I worked very hard and very long on this one and to answer any questions
about the Rini/Goten relationship I do plan on having a sequel to this
story. A Rini/Goten romance of course. Tell me what you think! And please
enjoy!
Disclaimer: I am the proud owner of absolutely nothing! None of the characters are mine but we all know I wish that they were!
Surrender Sweet Prince
Chapter 9
Something was tickling him. Well, more of a curious caress then a tickle. Vegeta squirmed in his sleep then slowly allowed his eyes to drift open. They immediately encountered golden blonde hair fanned out across his chest. Lowering his gaze to where the tickling sensation was coming from, he watched with lazy amusement as Serena's delicate fingers traced over the muscles of his abdomen. "What are you doing woman?" he asked in a near whisper.
Serena jumped and turned her loving eyes to him. "I was just admiring your muscles." She murmured, her fingers once again moving deftly over his well- defined stomach. "I've never seen so many on a man before." Her fingers paused in their quest. "Then again.I've never seen a man like this before." She laughed softly.
Vegeta's smirk was one of pure satisfaction. It made him feel good that he was the only man she had ever been with. The only man she would ever be with. He lifted his head and brushed a feather soft kiss upon her brow.
Serena sighed and shifted her weight around so that half of her body was covering his; her leg nestled between his legs. She propped herself up on one shoulder, resting her chin in the palm of her hand, and gave him a rueful grin. "So.still loving me?" she asked.
Vegeta returned her grin with his usual smirk. "Unfortunately, yes." He muttered.
Serena slapped him lightly, her blue eyes shinning with suppressed laughter. Her heart was still fluttering from his earlier confession of love. The love that was, right now, sparkling in the deep pools of his ebony eyes. "Vegeta?"
"Hmm?" His eyes had slowly drifted shut and he now looked the perfect picture of relaxed arrogance. She reached up, pressing her finger lightly against his chin. "How come you can read my mind all the time be I can't read yours? I mean.I know, well, more like I have this feeling that I'm not hearing some of your thoughts."
His hand started tracing light circles over the small of her back, dipping low to gently caress the skin just above her buttocks. "Your thoughts are incredibly loud Serena. And you think much more then I do." He said matter- of-factly.
Serena blinked once, feeling slightly let down. She had expected to learn some new ability, something complex and challenging. But the solution to her problem was so very simple. She thought too much.
Vegeta chuckled and she glanced up at him, loving how his lips curved into a natural looking smile. "You're doing it again woman." He said, his voice warm and full of hilarity. "One right on top of the other. Don't you ever stop thinking?"
Serena gave a casual lift of her shoulder and sat up crossing her legs and gazing down at her lover. "That reminds me. I WAS angry at you before you."
"Before I what?" Vegeta asked with a lazy smile. He gently ran a finger from the hollow of her knee up and over the bare skin on the inside of her thigh.
Serena's eyelids fluttered and she almost succumbed to the pleasure he was giving her. Almost. Her eyes flew open and she quickly slapped his roaming had away. "Stop that!" she cried laughingly. She hopped off the bed when he reached for her again. "Vegeta! I'm being serious!" she bit down on her lip to keep from giggling. "I was mad at you for what you did to Trunks."
He opened his mouth to speak and she simply cut him off. "I know you think he can hold his own in a fight against you, but he can't when you're as angry as you were." She went back to the bed and sat down next to him, taking his calloused hand in her own smooth one. "I think you owe him an apology Vegeta."
The Sayian Prince looked at her for a moment, dark brows drawn over his brooding eyes. For a brief second, Serena thought he was going to laugh in her face.
"You're right." He mumbled, taking her completely off guard.
"Excuse me?"
Vegeta gave her a wry smile. He watched the surprise register on her fair features. He didn't blame her for being shocked. Hell, hearing the words coming from his own mouth had taken even him by surprise. But that's the effect his little princess had on him and he was pretty sure now that she had finally pulled the confession of his love for her from him it was all down hill from there. The funny thing way, he didn't care. "I said, you're right." He repeated slowly. "Trunks didn't deserve my anger. Let's go downstairs. I'm sure Bulma has something ready for supper. When I see the boy, I'll apologize."
Serena nodded, a small motion that would have gone unnoticed had he not been watching her so closely. Standing up, he picked up his boxers from the floor and pulled them back on. He could sense Serena's eyes on him, watching his every move. When he turned to face her she quickly looked down, her cheeks brightening to a deep pink. Vegeta chuckled and reached down to grab her hand. "Come here woman."
When he pulled she came willingly, a shy smile tugging at her lips. The silken flesh of her firm breasts pressed against him as he held her close. Body already singing in pleasure from his touch, Serena tilted her head up and sighed delightfully when his lips brushed against her. She languidly brought her arms up and around his neck, savoring the spicy male taste of him on her tongue. He kissed her unhurriedly wish such care and tenderness. The bond between them was stronger now. They could both feel it. It was pure and unbreakable.
Vegeta ended the kiss and Serena laid her head on his strong shoulder. She presses small kisses against his throat. "I love you Vegeta."
"I love you too Sere." He murmured. "Now hurry up and get dressed!" He released his hold on her and playfully smacked her bottom. "I'm starving!"
Serena laughed and went to collect her clothes. She slid her thong on and reached for her now slightly wrinkled skirt.
"Are you going to wear that to supper?" Vegeta asked, buttoning up a dark blue pair of loose fitting jeans.
"Yes." Serena said at length. "Why?"
He gave her one of his charming smirks that never failed to make her heart quiver. "If you don't want to get attacked while you're eating, I suggest you find something else to wear."
She threw him a lop-sided smile. "Like what? I don't have any clothes here yet."
"We'll take care of that tonight. Here." He tossed her a pair of navy pajama pants and a gray Capsule Corp. t-shirt.
Serena slipped into the pants and tied the drawstring to keep them from falling over her hips. The pants were too long and the fabric pooled over her feet but they were comfortable. "Like this wont be a complete give away of what we've been doing for the past few hours." Serena grumbled while pulling Vegeta's shirt over her head.
"Do you care?" Vegeta asked with a lift of an eyebrow and a sinfully handsome grin.
Serena smiled at him, fully appreciating the way his upper body looked in a tight black muscle shirt. "No, I don't." she replied proudly.
Vegeta walked up to her and slid his arm around her waist, pulling her in the direction of the door. They entered the kitchen with their arms still around each other.
"Daddy!"
The dark haired Prince looked down, surprised to see his daughters striking, crimson eyes narrowed to a hostile glare that seemed to be directed right at him. Her hands came up and perched themselves on her hips. She looked so much like her mother right now. He'd seen Serena like this many times when she was good and pissed.
"Why did you hurt Trunks?" the girl demanded, eyes flashing.
Vegeta sighed and looked at Serena who merely shrugged and moved away from him to sit across from Trunks at the kitchen table. Christ, he was completely alone on this one. In a way, it was more terrifying then facing off with Buu. "Come here princess." He said, pulling up a chair between Trunks and Serena.
Rini blinked once then scrambled up into his lap. Once she was settled she looked up at him with wide-eyed expectancy.
"Sometimes Rini, people get mad. So mad that they don't think about what they're doing and usually end up hurting those they love." His dark eyes rose to meet Serena's across the table and she gave him an encouraging smile. "You see.your mom made me mad and it wasn't her fault. I took my anger out on Trunks without thinking."
Rini frowned. "That's not very nice dad." She scolded.
Vegeta nodded in agreement. "No, it's not. It's very wrong." This time he turned to Trunks and placed a strong hand on the young boys shoulder. "I'm sorry Trunks."
Stunned, Trunks' eyes went wide as he stared from Vegeta's hand then slowly raised his eyes to his face. "It's okay dad." He said, a small smile pulling at the corners of his mouth.
Trying to ignore how uncomfortable this new fatherly roll was to him, Vegeta looked down at Rini. There, sitting in his lap, was the prize for his great effort. Rini gazed up at him, adoration and respect shinning in her large eyes. Little minx had his heart just about as bad as her mother did. "Better?" he asked, his voice a soft rumble.
Rini nodded, pink cotton-candy locks bouncing. "Much better."
He tugged lightly at the end of one of her pigtails. "Good. Now go eat and you can train with me and your brother when you're all done."
Rini gave a whoop of excitement and jumped off, quickly taking the chair across the table from him. Vegeta chuckled, looking up to see Bulma standing next to Rini, her mouth gaping open. "Didn't know I could do that, did you?" he asked with a smirk.
Mouth still hanging open, Bulma shook her head slowly back and forth. "I.had no idea." She snapped her mouth shut and cast a sly glance at Serena. "Wonder where the influence came from?" She quickly dished out the food and joined the feeding frenzy at the table. The food disappeared quickly and Serena rose to help Bulma clear the dishes as Vegeta, Trunks, and Rini headed outside to spar.
"So I'm guessing the outfit worked?" Bulma asked, rinsing off dishes and stacking them.
Serena nodded, trying to keep the telltale blush from her cheeks. "Like a charm." Part of her still couldn't believe that he had finally told her how he felt. Serena smiled inwardly. Her patients had paid off greatly and she now had the love she had always dreamed of from a man who was incredibly handsome and as passionate as he was strong. Life, for the moment, was perfect.
Bulma watched Serena and chuckled softly. The girl obviously had it bad. She had been washing the same plate for several minutes now, her love- glazed eyes staring at nothing in particular. Regretfully, the older woman raised her hand and snapped her fingers in front of the blonde's pert little nose. Serena blinked once and her cerulean eyes focused ever so slowly.
