Sailor Moon is copyright © 1992 Naoko Takeuchi/Kodansha, TOEI Animation. English Language Adaptation © 1995 DiC Entertainment
What All Need to Grow
Chapter Eight
Jayde's New Home, Summer Break, and Much Ado About Babysitting
Thanks to Neflyte and his friends, Jedite found very little trouble dealing with the Child Guidance Center. The fact that he and Brooke were merely engaged, and that she was under twenty, made things sticky for a couple of hours. Soon, figuring that the man wasn't going to accept no for an answer, Mr. Tanaka gave in and allowed Jedite to at the least take Jayde in for the prescribed amount of time.
There was so much to get done, and only six months before the first court hearing on the adoption.
That day, before they picked up their daughter, he and Brooke were registered as foster parents. Then they both had a medical exam and were certified. They also filled out statements explaining their intent to adopt Jayde.
Neflyte got their, and everyone living in the mansion's, background checks done. He also wrote out that the other generals were working with him and Molly at Stanton International – giving Jedite an impressive salary to help. Then he had birth certificates created for himself and the other generals, as well as their biographical histories.
Ken Tsukino, Darien, Raye's grandfather, and Ms. Haruna all wrote character references for the couple.
Since Jayde's parents had abandoned her so long before, there was no need to get a written agreement for the adoption to move through.
By the time Jedite stood relaxing against the railing outside the overcrowded orphanage all that could be done at that time was done. He couldn't wait to see the reaction his future little girl was going to have to all of this.
He heard the bus stop to let children off, but didn't turn around. He didn't want to give himself away to Jayde. The little angel looked so sad as she walked up to the stairs. Looking up at him, her eyes gave away that she had no idea who he was – just as he had hoped for.
She drew into herself and tried to get around him. Jedite wondered how she was going to react. "Haven't forgotten your new necklace have you?"
The start it gave Jedite a chuckle. Then he produced the other half of the pendant he gave her the day before, taking it from the chain in his hand and connected the two halves to make the whole heart. "I told you that its mate would find you. Don't you think it's a little crowded in there?"
Jayde hadn't really put truth together yet. "Yeah, but my folks didn't want me anymore so they told the first orphanage I lived in to give me to whoever they wanted."
She was on the verge of crying, and that tore at Jedite's heart. How could anyone abandon this beautiful little angel? It made Jedite all the more determined to make Jayde his and Brooke's daughter. "Then let's go see if they would mind you moving in with my fiancée and me."
"Really? You mean you want me to keep?" Jayde asked happily. Obviously she had been hurt many times in her short life.
"If you want to, but we're not going to force you." Jedite was afraid that he wasn't what the little girl wanted in a father.
Jayde squealed in joy and leapt into Jedite's arms. "Oh, I'd like that a lot! Thank you!"
Inside Brooke was still arguing with the director. The moment Jedite walked in with Jayde in his arms, she knew that this had to be their first child. She already adored the little angel.
An hour of calmly arguing the point of how many children there were in the building and how they wanted the child, the director agreed to give the couple a chance. Jayde walked out of the building between Brooke and Jedite with the brightest smile on her face ever.
She loved her daddy's car, even if he only borrowed it from her uncle Max. On the way home she told her mommy and daddy all about her day at school. Jedite felt whole for the first time in a thousand years. So, this was what Neflyte had been feeling since returning to his duties and true love?
Walking into the big mansion her mommy and daddy lived in, Jayde was a little nervous. She wondered why the house was so big?
Seeing that she had grown quiet, Jedite picked up his new daughter and hugged her close. "Welcome home sweetheart. How about we go say hi to everyone, hum?"
Jayde nodded, but she was still a little scared.
They walked into a big room with a pretty fireplace where a group of people was sitting. Jayde snuggled closer to her daddy in her shyness. Jedite rubbed her back as he got their attentions. "Guess who's finally home everyone."
The room was full of smiling faces. It was only then that Jayde saw the truth. The four generals who help the Sailor Scouts, they were all there! Her daddy was the one who sat beside her on the bus after the monster attacked and told her that he'd see about her not living in the orphanage. "Daddy? Why aren't you and the other generals wearing your uniforms?"
That had everyone in shock. Jessica chuckled as she took the girl out of Jedite's arms. "Exactly how long did you think you would be able to hide the truth from this little angel? Yes Jayde, they are the Guardian Generals. Let me tell you a long story."
Jessica explained about the Moon Kingdom, about the Generals, about Molly being Sailor Solaris, about the youma, Beryl, the new enemies, and then she covered just why Jayde was moved into Jedite and Brooke's lives.
