Graduation Day and a Wedding on top of that! Boy are these girls active! And do you think I'd not pair up Darien and Serena? He's not back yet, but soon enough.
Sailor Moon is copyright © 1992 Naoko Takeuchi/Kodansha, TOEI Animation. English Language Adaptation © 1995 DiC Entertainment
What All Need to Grow
Chapter Five
One Circle Closes and Another Opens
The next morning was the girl's graduation. They all were slightly hazed by the older kids who hadn't gotten the breaks they had, but all of them brushed it off. Seated on the stage, Molly couldn't hide her proud smile – in a matter of hours she would legally be Neflyte's wife again.
The Principal began the ceremony by clearing his throat – obviously he was very uncomfortable. "To begin this graduation, I must give an apology. A special class was created part way through this school year, and I was set against one student who never showed any promise before. Today she is fourth in her class. Ms. Tsukino, I am sorry for doubting your ability to complete the school year at this pace."
The audience and students all applauded how Serena was given a spotlight she obviously deserved. Serena was red faced with embarrassment. But she gently smiled when Darien winked her. Him begin there made things all the better.
Four invited guests each spoke next. Molly and Neflyte couldn't remember what was said, they were too busy looking into one another's eyes.
And then each of the special class was called up first. Amy Anderson, Molly Baker (the last time under that surname), Raye Hino, Mina Kimura, Lita Makoto, Serena Tsukino, along with eleven others (youmas who were told they deserve the attention for all the help they gave the girls). Then the students who were supposed to graduate that day received their certificates.
The students and faculty then sang the school song, followed by the traditional "Hotaru no hikari" (light of fireflies) sang by everyone. The ceremony finally closed with the students being applauded by all the audience and faculty.
Lita was surprised that Ken was in the audience. He walked up to her and handed her a small group of blue violets. "Congratulations Lita. I'm so proud of you."
"Thanks Ken! I'm so glad you're here." Lita smiled and hugged him, but the others could easily see their strong friend was fighting back her tears.
The group left to wait for the happy couple at the temple.
Neflyte put the car in park and looked over at his only love. She was glowing with happiness and hope. "Ready to take this step, Molly? I won't make you, if you are having doubts."
"I'm more than ready. What about you?" Suddenly there was a fear in her eyes. Fear that he was not going to marry her after all.
"I have been waiting for a thousand years for this moment, my only love." He gently kissed her lips.
Jessica chuckled in the back seat. "Well, let's go get your certificate already. Remember its ceremony before honeymoon kids."
That inspired a blush on both faces before her.
Molly had only been a middle school graduate for an hour, and now she was getting ready to get married. They all chuckled as they hurried through the building. Ten minutes later they came out – certificate in hand.
An hour after graduation, Molly was Mrs. Maxfield Stanton. Lita had caught the bouquet, to her embarrassment and Serena's annoyance. But, at least Serena did get to dance with Darien.
The group was seated on the front porch chuckling and celebrating after everything. Somehow, Jessica got Raye's grandpa, Darien, and Ken away from the group for a few minutes. The Scouts and Generals all knew why.
"Now that we are only in company that knows the secret, you two are officially on the bench from Scout duties and your business for at the least one week you two. " Serena pronounce with a look in her eyes that said she wouldn't accept any arguments.
Molly sighed. "What are you guys going to do if there is an attack while we're gone?"
"Molly, we did alright when it was just me, Raye, and Serena. The two of you deserve this break more than anyone we all know." Amy smiled.
Raye winked. "Yeah, and we have more than the three of us now. You two are to have nothing but fun."
"Besides, who knows how much time the two of you have before little Desiree is back." Zoicite chuckled.
Unconsciously Molly touched her belly and hoped that, like their last life together, she and Neflyte would return home carrying their little girl in her womb. Now she and Neflyte didn't have to worry about conceiving, if anything that was one thing they had planned for the honeymoon – try whatever they could think of to get pregnant.
After the group's luncheon they all said goodbye to the happy couple. The following week was the girls' school entrance ceremony, the day before the beginning of their first year of high school – and Molly didn't want to miss that.
For the first time ever, Molly and Neflyte returned to the mansion as husband and wife. He parked the car and helped her out; so happy that she was still his bride. "Ready to get out of here, Molly?"