"I think it's clean." Bulma commented.
Serena looked down and red flared into her cheeks. She quickly handed the dish to Bulma.
Laughing, Bulma took it and stacked it with the others. "So, I suppose you would rather go train with your mate rather then help me with a little redecorating, huh?" She playfully ribbed.
Serena shook her head. "I just spent the last two hours with him." She said with a smirk. "Besides, I think a little bonding with Rini and Trunks would be good for him. What do you need help with?"
"Well, I picked up a few things today for Rini. Things we could use to redecorate that room across the hall from Vegeta's for her. Do you think she would like that?"
"She would love it." Serena replied smiling. "Thank you so much Bulma."
"Hey, don't mention it. You two are practically family."
Putting away the remaining dishes, Serena and Bulma went to change and met up in Rini's soon-to-be room. Serena was in the process of snapping the strap to a worn pair of overalls when she walked into the room and promptly tripped over a sealed paint can. She quickly righted herself and frowned. "Thought I was over my klutziness." She grumbled.
With hilarity sparkling in her eyes, Bulma looked up at Serena from where she sat on the floor surrounded by five paint cans. "Well, that was very graceful Princess."
"Oh hush." Serena quipped. She sat down next to Bulma and picked up a brush, stroking the soft bristles against the palm of her hand. "So what colors did you get?"
Using a screwdriver, Bulma pried off the lids to reveal colors of soft burgundy and cream. When that was finished she grabbed a bag from behind her and showed Serena the contents. There was a soft comforter with deep green and burgundy stripes, matching pillowcases and cream-colored sheets. "Oh." Serena breathed adoringly. "This is perfect!"
"I thought you would like it." Bulma said, beaming. "Now, let's get to work."
They worked well into the early evening, fully expecting Vegeta, Trunks and Rini to fend for themselves at suppertime. All of the furniture was pulled out into the hallway and the carpet covered with old sheets and newspapers. They repainted the ceiling and windowsills in cream and the walls in burgundy. When the painting was done and mostly dry they brought in the new furniture, two evergreen and burgundy beanbags, a large oak dresser with a mirror and a full size bed with a decorative oak frame and headboard. Throwing the last of the pillows carelessly into place, Serena flopped down on the bed with an exhausted sigh. Bulma did the same, wiping her baseball cap off her head and tossing it across the room. "What time is it?"
"9:40." Serena answered after checking her wristwatch. "Rini should have been up hours ago."
Bulma glanced up at the door and grinned. "Speak of the little devil."
Rini stood in the doorway looking thoroughly beaten, but smiling none-the- less. "Is this mine?" she asked cheerfully.
Serena sat up, rubbing the small ache in her lower back. "Sure is angel. Do you like it?"
"I love it!" the pink haired sprite cried, jumping onto the bed. She embraced Bulma then turned and threw her arms around Serena.
The blonde laughed at her daughter's exuberance. "Where have you been anyway?" she asked.
Rini fell back against the mountain of pillows. "Training and helping Trunks and Dad move all of your things into Dad's room."
Bulma's eyebrows shot up. "Wow. That's impressive! The Sayian Prince has been broken."
Smoothing away non-existent wrinkles out of the bedspread, Serena ducked her head. "Not completely. He'll always be arrogant and stubborn. There's nothing I can do about that." She laughed softly. "But at least he knows how to love now."
"Are you serious?" Bulma yelled, sitting up quickly. "He told you he loved you?"
Serena nodded with a shy smile, remembering how her mate had finally crumbled and admitted the truth he had tried to hide. "He was pretty upset about it.but it was still very sweet."
The blue haired woman smiled at her young friend, truly happy that she had been the one to crack Vegeta's cool exterior. She could tell that Serena's love for him ran tremendously deep. Yawning, she stood and collected her cap from the floor. "Well, it sounds like you have an interesting night ahead of you. I'm going to get to bed. I'll see you in the morning Serena."
Serena nodded and said goodnight, watching as Bulma disappeared into the hallway. Feeling her own eyes start to droop, she turned to her daughter with a tired smile. "Those two didn't hurt you, did they?"
"Nope. It was really fun. Dad let me beat up Trunks." Rini said, curling onto her side and clutching one of the deep green pillows against her chest. "Serena.when are the Scouts coming?"
Serena sighed. This was one subject she defiantly wanted to put off but she knew that she couldn't. Not for long. It was odd, but she actually dreaded seeing the Inner Senshi again. How was she supposed to deal with them? Granted, they may be very angry with her for leaving them with no explanation but they had gone against Neptune, Pluto and Uranus and such things could not be forgiven easily. Plus, Serena was an entirely different person now. She was stronger, stronger then all of her Senshi put together thank, in large part, to Vegeta's harsh training sessions. She was finally the ruler she was born to be graceful, confident, and determined. Would they even recognize her?
"I don't know Rini." She murmured.
Rini reached over and took Serena's hand. The understanding in her crimson eyes was a balm to all of her hidden wounds the Inners had ripped open with their sharp tongues and careless comments about each and every one of her faults. They were healing slowly but with the help of Rini, her new friends, and her loving Prince, they would seen be closed for good.
Serena smiled and brushed her lips over Rini's fingers where they entwined through her own. "We'll worry about that when the time comes. You should get some sleep. I think Bulma wants to get together with the Son family tomorrow and you don't want to look tired when you see your boyfriend." She teased lightly.
Rini tossed the pillow she was holding at Serena. "Goten is not my boyfriend!" she exclaimed with a laugh.
Serena giggled, thankful for the change of subject. "Suuure he's not." Jumping off the bed before Rini could carry out another attack, Serena started toward the door. As much as she loved spending time alone with her daughter, her mate was waiting for her. "Alright angel, get some sleep. I'll see you in the morning."
Rini nodded and Serena left the room, closing the door softly behind her. As she made her way across the hall, pausing to rest her hand on the doorknob to Vegeta's room.to her room, a pleasantly anxious feeling curled in the depths of her stomach, moving slowly through her being. Now this.this was what love felt like. Not some stupid crush on a teenage boy or that ridiculous excuse for a relationship between her and Darien. But this wonderful thrill of excitement, the butterflies, the knowledge that she belonged to someone in body and in soul. Serena pushed the door open and her full lips curved into an appreciative smile.
Vegeta was sitting on the bed, leaning up against the headboard. His upper body was bare. His legs, incased in a pair of loose fitting blue jeans were stretched out and casually crossed at the ankles.
Serena bit back a startled laugh when she finally managed to draw her gaze away from his muscular chest and realize what his concentration was focused on. Forgotten from a previous slumber party, Vegeta had managed to find one of her favorite romance novels and was reading it, his brows drawn over his beautiful ebony eyes.
Her anxiousness was quickly forgotten, replaced by a sudden urge to find a camera and capture this rare moment. She shook her head and crossed the floor, collapsing face first on the bed beside Vegeta.
"You're getting paint on everything woman." He grumbled light-heartedly. His deep voice sent heady emotions washing over her.
"It's dry." She said her voice muffled by the pillow she had buried her face in. Turning her head, she looked up at her lover. He, in turn, regarded her with a loving smirk.
"Explain to me why women read these things." He waved the novel in front of her nose and she snatched it away, tossing it to the foot of the bed. "Is this what you want? Some weak but brilliant man who could never protect you?"
Serena shook her head. "I think I'll stick with the arrogant, strong, passionate warrior I have now."
Vegeta's usually hard eyes were soft with emotion as he stared down at her. "I still say I don't deserve you." He said, brushing a rough thumb over her cheekbone.
Serena turned over. Tentatively, she raised a hand and brushed it through his thick hair. Her hand stilled on the back of his neck and she pulled his head down. She stopped once their faces were a breath apart and unable to stop herself, smiled wickedly and said. "Yeah.I guess you got lucky."
Vegeta's laugh came out as more of a snort. "Speaking of getting lucky." He lifted one brow and Serena giggled. His lips came down on hers, hot, needy. She was already opening for him, her mouth and legs embracing him. Long hours later when moon had made it's decent, the two lovers fell into an exhausted slumber, slick limbs entwined and words of love on their lips.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sounds of splashing water and the insistent cry of the gulls flying overhead filled Serena's ears as she lay on a long lawn chair basking in the afternoon sun, letting it's warm rays wash over her and dry the clinging droplets of ocean water from her body. Bulma had drug them all to the Son's house where Goku had immediately used his instant transmission technique and brought them to Master Roshi's island home. From there, the only plans for the day were to enjoy the sun and relax which was exactly what everyone was doing.
Serena could here her daughters light laughter mix with that of Trunks and Goten as they splashed around in the tepid waters. Adjusting her sunglasses, she rolled onto her stomach and crossed her arms, resting her chin on her entwined fingers. Her eyes sought out Vegeta almost hungrily. When they found him she sighed softly. The man defiantly looked hot in nothing but the shorts he was wearing. Earlier that morning before they had left the Capsule Corp. building, Serena had folded up a navy bandana length- wise and tied it around his head, jokingly saying that it made him look "macho." He hadn't taken it off since.
Goku was standing next to him wearing the same bright orange swim shorts he had worn when they had taken Gohan and Videl up on a game of chicken. The two Sayian's were watching the steaks and hamburgers on the grill while talking amicably. It made Serena's heart sing to see Vegeta finally open up to his friends. Usually he would be all scowls when it came to talking to Goku or anyone else for that matter, but now he regarded his dark haired friend with a simple yet charmingly adorable grin.
