Fine." He said.
Serena smiled and kissed his cheek. "Thank you." She turned to Bulma, her winning smile still in place. "I'm so sorry about this Bulma. I promise I'll take care of it. Whatever you want me to do, I'll do it. I'll even repaint the room." She added jokingly.
"That's not a bad idea." Bulma commented thoughtfully, all hostility towards Vegeta forgotten. "You come in to work tomorrow and we'll go shopping. Rini can come with too." She smiled down at the pink haired girl who was staring up at her half brother with hero-worship sparkling in her burgundy eyes.
"Is 9:30 alright?" Serena asked.
"Perfect. See you in the morning." Bulma said. "Come on Trunks. Back to bed."
The lavender haired boy grimaced. "Come on mom. I'm a little too old to be told what to do, don't you think?" Rini giggled at his words and Trunks smiled down at her.
"Trunks, if you want to stay up all night waiting for the next demon.ugh, forget it. Go to bed!" She demanded, pointing her finger for emphasis.
Trunks grumbled and Rini relinquished her hold on his hand, moving to stand beside her mother and father. Serena knelt down and smoothed Rini's bangs out of her eyes. "Are you ready to go back to bed?"
Rini shook her head. "Not in THAT room!" she said.
Serena sighed. She agreed with her daughter completely. After seeing that thing staring in at her with its freakish smile from outside her window, her room was the last place she wanted to be. "We don't really have anywhere else to sleep angel."
"You can stay in my room."
Serena looked up at Vegeta and smiled. "Are you sure? You don't look too happy about the idea." She said laughing at his harsh glare. He looked down at her and grinned. "I never look happy about anything woman. Get used to it."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
An hour later, Serena was laying in a massive king sized bed. Her daughter was fast asleep beside her, snoring lightly, and Vegeta was taking a shower. Serena, unlike Rini, couldn't possibly sleep. She listened to the sound of the shower, sinfully imagined the steaming water running over her lovers muscular, naked body, heard his amused chuckle echo in her mind because he knew what she was thinking about. It had been like that all day, ever since he had made love to her. She would hear his voice and ask him if he had said something, when he said no and gave her that smirk, she had demanded to know what was going on. He told her that they were bonded. "What does that mean?" she had asked. He didn't say anything, but his one thought rang clearly in her head. It meant they were destined to be together.
She heard the shower turn off and her muscles tensed in anticipation. She waited for what felt like hours and finally the bathroom door opened, casting its yellow glow into the bedroom. Vegeta ambled into the bedroom, wearing a pair of dark navy sweatpants with the cuffs cut off. They hung low on his hips. Serena smiled indulgently at the cocky picture he made.
He shut the bathroom light off, threw the towel he was using to dry his hair into a basket across the room and crawled into bed beside her. She giggled as he pulled her close and twined his legs through hers. "Hi there." She whispered softly.
"Is the brat asleep?" he asked, kissing Serena's lips softly.
Serena kissed him back, rubbing her lips against his. "As soon as her head hit the pillow."
Vegeta smirked in the darkness. How strange it felt, to have his family in one room. His mate, his child. For the first time in his life Vegeta felt content and at peace. Serena murmured something and tucked her head under his chin, her hand falling upon his chest, over his heart. "You know.you're going to have to move in here now. There is no way my mate is going to stay in a separate bedroom when she should be warming my bed."
She kissed his neck and he could hear the smile in her voice. "Of course. I knew you were going to ask that. But what about Rini?"
"There's another guest bedroom across the hall. It's close. She can have that one." He said.
Serena nodded once. "Vegeta.I."
"I know you do." He said softly, hearing her voice whisper it's sweet vow in his mind. He waited until he knew she was asleep and listened to her soft, even breathing. The soothing sound calmed his nerves and made him drowsy. He kissed her forehead, his arms tightening tenderly around her. "I love you too, Serena." He whispered then fell into the most peaceful slumber he had ever known.