"Yeah. So, where are we going?"
Neflyte grinned before swiping a kiss from her lips. "That is going to be a surprise for you my love. Now, close your eyes."
Doing as he instructed, Molly could feel him teleport them away to some mystery place. She had the sweetest smile on her face as they moved from one point to another. 'My life won't be boring anymore with Neflyte as my husband. I can't wait for Desiree to come back to us. To feel her moving in me, and to bring her into the world.'
"We're here." Neflyte announced softly in her ear.
Molly slowly opened her eyes to see the sun setting before them. They were on a beach! Several nearby torches lit up the area as the night drew in.
Once the sun sunk below the horizon, Neflyte collected his bride into his arms and walked over to the cavern he had fixed up for this night.
The ceiling was encrusted with crystals that shimmered from the torches all around the cave. Flowers seemed to be growing from the walls. A huge four-poster bed with white gauze curtains was in the back.
Suddenly soft music began to fill the room. Molly remembered that they had their last honeymoon like this, only then they had been in hiding. This time it was to remember and rekindle the love and trust they held then, even though that wasn't a problem for the couple now.
Slowly Neflyte made love to his bride, making sure to fully satiate her before finding his own release within her heated core. He wanted to make this night memorable for her – and he had. Both were unconscious the moment he stopped and cuddled her into his arms.
The next morning, Molly watched as the night faded into day. Neflyte was still asleep, but she couldn't lie still any longer. She loved watching the waves lapping against the shore. Then she thought for a moment that checking in with her mom wasn't exactly being on duty.
'Momma?'
Jessica smiled. She knew why Molly was really contacting her about. 'Are you having fun, Molly dear?'
'Yeah. We're on a tropical island with no one else. The sun's just rising here.' Molly wasn't sure if she wanted to face the disappointment if her mother didn't know or last night hadn't made her dream come true completely.
'I was just getting ready for bed. I knew you would call out, so I waited. You take it easy baby girl. After all in your condition …' Jessica didn't even get to finish her thought.
Molly was gasping in fear that she had misunderstood. 'Condition? Momma, do you mean that last night?'
'Yes, Desiree is inside of you my darling. Of course, you do realize that this means no transforming into a Scout until after you have completely healed from the birth.' Jessica was determined to hold her granddaughter this life.
Molly's earlier reaction woke Neflyte in a panic. "Molly? Molly, what's wrong?"
'Son, she just got a shock. Please make sure that she takes care of herself. I would like to hold my granddaughter this time around.' Jessica chuckled.
"Granddaughter? Molly, you're?" He didn't dare say the word, fearing that this was only a dream.
But, when she smiled at him that way, he knew. Molly softly kissed his lips. "Yes love, just like last time. I'm pregnant from our wedding night with our daughter."
Neflyte scooped Molly up and laid her back on the bed. He could sense that Jessica wanted to get some sleep. 'Trust me mom, Molly is going to take very good care of herself. Good night.'
'Good night. And I'll see you both in a few days.' Jessica broke the contact and slipped under the sheets and blankets.
Neflyte softly kissed Molly's belly, right where their baby was growing. "Hello little girl. It's you father talking. We've missed you Desiree, and can't wait to hold you again."
"Neflyte, she isn't even in my womb yet." Molly chuckled.
He just smiled at her. Finally, he had the family he lost so long before. "Indulge me, my love. I think a breakfast in bed is in order."
Molly giggled as he made a tray with the breakfast they both loved appear on her lap. "Well, I am eating for two now."
"And I have never been more happy my love. We are married again, our daughter is growing within your belly, and the one man we worried about hurting you is gone. I have a family again." Neflyte bit his lip to fight off his tears.
Molly laid her head against his shoulder. "Sweetheart, you have had a family since the day you took claim on my heart."
Through that week, they enjoyed their new position as man and wife as well as expecting parents. Walks through the tropical forest, swimming in the sea, playing on the beach, and lots of hours sleeping in one another's arms.
Sunday dawned with them standing on the sand watching. "Can we come here again sometime, my husband?"
Neflyte loved it when Molly called him that. "This is our island my love. We can come back whenever you like."