~You better stop that. They're going to start to think that you're actually having fun.~ Serena joked in her mind.
Vegeta's head slowly turned in her direction and his charming grin turned downright sexy.
~Maybe I am having fun woman. And I blame you for it completely.~
Serena chuckled and closed her eyes, blocking out the glare of the sun. Just when she was starting to fully relax, each muscle gradually loosening, a jolt of cold trepidation went through her. Her head snapped up. Slowly, so as not to disturb everyone else having fun, she sat up and pushed her shades up onto her head. Her cobalt eyes scanned the horizon. Something was out there. Abnormally dark, swirling clouds gathered in the distance and skittered across the sky. An uneasy feeling gathered in the pit of her stomach.
Vegeta felt it a second later, the sentence he was in the middle of saying to Goku drifting off into nothingness. He turned quickly, feeling his loves tension like a massive weight upon his shoulders.
"What's up Vegeta?" Goku asked, taking a step forward.
Vegeta held up a hand and tried to concentrate on the enormous power heading for them. Something about those clouds.
"Serena." He called out to his mate. Her head whipped around, her wide eyes focusing on him. "Get the brats out of the water now." He said in a calm tone.
She nodded and ran to the waters edge. Vegeta watched her as she called the children in, then he brought his gaze to those damn clouds. They had taken up most the sky, swallowing the sun in its vibrant white-hot glory. "Do you feel that Kakarott?" he asked.
Goku nodded grimly. "Yeah. There are two?"
Vegeta nodded his agreement. Two powerful beings were heading for them. Their ki's felt familiar, like the one of that long legged freak he had sent to another dimension the other night. He should have known there would be more. "Let's get everyone inside before they get here."
They moved fast, not explaining anything to the numerous questions that were asked. Those who felt it knew, and those who couldn't feel it.they didn't need to know.
"Mom. What's going on?" Rini asked while Serena was pushing her into the house.
"Nothing hun. You just stay here and behave until I come and get you, okay?" She shut the door on her daughter's protests and rushed out to join the others where they stood on the beach, watching the ominous clouds collecting overhead.
"Anyone know what we're dealing with here?" Piccolo asked, his stony features set in a deep frown. Krillin and 18 stood beside him, Gohan and Videl behind. There was a mixture of emotions gathering around them like a thick fog, excitement for a fight, wariness, and a tiny thread of fear.
"I know." Serena said in a small whisper, already feeling her heart grow cold with fright. Violent blood red lightning skittered across the blackening sky. "It's him.He's come to take Rini." She clutched at Vegeta's arm, gazing up at him with cold hard eyes. "We can't let him take her."
Vegeta suppressed the growl that was forming in his throat. "No one is laying a hand on you or Rini." He vowed.
Deep humorless laughter resonated around them and the Z fighters automatically dropped down into fighting stances. Vegeta, Goku, Gohan, Trunks and Goten quickly powered up to Super Sayian's. Serena eyes traveled over all of them, landing on 18. She looked much how Serena felt. Like she wanted to run in the house and protect her daughter. Serena could feel the tension radiating from the Android alone and her heart cried out to her. 18's eyes clashed with hers and the striking white-blonde woman smiled at Serena as if to tell her she would be okay. Serena nodded and turned her attention back to the skies.
The wind died down to nothing and silence enveloped them. The gulls had long disappeared and the ocean stood still, reflecting the angry clouds above. It was like the first few minutes before a tornado. Deathly silent with a promise of destruction to come.
Serena cringed, feeling her heart sink as the cruel, sinister laughter grated on her nerves. She had been preparing for this moment and yet.felt far from ready for it.
Something in the dense air shifted. The clouds slowly parted, forming a circular opening from which came a woman dressed in a deep green dress with a slit all the way up the ankle length skirt. She floated above them, full lips painted deep red curved into a malicious smile. "Ahh.Sailor Moon." She all but purred, tossing full brunette hair over a bared shoulder. "We meet at last." Her sparkling emerald eyes moved to Vegeta and her grin widened. "And the lover. How touching that you stand together thinking that your bond will save you. Tell me Prince.what would you say if I were to tell you that by the end of this day that bond.and your mate.shall be no more?
The Sayian's fierce blue eyes grew hard and he crossed his arms over his chest. "I would laugh and call you a worthless whore." He said with a chilling smirk.
It was a lie. Serena knew it for she had heard the truth in his thoughts and what she heard made her blood run cold.
~I would kill you. I would make you suffer.~
She could feel him struggling to stay calm. On the outside he looked controlled, standing rigidly as he faced his opponent. But on the inside his rage was consuming him. Serena reached out to him with her mind, trying to soothe his anger.
~I love you Vegeta. Nothing can or ever will break the bond that we share.~
Some of the tension left his body. ~I know.but I can't stand the thought of loosing you brat.~
The brunette above them was livid. Vegeta's words had struck a nerve. Lips forming a small maou of anger, she lowered herself until her stiletto heals touched the surface of the still ocean and sent perfect ringlets ripples moving slowly away from her. Those two were communicating somehow. She could sense it and she did not like it one bit. "Time for a rude awakening kids." She growled, lifting her hand and snapping her fingers together loudly.
A sudden scream pierced the deathly still air and chaos broke loose inside Master Roshi's home. Serena paled and spun around, watching in horror as hunchbacked creatures with bug eyes and tattered clothing that hung from their grotesquely sparse frames forced Rini and Marron outside. Crystalline tears streamed down Marron's face as she screamed repeatedly for her mommy. 18 made a frantic move forward.
"Do that and they die." The woman above them declared in a voice ringing with authority.
Serena reached out and stopped her. "If we try to get to them, they'll be hurt." She whispered. 18 stared at Serena for a long time then finally gave in, the pain in her ice blue eyes telling Serena it was the last thing she wanted to do. Serena understood completely, but she also had a plan. Her mind jumped into action.
~Vegeta~ She waited patiently for him to respond before continuing.
~Yeah~ Came the strained response.
~Can you talk to Goku like this? The way we do?~
~Sometimes~ He turned his head to give her a questioning look.
~And can he move fairly fast?~
~Yes~
~Good~ She took a deep breath, keeping her intent gaze locked on her daughter. ~I need you to tell Goku to use his Instant Transmission technique to save Rini and Marron. Have him teleport to the girls and..and break those creatures goddamn necks!~ The last part came out an enraged hiss as Serena's hatred for the creature manhandling her daughter grew.
Vegeta nodded and concentrated on Goku's ki. ~Kakarott.~
Goku's head rose slightly. ~Vegeta? Hey! Freaky little things, aren't they?~
~Serena wants you to break their necks. She said to use instant transmission to get to the girls.~
~Sure. They wouldn't be worth fighting anyway. Too weak. I bet Puar could take 'em!~
~KAKAROTT!~
~Oh yea. Sorry. I'll be right back.~
With everyone's attention focused on the two squirming girls and the creatures that held them, no one even noticed when Goku disappeared. Serena and Vegeta were the only two who knew what was going to happen. They waited, each holding their breath.
It took only a few seconds. There was a blur of movement followed by the audible snapping of brittle bones and the task was complete. The sickening creatures slumped to the ground and the girls ran to their parents. Serena scooped Rini up into her arms and forced back the frightened tears that had threatened to spill.
"Sailor Moon!"
Kissing Rini's temple, she put her daughter down. "Stay behind me, okay angel?"
Rini gave her a solemn nod and Serena turned, glaring up at the woman who had threatened her daughter's life.
"I'm not finished with you yet!" the woman shrieked.
Serena watched the energy gather in the woman's hands, watched as she formed it into a sphere, felt the small amount of ki in the attack and was more then ready for it when it came.
"Take that!"
The sphere came hurtling at her. Serena raised her hands in front of her, pushing a foot back to balance herself. She easily caught the ki blast and smiled, quite impressed with herself. Now.to make sure the bitch paid. Serena formed a ki blast of her own, far more powerful then that of the other woman, and released it into the one she was holding. The ki blast shot from her hands, cutting a blazing path beneath the turbulent skies.
Katroina's eyes widened in disbelief as her own attack came back for her. "NOOOO!!!"
Lifting from the ground, Serena flew after the blast.
Katroina was stunned, her entire body aching from the fresh wounds inflicted by the ki blast. All she could do was watch helplessly as the Moon Princess came at her, fist drawn back, dark blue eyes burning with outrage.
Serena slammed her fist into the other woman's face, letting her anger power her. Katroina groaned as pain shot through her sapped body. What a mistake she had made in underestimating this girl. But she still had one trick up her sleeve and then.then Prince Darien would save her. A whispered command passed her swollen, blood caked lips right before Serena delivered a blow that rendered her unconscious.
Vegeta smirked as the limp body of the strange woman landed in front of him. He gazed proudly up at his mate. "Well done. I'm impressed Serena."
The blond landed softly on the sand, her unsympathetic gaze still focused on the woman. "No one messes with my family." She murmured. Ready to forget this woman and the mar she had put in their perfect day, she stepped over the unconscious body and started walking to Vegeta when she heard an odd sucking sound. Serena came to a stop.
"Sere." Vegeta warned, already feeling the several power levels that surrounded them. They weren't large by any means but there were so many of them.
"Rini? Could you take Marron back inside please?" 18 asked.
"Sure." Rini moved away from her parents and went over to Marron. Suddenly, something shot out of the water, tackling the girl to the ground.