"Just before Jedite turned, he and Brooke were in love. She was killed before they could meet with a little girl who would have become theirs. See they would have loved the girl from the moment they first saw her.
"This little girl's birth parents threw her out into the street with nowhere to live. She got very sick, and that child died from an illness that was caused by being abandoned so young. Who do you think that little girl was?"
Jayde thought for a moment and then looked up at the Queen. "Was it me?"
Jessica smiled and nodded. "That was why you were brought back into our lives, all three of you are meant to be a family. And I can promise you without a doubt, no matter how much it seems you won't be given to them, Jedite and Brooke are going to be your parents."
"Really? I won't go back to the orphanage? Yea!" Jayde squealed in joy as she ran over and leapt into her soon to be father's arms.
Neflyte smiled at his friend. He knew that without Jessica's vow, Jedite would have been worried the entire six months of the trial period instead of enjoying being a father. Only then did Neflyte counted out that the court hearing would be near the birth of his own daughter. The holidays were going to be hectic that year, but he knew that none of them would have had it any other way.
The next day, Molly and the girls had their final exams (again nearly a month earlier than the rest of their grade level). A week later the good news that the girls all passed with 'A's again was coupled with the celebrating of Jedite and Brooke's marriage (their soon to be daughter making an excellent flower girl).
A week before school let out for summer break the court investigator, Ms. Koga, came to look over the mansion, how the family interacted with Jayde, as well as the child's demeanor around these new people. Ms. Koga was a strict school marm in appearance and attitude.
"This house is much large than the girl needs … unusual for so many non-family members to be living under the same roof … and one is already expecting one child … servants? A little much for this girl, if I say so … this bedroom is a bit elaborate for a foster child, are you really expecting to be allowed to proceed with this girl's adoption? … she calls you mommy and daddy? Such titles are unheard of for a child just recently entering a home … the would-be mother is under age, and you two only recently wed? … you make an elaborate sum of money sir, I cannot understand why you and your wife are not living in your own home." The comments continued to be more intrusive, cold, condescending, and had them all on the edge of throwing the woman out. Even worse they had to endure two more visits at the least with this woman! The only hope Jedite and Brooke held was that Queen Jessica never fell through with one of her promises from a vision.
In fact the group went to Jessica right after Ms. Koga left. Before Neflyte could knock, his mother-in-law had the door open. "Come in and calm down all of you. You especially Molly. What did I tell all of you before? Things will become darker and you will want to give up, but you just have to hold tight to one another."
"But Momma, that woman was horrible to us! She took everything and put us down with it!" Molly sobbed.
"I know baby. And she will get no sweeter, but she is only doing what she feel is right." Jessica soothed.
July seventh brought Tanabata, the Star Festival. Neflyte enjoyed how strong his connection to the stars seemed to be that day.
Molly told the group the story of how Altair and Vega (two stars) were once lovers separated by death and transformed into heavenly lights, only to be forever separated by the Milky Way. They are only allowed to meet once a year, the seventh day of the seventh month.
Everyone wrote down their fondest wish (youma included) on narrow bands of colored paper and hung them with paper ornaments they all made on branches of bamboo hung near the front door of the mansion. All of the wishes were that Jayde would be adopted into their family and that Desiree would be born healthy with a long life before her.
A few days later, Molly joined the other girls on their class' overnight camp. Both she and Neflyte had a rough time sleeping so far from one another. The stars had to calm them down and both did get a little sleep. The moment she got home though she was in her husband's arms.
Finally Marine Day and the first day of summer break came! The entire group gathered at the beach for a well-deserved break. Everyone chuckled when Serena pulled a schoolbook out of Amy's hands and told her that the day was for nothing but play. The group was set to double their already heavy load through the summer, but first a breather.
Molly's belly was showing too much for her liking, so she had bought herself a one-piece swimsuit for the day. Though he missed the old swimsuit, Neflyte liked why she felt the need for a new one – their baby.
Darien and Serena snuggled close as they had before. Even without his memories, the guy obviously had feelings for the blonde.
One point during the day, Serena was out in the water enjoying the surf when trouble struck. Darien had luckily been watching her close when she gave him a look of panic before disappearing beneath the waves. "Serena!"
Without explaining, he dove into the water and swam out to where he had last seen her. That alerted the others. Had the aliens attacked her while they were playing?