"Good. Now, let's take our baby girl home."
They teleported to the front porch – happy to be home again.
Molly giggled as Neflyte swept her off her feet and carried her into their home. It being nighttime, they expected to be on their own until morning. Then they were both surprised.
"WELCOME HOME!" voices rang out in joy, as the lights came to life.
The entire group was there, except instead of Darien with Serena – Ken was holding Lita close. Behind them all was a banner that read: "YOU'RE ON THE BENCH MOLLY – CONGRATS!"
"Mom told all of you, am I right?" Molly pouted with a hurt look on her face. Ah oh, the mood wings had begun!
Serena was the first to grab the expectant mother into a hug. "Yes, your mom told us. But, you remember the moment we found out Desiree would be here soon that you would be on the bench the moment I heard you were pregnant."
"Yeah, but I won't be showing for …" Molly whimpered. She felt like she was shirking her duties.
Zoicite was next to grab Molly in a hug. "No way, my friend. There is no chance of any of us risking you or Desiree in a battle. And remember that when I get in your position that you'll have to remind me of that."
Molly wiped a tear away with a chuckle. "I'm really looking forward to that day!"
"So, how about catching us up on what's happened while we were gone?" Neflyte chuckled. He too was curious as to why Ken seemed to be in on their secret.
They group took seats all around. Serena was bubbling (she had been waiting days to gossip with the couple, and it was getting hard to hold back). "Let's see. Right after you two left, another Cardian showed up at a graduation party. Lita and I were walking passed and thought that we were out of sight and hearing. We called the others on our communicators and transformed, when the girls came out of their spaces."
"I was getting ready to head to Lita's to give her a graduation present, when I heard her voice. She sounded upset, so I decided to investigate. I saw her and Serena transform, and got caught." Ken explained.
Lita smiled up at him. "Ken promised to keep the secret, and even covered my back when the Cardian snuck up on me from behind. He knocked it off its feet by smashing a chair at the thing. I gave the thing a blast that combined with Venus' love chain attack and trashed the monster back into that weird card."
"Welcome to the group, Ken." Neflyte shook his head. The girls were going to have to be more careful when they transformed in public.
"And a strange group it is, but I'm honored to be a part of it. What's even stranger is I got a visit from Queen Serenity that night! She reminded me that I was one of the children of the moon she saved that night a thousand years ago. And she reminded me that I was courting Lita back then. That's why I've always been protective of her, but I want things to go as she wants them to." Ken smiled as he embraced his love for a moment.
Lita had tears in her eyes. "And they finally are. Ken and I are an item."
"Congrats you two!" Molly chuckled.
Jedite smiled. "After that Cardian attacks lulled. But then along came Melvin."
"Melvin?" Neflyte snapped his head towards his friend. That name still annoyed the Guardian General Leader.
"Melvin somehow found out that you had left town Neflyte, so he automatically figured that Molly was at home waiting for you to come back. He went over begging Jessica for a chance to talk to Molly alone." Serena chuckled.
Jessica shook her head. "He did not like hearing that Molly got married and that the two of you were on your honeymoon. Oh, he started yelling and cursing. After a few minutes he broke down into sobs, wanting to know why you like Neflyte more than him, Molly. I told him that you and Neflyte are meant to be. And I informed him that if he dares to try breaking up my daughter and son-in-law that I will speak with his parents. Should that not be enough I would involve the authorities."
Neflyte possessively embraced his wife. "I doubt that will stop him from trying though."
"Yeah, but I know what will." Molly said solemnly as she looked up into her husband's eyes. "Me. I'd never let him take me from you, Neflyte."
Serena smiled with stars in her eyes. "And then Darien asked me to go out with him today on a date!"
Raye shook her head in disbelief. "But, it didn't turn out that great."
Molly looked over at Serena to see their leader's eyes full of tears. "Serena? What happened?"
"Darien and I were in line for that new virtual reality theater. I figured that I would have time with my muffin, and could practice my fighting skills at the same time." Serena snuffled.