"Rini!" Serena cried, jumping to help her daughter. But Goten got to her first, throwing the slimy swamp creature off of Rini. He pulled her behind him and quickly released a ki blast that destroyed the creature.
"Are you okay?" Goten asked Rini, worry etched deeply in his young features.
The pink haired girl stared at him in awe. "You.saved me." She whispered. Goten blushed and scuffed his foot in the sand. "Yeah.I guess I did."
"That's enough kids." Goku shouted, noticing the alarming amount of swamp creatures surfacing from the water. "Goten, get the girls inside now."
Goten quickly did as he was told. Once they were inside the Z Fighters and Serena turned their attention to the growing population of swamp things.
"This should be fun!" Goku said with a smirk.
Vegeta chuckled. "Too bad it's not a challenge. I really could have used a decent fight."
"How long do you think this will take?" Krillin asked. He gave 18 a suggestive glance. "I kind of had.plans tonight, if you know what I mean."
Serena sighed wearily. "So much for getting a tan.
"No kidding." Videl quickly agreed.
Serena smiled, but it was a forced smile. He was here. Darien was there somewhere. She could feel his dark energy. Why wasn't he showing himself? She shrugged. Oh well, if he was too much of a coward to come forward she wouldn't waste her time worrying about him. Dropping down into a fighting stance, wisps of hair brushing her cheeks she faced the large army of intruders. "Okay. Let's finish these guys off quickly so we can eat. I'm starving."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Not far from the island six figures watched, their bodies tense.
"Is that her?? That can't be her!" One of them murmured in disbelief.
A tall woman with short sandy blonde hair made a sound of disgust. "Of course it's her. What's the matter Jupiter.didn't think she could amount to anything?"
Jupiter glared at Uranus. "I never said that. I'm just.shocked." She turned to the Inners, two of the only other people on her side against the Outer Senshi. "Should we help her?"
"She doesn't need your help!" Neptune said, her usually calm voice laced with contempt. "Can't you see how she's grown? Look at her Uranus. Our little Princess has grown up. She's so powerful. Can you feel it?"
Uranus nodded, a fond smile pulling at her stubborn lips. "Yes. She has come a long way. I'm very proud of her. But." he eyes narrowed again into a murderous glare. "The last thing she needs is help from you three. What would you do? Go over there and criticize her? Cut her down for everything she did in the past? Let her handle it. She looks like she's doing just fine to me."
The Inners gaped at Uranus, afraid yet outraged at how she spoke to them. Serena was their princess and friend as well and the Outer Senshi was making it sound as if they were traitors.
Jupiter growled low in her throat but stayed where she was, watching her Princess fight with flawless grace. She couldn't believe it! There was Serena, clumsy, loud, never on time Serena. She was a completely different person now. It made her sad, but there was nothing she could do now except watch.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Serena wiped sweat from her brow as the last of the hundreds of creatures fell. It was over. Arms came around her and the deep breathing of her mate sounded in her ears. She leaned back, not tired but wanting the feel of him against her. "Fun, huh?" she asked, tilting her head up for a kiss.
Vegeta gave her an indulgent smile and brushed his lips across hers. "If you ask me, it was over way too quick." He muttered.
Serena laughed. She should have figured he would say something like that. Turning in his arms she nuzzled his neck. The others were already heading in, leaving her and Vegeta alone on the white, sandy beach. "We should go see if Rini is okay."
Vegeta nodded. He didn't want to say it, but he was worried about his daughter. It amazed him and shocked him at the same time. He had never worried about anyone until Serena and Rini had come into his life. Now it seamed like he was worrying all the time. Reaching down, he took Serena's hand in his and turned to the house. "What about her?" he asked, tilting his head in the direction of the brunette woman who still lay unconscious on the ground.
Serena gave the body a disdainful look and jerked her head away from the sight, urging Vegeta to walk with her. "She's not going anywhere."
"Now you see, that's where you're wrong Serena." A voice called out from behind them.
She didn't want to turn around, god how she didn't want to. That voice was one she had never wanted to hear again. It turned her insides cold and made her feel sick and filthy at the same time. "What are you doing here Darien?" she said through clenched teeth, still refusing to turn and face her ex.
Vegeta however, wasted no time. He sized the other man up and smirked, finding him lacking. He was obviously no match for Vegeta and the only thing this Darien guy had on him was height, which meant nothing to the Sayian Prince. "Who the hell are you?"
"Prince Darien." The man said, making a sweeping bow. "And I have come to collect my daughter. I see Katroina has failed me. Oh well," he shrugged indifferently and raised a gloved hand with one finger pointing at the unconscious woman.
As if sensing he was there, Katroina stirred. Her eyelids fluttered and she looked up at Darien, adoration showing in her hazy green eyes. "Dar.Darien? I knew you would come for me.I just knew."
"Shut your mouth bitch." Darien barked. "You have failed me and now I must make sure that you never do again."
Katroina's eyes widened. "But Darien.I."
A beam of deadly energy silenced her, cutting through her body and ending her life. Her guttural scream echoed around them in the still air.
Serena finally faced Darien, her cerulean eyes flashing with anger. "Have you no mercy?" she cried.
Darien tsked. "Now Serena, you know better then to believe in such things. I'm almost sure I remember breaking you out of your childish daydreaming years ago." He chided her. "Now hand over Rini or I will give you the same fate as Katroina." He raised his hand, a long finger directed at Serena.
"WORLD SHAKEN!!"
"Christ." Vegeta swore, grabbing Serena and pulling her back as Darien flew by them and smashed into the side of the house. "What the fuck is going on? And what did that bastard mean about breaking you Serena?" He hauled her around to face him; black eyes staring into startled blue ones.
Serena's thought raced though her head. The scouts were here.Vegeta was asking her questions.god, what was she going to do? "The Scouts.they're here." She whispered. She turned her eyes to the sky, searching for the Senshi, feeling their Ki signatures nearby.
"I don't give a shit about the scouts Sere. What the hell did that guy do to you?" Vegeta demanded, his temper quickly flaring out of control.
His mate's head hung and when she spoke he could barley hear her. "He.he tried to." Her thoughts started coming faster, flashing in his mind until he had an all too vivid picture of what Darien had tried to do to her.
Once Serena realized that Vegeta knew her gaze flew up to his, terrified by the way the chilling orbs burned with hatred. "Vegeta.he didn't though. He just tried to. I was able to stop him before he."
"Rape is rape, Serena, no matter how far it gets." He growled. When he released her, she knew what he was going to do and she didn't try to stop him. Darien deserved what he got. She stood and watched in sick fascination as Vegeta pulled Darien up and slammed his fist into the other mans face.
"Serena." a soft voice murmured behind her. The blond turned to find Uranus and Neptune behind her, their mouths turned up in gentle smiles.
"Uranus! Neptune!" She cried, throwing herself into their waiting arms. She clung to her friends, fighting back her joyous tears. "I'm so glad to see you guys!" She pulled away from them.
"Oh look at you Princess. You have matured so much." Neptune said, brushing her fingers through Serena's hair.
Uranus looked over to where a short man, slightly taller then Serena was beating the hell out of Darien. "Who's that guy?" she asked suspiciously.
Serena looked over in the direction that Uranus was looking and a worried frown pulled at her lips. "That is my mate Vegeta." She ignored their startled gasps and pulled free from their embrace. "I'm sorry to leave you like this but he's very angry right now. He might kill Darien." With that she left them, quickly running to where Vegeta was standing over the bruised and bloody Darien.
"She'll come.you.you wait and see." Darien was muttering. "She'll come and then you will all pay."
"Shut up fool!" Vegeta demanded, kicking Darien hard in the chin and sending him flying backwards.
Darien lay motionless and for a moment Serena thought he was dead. She saw Vegeta hold up his hand, the same way he had when he'd destroyed the serpentine creature in the living room. "Vegeta.please." She called out to him, lifting a hand vainly.
The Sayian's hand wavered and then dropped back to his side, but his furious gaze remained fixed on Darien, waiting.
The evil Prince's body twitched. Darien pushed himself up to his knees and glared up at Vegeta, blood running over his chin. "You would spare my life for HER?? WHY?" he screamed, his dark blue eyes wild. "She's nothing more then a slut! Do you hear me Serena.you're a goddamn slut!! You're worthless!! You'll never be anything more then a whiney, bitchy little tramp!!"
The next second stretched out like an hour for Serena. The words Darien spoke cut her deeply but they enraged the Sayian Prince. She saw his hand lift ever so slowly, saw the moment Darien realized that death was coming for him and then saw the ki blast leave Vegeta's hand and travel in slow motion, closing the distance between Vegeta and Darien. Light exploded around her and she swore she could hear an agonized scream. When the dust cleared there was nothing left of Darien. Vegeta dropped his hand and his hair went back to its original black color. He turned to Serena. "I had to."
She nodded and ran into his arms, clinging to him. "I know.I know." She whispered. "I love you Vegeta."
He laughed exhaustedly. "I love you too woman." He murmured.
By now everyone was back outside and the foreboding clouds were quickly dissipating, allowing the bright sun to shine through. The Sailor Senshi stood nervously on the beach, watching Serena hug a man they didn't know. Curious eyes of several strangers were focused on them. The only three who seamed unaffected by them were Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. Finally, Serena left the man and walked up to her Senshi, fluid grace in her step and her chin tilted regally. The Inners felt trepidation well up inside of them as their Princess approached. She graced the Outers with a smile, but when she turned to her Inner Senshi, the girls who had been her friends through high school, her demeanor was cold and impersonal. She regarded them each slowly. "We," she started, dragging out the single syllable, "need to have a very.very long talk."
Disclaimer: I am the proud owner of absolutely nothing! None of the characters are mine but we all know I wish that they were!
Surrender Sweet Prince
Chapter 9
Something was tickling him. Well, more of a curious caress then a tickle. Vegeta squirmed in his sleep then slowly allowed his eyes to drift open. They immediately encountered golden blonde hair fanned out across his chest. Lowering his gaze to where the tickling sensation was coming from, he watched with lazy amusement as Serena's delicate fingers traced over the muscles of his abdomen. "What are you doing woman?" he asked in a near whisper.
Serena jumped and turned her loving eyes to him. "I was just admiring your muscles." She murmured, her fingers once again moving deftly over his well- defined stomach. "I've never seen so many on a man before." Her fingers paused in their quest. "Then again.I've never seen a man like this before." She laughed softly.
Vegeta's smirk was one of pure satisfaction. It made him feel good that he was the only man she had ever been with. The only man she would ever be with. He lifted his head and brushed a feather soft kiss upon her brow.
Serena sighed and shifted her weight around so that half of her body was covering his; her leg nestled between his legs. She propped herself up on one shoulder, resting her chin in the palm of her hand, and gave him a rueful grin. "So.still loving me?" she asked.
Vegeta returned her grin with his usual smirk. "Unfortunately, yes." He muttered.
Serena slapped him lightly, her blue eyes shinning with suppressed laughter. Her heart was still fluttering from his earlier confession of love. The love that was, right now, sparkling in the deep pools of his ebony eyes. "Vegeta?"
"Hmm?" His eyes had slowly drifted shut and he now looked the perfect picture of relaxed arrogance. She reached up, pressing her finger lightly against his chin. "How come you can read my mind all the time be I can't read yours? I mean.I know, well, more like I have this feeling that I'm not hearing some of your thoughts."
His hand started tracing light circles over the small of her back, dipping low to gently caress the skin just above her buttocks. "Your thoughts are incredibly loud Serena. And you think much more then I do." He said matter- of-factly.
Serena blinked once, feeling slightly let down. She had expected to learn some new ability, something complex and challenging. But the solution to her problem was so very simple. She thought too much.
Vegeta chuckled and she glanced up at him, loving how his lips curved into a natural looking smile. "You're doing it again woman." He said, his voice warm and full of hilarity. "One right on top of the other. Don't you ever stop thinking?"
Serena gave a casual lift of her shoulder and sat up crossing her legs and gazing down at her lover. "That reminds me. I WAS angry at you before you."
"Before I what?" Vegeta asked with a lazy smile. He gently ran a finger from the hollow of her knee up and over the bare skin on the inside of her thigh.
Serena's eyelids fluttered and she almost succumbed to the pleasure he was giving her. Almost. Her eyes flew open and she quickly slapped his roaming had away. "Stop that!" she cried laughingly. She hopped off the bed when he reached for her again. "Vegeta! I'm being serious!" she bit down on her lip to keep from giggling. "I was mad at you for what you did to Trunks."
He opened his mouth to speak and she simply cut him off. "I know you think he can hold his own in a fight against you, but he can't when you're as angry as you were." She went back to the bed and sat down next to him, taking his calloused hand in her own smooth one. "I think you owe him an apology Vegeta."
The Sayian Prince looked at her for a moment, dark brows drawn over his brooding eyes. For a brief second, Serena thought he was going to laugh in her face.
"You're right." He mumbled, taking her completely off guard.
"Excuse me?"
Vegeta gave her a wry smile. He watched the surprise register on her fair features. He didn't blame her for being shocked. Hell, hearing the words coming from his own mouth had taken even him by surprise. But that's the effect his little princess had on him and he was pretty sure now that she had finally pulled the confession of his love for her from him it was all down hill from there. The funny thing way, he didn't care. "I said, you're right." He repeated slowly. "Trunks didn't deserve my anger. Let's go downstairs. I'm sure Bulma has something ready for supper. When I see the boy, I'll apologize."
Serena nodded, a small motion that would have gone unnoticed had he not been watching her so closely. Standing up, he picked up his boxers from the floor and pulled them back on. He could sense Serena's eyes on him, watching his every move. When he turned to face her she quickly looked down, her cheeks brightening to a deep pink. Vegeta chuckled and reached down to grab her hand. "Come here woman."
When he pulled she came willingly, a shy smile tugging at her lips. The silken flesh of her firm breasts pressed against him as he held her close. Body already singing in pleasure from his touch, Serena tilted her head up and sighed delightfully when his lips brushed against her. She languidly brought her arms up and around his neck, savoring the spicy male taste of him on her tongue. He kissed her unhurriedly wish such care and tenderness. The bond between them was stronger now. They could both feel it. It was pure and unbreakable.
Vegeta ended the kiss and Serena laid her head on his strong shoulder. She presses small kisses against his throat. "I love you Vegeta."
"I love you too Sere." He murmured. "Now hurry up and get dressed!" He released his hold on her and playfully smacked her bottom. "I'm starving!"
Serena laughed and went to collect her clothes. She slid her thong on and reached for her now slightly wrinkled skirt.
"Are you going to wear that to supper?" Vegeta asked, buttoning up a dark blue pair of loose fitting jeans.
"Yes." Serena said at length. "Why?"
He gave her one of his charming smirks that never failed to make her heart quiver. "If you don't want to get attacked while you're eating, I suggest you find something else to wear."
She threw him a lop-sided smile. "Like what? I don't have any clothes here yet."
"We'll take care of that tonight. Here." He tossed her a pair of navy pajama pants and a gray Capsule Corp. t-shirt.
Serena slipped into the pants and tied the drawstring to keep them from falling over her hips. The pants were too long and the fabric pooled over her feet but they were comfortable. "Like this wont be a complete give away of what we've been doing for the past few hours." Serena grumbled while pulling Vegeta's shirt over her head.
"Do you care?" Vegeta asked with a lift of an eyebrow and a sinfully handsome grin.
Serena smiled at him, fully appreciating the way his upper body looked in a tight black muscle shirt. "No, I don't." she replied proudly.
Vegeta walked up to her and slid his arm around her waist, pulling her in the direction of the door. They entered the kitchen with their arms still around each other.
"Daddy!"
The dark haired Prince looked down, surprised to see his daughters striking, crimson eyes narrowed to a hostile glare that seemed to be directed right at him. Her hands came up and perched themselves on her hips. She looked so much like her mother right now. He'd seen Serena like this many times when she was good and pissed.
"Why did you hurt Trunks?" the girl demanded, eyes flashing.
Vegeta sighed and looked at Serena who merely shrugged and moved away from him to sit across from Trunks at the kitchen table. Christ, he was completely alone on this one. In a way, it was more terrifying then facing off with Buu. "Come here princess." He said, pulling up a chair between Trunks and Serena.
Rini blinked once then scrambled up into his lap. Once she was settled she looked up at him with wide-eyed expectancy.
"Sometimes Rini, people get mad. So mad that they don't think about what they're doing and usually end up hurting those they love." His dark eyes rose to meet Serena's across the table and she gave him an encouraging smile. "You see.your mom made me mad and it wasn't her fault. I took my anger out on Trunks without thinking."
Rini frowned. "That's not very nice dad." She scolded.
Vegeta nodded in agreement. "No, it's not. It's very wrong." This time he turned to Trunks and placed a strong hand on the young boys shoulder. "I'm sorry Trunks."
Stunned, Trunks' eyes went wide as he stared from Vegeta's hand then slowly raised his eyes to his face. "It's okay dad." He said, a small smile pulling at the corners of his mouth.
Trying to ignore how uncomfortable this new fatherly roll was to him, Vegeta looked down at Rini. There, sitting in his lap, was the prize for his great effort. Rini gazed up at him, adoration and respect shinning in her large eyes. Little minx had his heart just about as bad as her mother did. "Better?" he asked, his voice a soft rumble.
Rini nodded, pink cotton-candy locks bouncing. "Much better."
He tugged lightly at the end of one of her pigtails. "Good. Now go eat and you can train with me and your brother when you're all done."
Rini gave a whoop of excitement and jumped off, quickly taking the chair across the table from him. Vegeta chuckled, looking up to see Bulma standing next to Rini, her mouth gaping open. "Didn't know I could do that, did you?" he asked with a smirk.
Mouth still hanging open, Bulma shook her head slowly back and forth. "I.had no idea." She snapped her mouth shut and cast a sly glance at Serena. "Wonder where the influence came from?" She quickly dished out the food and joined the feeding frenzy at the table. The food disappeared quickly and Serena rose to help Bulma clear the dishes as Vegeta, Trunks, and Rini headed outside to spar.
"So I'm guessing the outfit worked?" Bulma asked, rinsing off dishes and stacking them.
Serena nodded, trying to keep the telltale blush from her cheeks. "Like a charm." Part of her still couldn't believe that he had finally told her how he felt. Serena smiled inwardly. Her patients had paid off greatly and she now had the love she had always dreamed of from a man who was incredibly handsome and as passionate as he was strong. Life, for the moment, was perfect.
Bulma watched Serena and chuckled softly. The girl obviously had it bad. She had been washing the same plate for several minutes now, her love- glazed eyes staring at nothing in particular. Regretfully, the older woman raised her hand and snapped her fingers in front of the blonde's pert little nose. Serena blinked once and her cerulean eyes focused ever so slowly.
"I think it's clean." Bulma commented.