After a moment to wipe away a few tears and calm herself, Serena continued. "Alan walked up, not knowing that I was with Darien, and tried to talk me into a date with him. Darien shot Alan a dirty look and told him that I was on a date … with him. Alan didn't like that, but walked off saying that he'd see me later. I couldn't hide my shutter. I mean … I know that guy is the enemy … and he won't leave me alone! Darien saw my reaction and asked if I was scared of Alan, but before I could say anything he promised to keep Alan away from me."
Neflyte cracked a smile. "So the Prince is still defensive of his Princess?"
"Yeah, I guess he still loves me." Serena smiled again.
Raye glared over at her friend. "You guess he still loves you? Get real meatball head! He's heads over heels for you!"
Everyone chuckled as Serena blushed hotly. "Then we heard a loud slap and Ann shouting. We went to see a tough guy getting fresh with her. I just nodded, because I don't want him to be dragged into this fight if we can avoid it. He glared down the creep, but Ann took it the wrong way. She clutched him and tried to snag him as a date!"
Neflyte growled. "Tell me that Darien didn't take it."
"He didn't. He told her that he was on a date and I quote 'I don't want to hurt Serena's feelings'. I never thought I would be so happy! Ann looked so green with envy as Darien wrapped his arm around my waist and walked me away!" Serena beamed in her happiness.
She wasn't the only one smiling at that. Molly, Neflyte, and the others broke down into tears of laughter. But then Serena got up and walked over to the window with a distance look in her eyes. "Alan and Ann didn't like it, and decided to pay us both back. Luckily Luna saw the danger and got the others.
"Once we finally got into the theater, we ended up catching up with my dad and Sammy – the little brat thinks he's a superhero too, just because he's my brother. Somehow I fell out of the car, and Alan caught me. Then he and Ann tried to pull Darien and I apart. So, Darien grabbed me walked us away from them. He grumbled about pushy jerks not seeing I am taken.
"My heart leapt at that, and I slipped that he was taken too. You guys should have seen the look in his eyes! He kissed me! Like he used to. I know that he's coming back. Without a doubt." Serena's face was covered with happy tears.
The Generals all smiled and nodded. Darien was still the Prince they all respected. And then Serena broke down into tears. "And then Ann jumped into his arms saying 'Thanks, Darien. I could stay on your arms forever.'
"Darien glared at her and said 'Sorry, but that's not happening.' And then he told her 'I'm here with Serena, and Serena is whom I'm going to stay with'. Oh, did Ann blow a gasket at that!" Serena broke up into tears of laughter.
After a few minutes, she sobered up. "Then a target monster freaked me out and I flaked. I ran off, and Darien chased after me. He came in clearing the targets and pulling me on through the maze, guarding me like old times. I started thinking that Tuxedo Mask and the Moonlight Knight could be the same person again.
"Alan and Ann didn't like it and called in a Cardian called Nacrid. It attacked my dad and Sammy. Bro found us and asked Darien for help, Darien wanted me to stay where I was. But I transformed and followed them. I tried using my tiara, but it has lost its power! I am powerless! I don't have my wand, and now I don't even have my most basic attack anymore." Serena broke down.
"And that isn't the worse! Moonlight Knight showed up to protect me! But, Darien was still there beside me at the same time – calling him a nut ball! They couldn't be there at the same time! Moonlight Knight got caught, and the other girls helped free him and destroyed the Cardian. What is left for me to believe in?" Serena broke down again … as she had often that day.
"You have to believe Princess." Neflyte offered.
Molly got up and held her friend close. "Remember how you and the girls did all you could to keep me away from Neflyte … and how he did all he could to prove me wrong about him being a good man inside? I never gave up on him, and now I'm his wife and our baby girl is on her way. You just have to hold onto your faith that Darien is the Moonlight Knight … or in someway has a hand in the Knight's appearance. Darien is still taking care of his love."
Monday brought the girls' school entrance ceremonies. Although they were still in different schools, Neflyte was able to get them all into a program similar to what they went through their final year of middle school.
Molly and Serena were in the same high school – the local adjunct University High school. It was the one that Darien was in his final year of. Serena made a speech for the incoming class, scared to death until she made eye contact with Darien. Everyone was impressed by Serena's words and self-control.
Mina and Lita ended up in the same high school – about ten minutes slow walk from Serena and Molly's.