Serena looked down and red flared into her cheeks. She quickly handed the dish to Bulma.
Laughing, Bulma took it and stacked it with the others. "So, I suppose you would rather go train with your mate rather then help me with a little redecorating, huh?" She playfully ribbed.
Serena shook her head. "I just spent the last two hours with him." She said with a smirk. "Besides, I think a little bonding with Rini and Trunks would be good for him. What do you need help with?"
"Well, I picked up a few things today for Rini. Things we could use to redecorate that room across the hall from Vegeta's for her. Do you think she would like that?"
"She would love it." Serena replied smiling. "Thank you so much Bulma."
"Hey, don't mention it. You two are practically family."
Putting away the remaining dishes, Serena and Bulma went to change and met up in Rini's soon-to-be room. Serena was in the process of snapping the strap to a worn pair of overalls when she walked into the room and promptly tripped over a sealed paint can. She quickly righted herself and frowned. "Thought I was over my klutziness." She grumbled.
With hilarity sparkling in her eyes, Bulma looked up at Serena from where she sat on the floor surrounded by five paint cans. "Well, that was very graceful Princess."
"Oh hush." Serena quipped. She sat down next to Bulma and picked up a brush, stroking the soft bristles against the palm of her hand. "So what colors did you get?"
Using a screwdriver, Bulma pried off the lids to reveal colors of soft burgundy and cream. When that was finished she grabbed a bag from behind her and showed Serena the contents. There was a soft comforter with deep green and burgundy stripes, matching pillowcases and cream-colored sheets. "Oh." Serena breathed adoringly. "This is perfect!"
"I thought you would like it." Bulma said, beaming. "Now, let's get to work."
They worked well into the early evening, fully expecting Vegeta, Trunks and Rini to fend for themselves at suppertime. All of the furniture was pulled out into the hallway and the carpet covered with old sheets and newspapers. They repainted the ceiling and windowsills in cream and the walls in burgundy. When the painting was done and mostly dry they brought in the new furniture, two evergreen and burgundy beanbags, a large oak dresser with a mirror and a full size bed with a decorative oak frame and headboard. Throwing the last of the pillows carelessly into place, Serena flopped down on the bed with an exhausted sigh. Bulma did the same, wiping her baseball cap off her head and tossing it across the room. "What time is it?"
"9:40." Serena answered after checking her wristwatch. "Rini should have been up hours ago."
Bulma glanced up at the door and grinned. "Speak of the little devil."
Rini stood in the doorway looking thoroughly beaten, but smiling none-the- less. "Is this mine?" she asked cheerfully.
Serena sat up, rubbing the small ache in her lower back. "Sure is angel. Do you like it?"
"I love it!" the pink haired sprite cried, jumping onto the bed. She embraced Bulma then turned and threw her arms around Serena.
The blonde laughed at her daughter's exuberance. "Where have you been anyway?" she asked.
Rini fell back against the mountain of pillows. "Training and helping Trunks and Dad move all of your things into Dad's room."
Bulma's eyebrows shot up. "Wow. That's impressive! The Sayian Prince has been broken."
Smoothing away non-existent wrinkles out of the bedspread, Serena ducked her head. "Not completely. He'll always be arrogant and stubborn. There's nothing I can do about that." She laughed softly. "But at least he knows how to love now."
"Are you serious?" Bulma yelled, sitting up quickly. "He told you he loved you?"
Serena nodded with a shy smile, remembering how her mate had finally crumbled and admitted the truth he had tried to hide. "He was pretty upset about it.but it was still very sweet."
The blue haired woman smiled at her young friend, truly happy that she had been the one to crack Vegeta's cool exterior. She could tell that Serena's love for him ran tremendously deep. Yawning, she stood and collected her cap from the floor. "Well, it sounds like you have an interesting night ahead of you. I'm going to get to bed. I'll see you in the morning Serena."
Serena nodded and said goodnight, watching as Bulma disappeared into the hallway. Feeling her own eyes start to droop, she turned to her daughter with a tired smile. "Those two didn't hurt you, did they?"
"Nope. It was really fun. Dad let me beat up Trunks." Rini said, curling onto her side and clutching one of the deep green pillows against her chest. "Serena.when are the Scouts coming?"
Serena sighed. This was one subject she defiantly wanted to put off but she knew that she couldn't. Not for long. It was odd, but she actually dreaded seeing the Inner Senshi again. How was she supposed to deal with them? Granted, they may be very angry with her for leaving them with no explanation but they had gone against Neptune, Pluto and Uranus and such things could not be forgiven easily. Plus, Serena was an entirely different person now. She was stronger, stronger then all of her Senshi put together thank, in large part, to Vegeta's harsh training sessions. She was finally the ruler she was born to be graceful, confident, and determined. Would they even recognize her?
"I don't know Rini." She murmured.
Rini reached over and took Serena's hand. The understanding in her crimson eyes was a balm to all of her hidden wounds the Inners had ripped open with their sharp tongues and careless comments about each and every one of her faults. They were healing slowly but with the help of Rini, her new friends, and her loving Prince, they would seen be closed for good.
Serena smiled and brushed her lips over Rini's fingers where they entwined through her own. "We'll worry about that when the time comes. You should get some sleep. I think Bulma wants to get together with the Son family tomorrow and you don't want to look tired when you see your boyfriend." She teased lightly.
Rini tossed the pillow she was holding at Serena. "Goten is not my boyfriend!" she exclaimed with a laugh.
Serena giggled, thankful for the change of subject. "Suuure he's not." Jumping off the bed before Rini could carry out another attack, Serena started toward the door. As much as she loved spending time alone with her daughter, her mate was waiting for her. "Alright angel, get some sleep. I'll see you in the morning."
Rini nodded and Serena left the room, closing the door softly behind her. As she made her way across the hall, pausing to rest her hand on the doorknob to Vegeta's room.to her room, a pleasantly anxious feeling curled in the depths of her stomach, moving slowly through her being. Now this.this was what love felt like. Not some stupid crush on a teenage boy or that ridiculous excuse for a relationship between her and Darien. But this wonderful thrill of excitement, the butterflies, the knowledge that she belonged to someone in body and in soul. Serena pushed the door open and her full lips curved into an appreciative smile.
Vegeta was sitting on the bed, leaning up against the headboard. His upper body was bare. His legs, incased in a pair of loose fitting blue jeans were stretched out and casually crossed at the ankles.
Serena bit back a startled laugh when she finally managed to draw her gaze away from his muscular chest and realize what his concentration was focused on. Forgotten from a previous slumber party, Vegeta had managed to find one of her favorite romance novels and was reading it, his brows drawn over his beautiful ebony eyes.
Her anxiousness was quickly forgotten, replaced by a sudden urge to find a camera and capture this rare moment. She shook her head and crossed the floor, collapsing face first on the bed beside Vegeta.
"You're getting paint on everything woman." He grumbled light-heartedly. His deep voice sent heady emotions washing over her.
"It's dry." She said her voice muffled by the pillow she had buried her face in. Turning her head, she looked up at her lover. He, in turn, regarded her with a loving smirk.
"Explain to me why women read these things." He waved the novel in front of her nose and she snatched it away, tossing it to the foot of the bed. "Is this what you want? Some weak but brilliant man who could never protect you?"
Serena shook her head. "I think I'll stick with the arrogant, strong, passionate warrior I have now."
Vegeta's usually hard eyes were soft with emotion as he stared down at her. "I still say I don't deserve you." He said, brushing a rough thumb over her cheekbone.
Serena turned over. Tentatively, she raised a hand and brushed it through his thick hair. Her hand stilled on the back of his neck and she pulled his head down. She stopped once their faces were a breath apart and unable to stop herself, smiled wickedly and said. "Yeah.I guess you got lucky."
Vegeta's laugh came out as more of a snort. "Speaking of getting lucky." He lifted one brow and Serena giggled. His lips came down on hers, hot, needy. She was already opening for him, her mouth and legs embracing him. Long hours later when moon had made it's decent, the two lovers fell into an exhausted slumber, slick limbs entwined and words of love on their lips.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sounds of splashing water and the insistent cry of the gulls flying overhead filled Serena's ears as she lay on a long lawn chair basking in the afternoon sun, letting it's warm rays wash over her and dry the clinging droplets of ocean water from her body. Bulma had drug them all to the Son's house where Goku had immediately used his instant transmission technique and brought them to Master Roshi's island home. From there, the only plans for the day were to enjoy the sun and relax which was exactly what everyone was doing.
Serena could here her daughters light laughter mix with that of Trunks and Goten as they splashed around in the tepid waters. Adjusting her sunglasses, she rolled onto her stomach and crossed her arms, resting her chin on her entwined fingers. Her eyes sought out Vegeta almost hungrily. When they found him she sighed softly. The man defiantly looked hot in nothing but the shorts he was wearing. Earlier that morning before they had left the Capsule Corp. building, Serena had folded up a navy bandana length- wise and tied it around his head, jokingly saying that it made him look "macho." He hadn't taken it off since.
Goku was standing next to him wearing the same bright orange swim shorts he had worn when they had taken Gohan and Videl up on a game of chicken. The two Sayian's were watching the steaks and hamburgers on the grill while talking amicably. It made Serena's heart sing to see Vegeta finally open up to his friends. Usually he would be all scowls when it came to talking to Goku or anyone else for that matter, but now he regarded his dark haired friend with a simple yet charmingly adorable grin.
~You better stop that. They're going to start to think that you're actually having fun.~ Serena joked in her mind.
Vegeta's head slowly turned in her direction and his charming grin turned downright sexy.
~Maybe I am having fun woman. And I blame you for it completely.~
Serena chuckled and closed her eyes, blocking out the glare of the sun. Just when she was starting to fully relax, each muscle gradually loosening, a jolt of cold trepidation went through her. Her head snapped up. Slowly, so as not to disturb everyone else having fun, she sat up and pushed her shades up onto her head. Her cobalt eyes scanned the horizon. Something was out there. Abnormally dark, swirling clouds gathered in the distance and skittered across the sky. An uneasy feeling gathered in the pit of her stomach.
Vegeta felt it a second later, the sentence he was in the middle of saying to Goku drifting off into nothingness. He turned quickly, feeling his loves tension like a massive weight upon his shoulders.
"What's up Vegeta?" Goku asked, taking a step forward.
Vegeta held up a hand and tried to concentrate on the enormous power heading for them. Something about those clouds.
"Serena." He called out to his mate. Her head whipped around, her wide eyes focusing on him. "Get the brats out of the water now." He said in a calm tone.
She nodded and ran to the waters edge. Vegeta watched her as she called the children in, then he brought his gaze to those damn clouds. They had taken up most the sky, swallowing the sun in its vibrant white-hot glory. "Do you feel that Kakarott?" he asked.
Goku nodded grimly. "Yeah. There are two?"
Vegeta nodded his agreement. Two powerful beings were heading for them. Their ki's felt familiar, like the one of that long legged freak he had sent to another dimension the other night. He should have known there would be more. "Let's get everyone inside before they get here."
They moved fast, not explaining anything to the numerous questions that were asked. Those who felt it knew, and those who couldn't feel it.they didn't need to know.
"Mom. What's going on?" Rini asked while Serena was pushing her into the house.
"Nothing hun. You just stay here and behave until I come and get you, okay?" She shut the door on her daughter's protests and rushed out to join the others where they stood on the beach, watching the ominous clouds collecting overhead.
"Anyone know what we're dealing with here?" Piccolo asked, his stony features set in a deep frown. Krillin and 18 stood beside him, Gohan and Videl behind. There was a mixture of emotions gathering around them like a thick fog, excitement for a fight, wariness, and a tiny thread of fear.
"I know." Serena said in a small whisper, already feeling her heart grow cold with fright. Violent blood red lightning skittered across the blackening sky. "It's him.He's come to take Rini." She clutched at Vegeta's arm, gazing up at him with cold hard eyes. "We can't let him take her."
Vegeta suppressed the growl that was forming in his throat. "No one is laying a hand on you or Rini." He vowed.
Deep humorless laughter resonated around them and the Z fighters automatically dropped down into fighting stances. Vegeta, Goku, Gohan, Trunks and Goten quickly powered up to Super Sayian's. Serena eyes traveled over all of them, landing on 18. She looked much how Serena felt. Like she wanted to run in the house and protect her daughter. Serena could feel the tension radiating from the Android alone and her heart cried out to her. 18's eyes clashed with hers and the striking white-blonde woman smiled at Serena as if to tell her she would be okay. Serena nodded and turned her attention back to the skies.
The wind died down to nothing and silence enveloped them. The gulls had long disappeared and the ocean stood still, reflecting the angry clouds above. It was like the first few minutes before a tornado. Deathly silent with a promise of destruction to come.
Serena cringed, feeling her heart sink as the cruel, sinister laughter grated on her nerves. She had been preparing for this moment and yet.felt far from ready for it.
Something in the dense air shifted. The clouds slowly parted, forming a circular opening from which came a woman dressed in a deep green dress with a slit all the way up the ankle length skirt. She floated above them, full lips painted deep red curved into a malicious smile. "Ahh.Sailor Moon." She all but purred, tossing full brunette hair over a bared shoulder. "We meet at last." Her sparkling emerald eyes moved to Vegeta and her grin widened. "And the lover. How touching that you stand together thinking that your bond will save you. Tell me Prince.what would you say if I were to tell you that by the end of this day that bond.and your mate.shall be no more?
The Sayian's fierce blue eyes grew hard and he crossed his arms over his chest. "I would laugh and call you a worthless whore." He said with a chilling smirk.
It was a lie. Serena knew it for she had heard the truth in his thoughts and what she heard made her blood run cold.
~I would kill you. I would make you suffer.~
She could feel him struggling to stay calm. On the outside he looked controlled, standing rigidly as he faced his opponent. But on the inside his rage was consuming him. Serena reached out to him with her mind, trying to soothe his anger.
~I love you Vegeta. Nothing can or ever will break the bond that we share.~
Some of the tension left his body. ~I know.but I can't stand the thought of loosing you brat.~
The brunette above them was livid. Vegeta's words had struck a nerve. Lips forming a small maou of anger, she lowered herself until her stiletto heals touched the surface of the still ocean and sent perfect ringlets ripples moving slowly away from her. Those two were communicating somehow. She could sense it and she did not like it one bit. "Time for a rude awakening kids." She growled, lifting her hand and snapping her fingers together loudly.
A sudden scream pierced the deathly still air and chaos broke loose inside Master Roshi's home. Serena paled and spun around, watching in horror as hunchbacked creatures with bug eyes and tattered clothing that hung from their grotesquely sparse frames forced Rini and Marron outside. Crystalline tears streamed down Marron's face as she screamed repeatedly for her mommy. 18 made a frantic move forward.
"Do that and they die." The woman above them declared in a voice ringing with authority.
Serena reached out and stopped her. "If we try to get to them, they'll be hurt." She whispered. 18 stared at Serena for a long time then finally gave in, the pain in her ice blue eyes telling Serena it was the last thing she wanted to do. Serena understood completely, but she also had a plan. Her mind jumped into action.
~Vegeta~ She waited patiently for him to respond before continuing.
~Yeah~ Came the strained response.
~Can you talk to Goku like this? The way we do?~
~Sometimes~ He turned his head to give her a questioning look.
~And can he move fairly fast?~
~Yes~
~Good~ She took a deep breath, keeping her intent gaze locked on her daughter. ~I need you to tell Goku to use his Instant Transmission technique to save Rini and Marron. Have him teleport to the girls and..and break those creatures goddamn necks!~ The last part came out an enraged hiss as Serena's hatred for the creature manhandling her daughter grew.
Vegeta nodded and concentrated on Goku's ki. ~Kakarott.~
Goku's head rose slightly. ~Vegeta? Hey! Freaky little things, aren't they?~
~Serena wants you to break their necks. She said to use instant transmission to get to the girls.~
~Sure. They wouldn't be worth fighting anyway. Too weak. I bet Puar could take 'em!~
~KAKAROTT!~
~Oh yea. Sorry. I'll be right back.~
With everyone's attention focused on the two squirming girls and the creatures that held them, no one even noticed when Goku disappeared. Serena and Vegeta were the only two who knew what was going to happen. They waited, each holding their breath.
It took only a few seconds. There was a blur of movement followed by the audible snapping of brittle bones and the task was complete. The sickening creatures slumped to the ground and the girls ran to their parents. Serena scooped Rini up into her arms and forced back the frightened tears that had threatened to spill.
"Sailor Moon!"
Kissing Rini's temple, she put her daughter down. "Stay behind me, okay angel?"
Rini gave her a solemn nod and Serena turned, glaring up at the woman who had threatened her daughter's life.
"I'm not finished with you yet!" the woman shrieked.
Serena watched the energy gather in the woman's hands, watched as she formed it into a sphere, felt the small amount of ki in the attack and was more then ready for it when it came.
"Take that!"
The sphere came hurtling at her. Serena raised her hands in front of her, pushing a foot back to balance herself. She easily caught the ki blast and smiled, quite impressed with herself. Now.to make sure the bitch paid. Serena formed a ki blast of her own, far more powerful then that of the other woman, and released it into the one she was holding. The ki blast shot from her hands, cutting a blazing path beneath the turbulent skies.
Katroina's eyes widened in disbelief as her own attack came back for her. "NOOOO!!!"
Lifting from the ground, Serena flew after the blast.
Katroina was stunned, her entire body aching from the fresh wounds inflicted by the ki blast. All she could do was watch helplessly as the Moon Princess came at her, fist drawn back, dark blue eyes burning with outrage.
Serena slammed her fist into the other woman's face, letting her anger power her. Katroina groaned as pain shot through her sapped body. What a mistake she had made in underestimating this girl. But she still had one trick up her sleeve and then.then Prince Darien would save her. A whispered command passed her swollen, blood caked lips right before Serena delivered a blow that rendered her unconscious.
Vegeta smirked as the limp body of the strange woman landed in front of him. He gazed proudly up at his mate. "Well done. I'm impressed Serena."
The blond landed softly on the sand, her unsympathetic gaze still focused on the woman. "No one messes with my family." She murmured. Ready to forget this woman and the mar she had put in their perfect day, she stepped over the unconscious body and started walking to Vegeta when she heard an odd sucking sound. Serena came to a stop.
"Sere." Vegeta warned, already feeling the several power levels that surrounded them. They weren't large by any means but there were so many of them.
"Rini? Could you take Marron back inside please?" 18 asked.
"Sure." Rini moved away from her parents and went over to Marron. Suddenly, something shot out of the water, tackling the girl to the ground.
"Rini!" Serena cried, jumping to help her daughter. But Goten got to her first, throwing the slimy swamp creature off of Rini. He pulled her behind him and quickly released a ki blast that destroyed the creature.