Amy was in a good high school that was getting her ready for going on to train as a pediatrician, and she too was the chosen speaker for the incoming class. To her shock, Greg was there too – and he was in her program for early graduation!
Raye was in a private high school, same program as ever. She was enjoying how it made her popular with the guys, but she was still partial to Chad.
Their teachers took the girls to their new classrooms, the expectations were explained to the students, there were photos taken, the girls got their new schoolbooks, and their first four weeks worth of class and homework.
That night, Molly was trying her best to focus on her math while Neflyte was looking over some contracts. Having her new husband so close was making her focus wander – just as his was suffering the same distraction. And then something strange happened.
Molly softly groaned in a stunned surprise. Neflyte looked over at her, seeing that she was holding her stomach. "Molly, is something wrong?"
"A weird feeling of … I don't know how to explain it. I guess it's like I'm not sitting here alone. Like someone in on my belly without any feeling of weight or pressure – like a ghost. Honey, please call mom." Molly was terrified. What if something had happened to their baby?
In seconds Neflyte had Jessica on the phone. "Mom, it's Molly and the baby."
"Don't worry. It is simply the fact that the baby has made contact with Molly's uterus at last. She and the baby have a physical and psychic link now. Eventually the baby will learn to speak through listening to what happens around her. Let's try to make it positive … okay?" Jessica smiled as she put her pen down.
Neflyte could hardly believe it. Molly was detecting their unborn daughter! "I understand. Thanks mom. Yes, goodnight."
"What did she say Neflyte?" Molly's whimpered. She was terrified that she had lost the girl they had fought so hard to regain.
Neflyte put his papers away, and then did the same with Molly's schoolwork. Gently laying her back onto the pillows, Neflyte smiled. "Mom said that our daughter is at last in your uterus. You and Desiree now have a connection that will grow as she learns to talk to us by listening to us. She wants us to try and keep things positive for our little girl."
"I'm feeling our little girl? Oh …" Molly smiled as happy tears fell down her face. She chuckled as Neflyte kissed her belly a couple of times.
Neflyte tenderly rubbed his wife's still flat stomach. Tears were shimmering from his eyes too. This was all he had ever wanted. "I love you baby girl. You and your mommy mean the world to me. Molly, what did I ever do to earn you and our daughter back?"
"You saved me, risked your life for mine, gave others a second chance, and proved that you have turned back into that man I loved so long ago. I love you Neflyte." Molly's face was shimmering with joy.
"And I love you my sweet wife."
Molly sighed through a yawn, "It feels like she is so happy."
Neflyte gently kissed Molly's lips. "And you look so sleepy. Come here and let's get some sleep for tomorrow. Sleep well my beautiful wife.
"You too my handsome … husband." Molly yawned as she drifted off to sleep in her husband's arms.
To everyone's shock, Serena had the first week's worth of work done by the end of the third day! In fact all of the girls had the first pack of work done by the middle of the third week (Molly was already having trouble with pregnancy symptoms – she got tired easily, but thankfully she only had mild nausea and not vomiting as far as morning sickness went). By the time the end of the month neared, all of the girls all took their first midterms – and none had less than a 'B' on it (Serena actually received a low 'A' to her and everyone's shock!).
Given that consideration, the Principals let all of the girls have the entire Golden week off from school attendance.
The first day the group gathered to plant a tree near the mansion in Desiree's honor, and another one in honor of the renewed friendships they all shared.
The group all walked through the East Gardens. Darien had the day off from work and so he was walking around with Serena. At one point her and Neflyte wandered on their own while Molly and Serena sat looking at the gardens – resting. For the General it was eerily like the days of the Moon Kingdom.
And then Molly and Zoicite went to the Kiyomizu-Dokannon Temple for the Goddess of Mercy. Molly was thanking and praying for good health for her unborn daughter. Zoicite was praying that her and Malachite's child would be healthy and that she would get with child soon. The female general left another doll. Yet, this time she felt a lighter sense of hope as she and Molly met up with their men – she simply knew that their daughter would be real to them soon after Desiree was born.
It was the waiting that was aching her heart, yet she still had her hopes.
She and Malachite had not felt so happy and safe in a thousand years. They were grateful for this second chance at life, and for their hopes for the family they had always wanted.
Cherry Blossom Time Next All!