"Are you okay?" Goten asked Rini, worry etched deeply in his young features.
The pink haired girl stared at him in awe. "You.saved me." She whispered. Goten blushed and scuffed his foot in the sand. "Yeah.I guess I did."
"That's enough kids." Goku shouted, noticing the alarming amount of swamp creatures surfacing from the water. "Goten, get the girls inside now."
Goten quickly did as he was told. Once they were inside the Z Fighters and Serena turned their attention to the growing population of swamp things.
"This should be fun!" Goku said with a smirk.
Vegeta chuckled. "Too bad it's not a challenge. I really could have used a decent fight."
"How long do you think this will take?" Krillin asked. He gave 18 a suggestive glance. "I kind of had.plans tonight, if you know what I mean."
Serena sighed wearily. "So much for getting a tan.
"No kidding." Videl quickly agreed.
Serena smiled, but it was a forced smile. He was here. Darien was there somewhere. She could feel his dark energy. Why wasn't he showing himself? She shrugged. Oh well, if he was too much of a coward to come forward she wouldn't waste her time worrying about him. Dropping down into a fighting stance, wisps of hair brushing her cheeks she faced the large army of intruders. "Okay. Let's finish these guys off quickly so we can eat. I'm starving."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Not far from the island six figures watched, their bodies tense.
"Is that her?? That can't be her!" One of them murmured in disbelief.
A tall woman with short sandy blonde hair made a sound of disgust. "Of course it's her. What's the matter Jupiter.didn't think she could amount to anything?"
Jupiter glared at Uranus. "I never said that. I'm just.shocked." She turned to the Inners, two of the only other people on her side against the Outer Senshi. "Should we help her?"
"She doesn't need your help!" Neptune said, her usually calm voice laced with contempt. "Can't you see how she's grown? Look at her Uranus. Our little Princess has grown up. She's so powerful. Can you feel it?"
Uranus nodded, a fond smile pulling at her stubborn lips. "Yes. She has come a long way. I'm very proud of her. But." he eyes narrowed again into a murderous glare. "The last thing she needs is help from you three. What would you do? Go over there and criticize her? Cut her down for everything she did in the past? Let her handle it. She looks like she's doing just fine to me."
The Inners gaped at Uranus, afraid yet outraged at how she spoke to them. Serena was their princess and friend as well and the Outer Senshi was making it sound as if they were traitors.
Jupiter growled low in her throat but stayed where she was, watching her Princess fight with flawless grace. She couldn't believe it! There was Serena, clumsy, loud, never on time Serena. She was a completely different person now. It made her sad, but there was nothing she could do now except watch.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Serena wiped sweat from her brow as the last of the hundreds of creatures fell. It was over. Arms came around her and the deep breathing of her mate sounded in her ears. She leaned back, not tired but wanting the feel of him against her. "Fun, huh?" she asked, tilting her head up for a kiss.
Vegeta gave her an indulgent smile and brushed his lips across hers. "If you ask me, it was over way too quick." He muttered.
Serena laughed. She should have figured he would say something like that. Turning in his arms she nuzzled his neck. The others were already heading in, leaving her and Vegeta alone on the white, sandy beach. "We should go see if Rini is okay."
Vegeta nodded. He didn't want to say it, but he was worried about his daughter. It amazed him and shocked him at the same time. He had never worried about anyone until Serena and Rini had come into his life. Now it seamed like he was worrying all the time. Reaching down, he took Serena's hand in his and turned to the house. "What about her?" he asked, tilting his head in the direction of the brunette woman who still lay unconscious on the ground.
Serena gave the body a disdainful look and jerked her head away from the sight, urging Vegeta to walk with her. "She's not going anywhere."
"Now you see, that's where you're wrong Serena." A voice called out from behind them.
She didn't want to turn around, god how she didn't want to. That voice was one she had never wanted to hear again. It turned her insides cold and made her feel sick and filthy at the same time. "What are you doing here Darien?" she said through clenched teeth, still refusing to turn and face her ex.
Vegeta however, wasted no time. He sized the other man up and smirked, finding him lacking. He was obviously no match for Vegeta and the only thing this Darien guy had on him was height, which meant nothing to the Sayian Prince. "Who the hell are you?"
"Prince Darien." The man said, making a sweeping bow. "And I have come to collect my daughter. I see Katroina has failed me. Oh well," he shrugged indifferently and raised a gloved hand with one finger pointing at the unconscious woman.
As if sensing he was there, Katroina stirred. Her eyelids fluttered and she looked up at Darien, adoration showing in her hazy green eyes. "Dar.Darien? I knew you would come for me.I just knew."
"Shut your mouth bitch." Darien barked. "You have failed me and now I must make sure that you never do again."
Katroina's eyes widened. "But Darien.I."
A beam of deadly energy silenced her, cutting through her body and ending her life. Her guttural scream echoed around them in the still air.
Serena finally faced Darien, her cerulean eyes flashing with anger. "Have you no mercy?" she cried.
Darien tsked. "Now Serena, you know better then to believe in such things. I'm almost sure I remember breaking you out of your childish daydreaming years ago." He chided her. "Now hand over Rini or I will give you the same fate as Katroina." He raised his hand, a long finger directed at Serena.
"WORLD SHAKEN!!"
"Christ." Vegeta swore, grabbing Serena and pulling her back as Darien flew by them and smashed into the side of the house. "What the fuck is going on? And what did that bastard mean about breaking you Serena?" He hauled her around to face him; black eyes staring into startled blue ones.
Serena's thought raced though her head. The scouts were here.Vegeta was asking her questions.god, what was she going to do? "The Scouts.they're here." She whispered. She turned her eyes to the sky, searching for the Senshi, feeling their Ki signatures nearby.
"I don't give a shit about the scouts Sere. What the hell did that guy do to you?" Vegeta demanded, his temper quickly flaring out of control.
His mate's head hung and when she spoke he could barley hear her. "He.he tried to." Her thoughts started coming faster, flashing in his mind until he had an all too vivid picture of what Darien had tried to do to her.
Once Serena realized that Vegeta knew her gaze flew up to his, terrified by the way the chilling orbs burned with hatred. "Vegeta.he didn't though. He just tried to. I was able to stop him before he."
"Rape is rape, Serena, no matter how far it gets." He growled. When he released her, she knew what he was going to do and she didn't try to stop him. Darien deserved what he got. She stood and watched in sick fascination as Vegeta pulled Darien up and slammed his fist into the other mans face.
"Serena." a soft voice murmured behind her. The blond turned to find Uranus and Neptune behind her, their mouths turned up in gentle smiles.
"Uranus! Neptune!" She cried, throwing herself into their waiting arms. She clung to her friends, fighting back her joyous tears. "I'm so glad to see you guys!" She pulled away from them.
"Oh look at you Princess. You have matured so much." Neptune said, brushing her fingers through Serena's hair.
Uranus looked over to where a short man, slightly taller then Serena was beating the hell out of Darien. "Who's that guy?" she asked suspiciously.
Serena looked over in the direction that Uranus was looking and a worried frown pulled at her lips. "That is my mate Vegeta." She ignored their startled gasps and pulled free from their embrace. "I'm sorry to leave you like this but he's very angry right now. He might kill Darien." With that she left them, quickly running to where Vegeta was standing over the bruised and bloody Darien.
"She'll come.you.you wait and see." Darien was muttering. "She'll come and then you will all pay."
"Shut up fool!" Vegeta demanded, kicking Darien hard in the chin and sending him flying backwards.
Darien lay motionless and for a moment Serena thought he was dead. She saw Vegeta hold up his hand, the same way he had when he'd destroyed the serpentine creature in the living room. "Vegeta.please." She called out to him, lifting a hand vainly.
The Sayian's hand wavered and then dropped back to his side, but his furious gaze remained fixed on Darien, waiting.
The evil Prince's body twitched. Darien pushed himself up to his knees and glared up at Vegeta, blood running over his chin. "You would spare my life for HER?? WHY?" he screamed, his dark blue eyes wild. "She's nothing more then a slut! Do you hear me Serena.you're a goddamn slut!! You're worthless!! You'll never be anything more then a whiney, bitchy little tramp!!"
The next second stretched out like an hour for Serena. The words Darien spoke cut her deeply but they enraged the Sayian Prince. She saw his hand lift ever so slowly, saw the moment Darien realized that death was coming for him and then saw the ki blast leave Vegeta's hand and travel in slow motion, closing the distance between Vegeta and Darien. Light exploded around her and she swore she could hear an agonized scream. When the dust cleared there was nothing left of Darien. Vegeta dropped his hand and his hair went back to its original black color. He turned to Serena. "I had to."
She nodded and ran into his arms, clinging to him. "I know.I know." She whispered. "I love you Vegeta."
He laughed exhaustedly. "I love you too woman." He murmured.
By now everyone was back outside and the foreboding clouds were quickly dissipating, allowing the bright sun to shine through. The Sailor Senshi stood nervously on the beach, watching Serena hug a man they didn't know. Curious eyes of several strangers were focused on them. The only three who seamed unaffected by them were Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. Finally, Serena left the man and walked up to her Senshi, fluid grace in her step and her chin tilted regally. The Inners felt trepidation well up inside of them as their Princess approached. She graced the Outers with a smile, but when she turned to her Inner Senshi, the girls who had been her friends through high school, her demeanor was cold and impersonal. She regarded them each slowly. "We," she started, dragging out the single syllable, "need to have a very.very long talk."