Brooke held her crying child close as they watched with Molly from the shoreline in fear and dread. It was an agonizing few minutes. Just as the others caught up to where Darien dove under the water he popped up with an unconscious Serena.
She wasn't breathing and her lips were blue!
Darien tilted her body so that he could get what water he could out of her mouth and throat, and then laid her on her back. He hadn't prayed so hard in his life as he searched for some sign that she was still with him. A pulse! It was weak, but it was there!
Gently he began breathing for her, begging for her to not leave him. After about five minutes, Serena started choking on the remaining water in her airway. Darien tilted her onto her side so that she would have an easier time and covered her with a towel. She was going to be okay.
Despite her arguments of being fine, Darien and the generals all agreed that she had to go to the hospital to be checked out by a doctor. She only relented when Darien agreed to go with her. The youma that normally guarded her were assigned to find out who had nearly killed their Princess.
At the hospital Darien explained to Ken and Irene (who had followed in their car) that someone had dragged Serena down and held her under the water. Seeing him scared whoever it was away before Darien could get a look at who it was, but he was sure it was a woman.
Serena silently wondered if Ann had done it. But would she need diving equipment like what Darien had described?
The doctor wanted to keep Serena overnight, so the others said their goodbyes and left – Darien waiting to the last. "I better let you get some rest. But, I'll be here in the morning, meatball head."
"Darien, why can't the doctor just let me go home? I don't want to be here by myself." Serena whimpered.
He hated to see her cry. Darien pulled her into his arms and held her tight. "It's just an overnight. He wants to be sure that you're okay. Listen, you need me, have the nurse call my place and I'll be here in a few minutes."
"Okay. I'm glad you were there for me, muffin."
Darien loved her pet name for him. It felt so familiar and safe, like he wouldn't be alone again as long as she was alive. "Same here Serena. I would have been lost if you had died today. I know you're young and everything, but I love you angel."
"Oh Darien, I love you too! I was so afraid I'd die without telling you that!" Serena sobbed into his chest.
Darien held her tighter at that moment. He had come so close to losing her. "Serena, I was wondering if you would like to be my girlfriend … I mean romantically speaking, and not just as my friend."
Serena clutched him close. She might have only nearly died, but now she felt as if she was in Heaven! Darien was asking her to go steady! "Yes, I'd like that a lot. Darien … here."
She took out her Star Locket and rested it in his hand. He opened it and it played its song … the one it only played for them. "I want you to have this. So that you have something of me with you always."
"Serena … I don't know what to say." Darien couldn't believe how right and familiar this felt, as if they had done this before … but when?
"Just say that you will keep it. I love you, and this is my way of showing you that love." Serena was mildly disappointed. She had hoped that the locket would return his memories, but she wasn't ready to give up yet. After all they were going steady.
"I love you more, my meatball head. Try and get some sleep angel. I sit here with you until visiting hours are over."
Serena snuggled under the covers, happy that she had her love without question. Darien planted a kiss on her forehead before settling in the chair next to her bed.
In her dreams Serena was walking in the park with Darien, and he was talking with her about their pasts … he remembered! When he began to sweep her around like he had that last night on the moon, she chuckled and sighed into his embrace.
Then the tendrils grabbed hard on her ankles and dragged her into the lake fast! She could just see the surface of the water and Darien's face. He was grieving as if she was already dead! Francis came up and hugged him. She looked dead at Serena with a wicked grin on her face, like she knew that Serena wasn't dead. Then Francis drew Darien into a passionate kiss.
Then the world went black for Serena. She thought that her eyes were open, and she tried to breath but it was no use! What was happening?
Darien had a bad feeling most of the night that wouldn't let him rest. He took a drive to calm his nerves, and ended up at the hospital. Yeah he could have called, but he had to be sure that the nurse would actually go into Serena's room. For some reason that was so important.
"Hello Mr. Shields." Came from the nurse who had been on duty when he left. She just knew that he would be in again before her shift would be over.
Darien wasn't sure how to explain it. "Listen, I couldn't sleep and was wondering if I could check on Serena one more time."
That wasn't what he had planned at all. But it was the truth; he wanted to see her sleeping face once more. Oh, he was deeply in love with her.
Pam knew that it was after visiting hours, but also that the young woman had been saved from drowning by this guy. She smiled and nodded, walking back with him. That was when they got a shock!
Someone was holding a pillow over a barely struggling Serena's face! Growling, Darien ripped the attacker off of Serena – grateful when he heard he coughing and gulping as much air as her lungs would take. He pinned the obvious woman against the wall as a guard came in and took her into his charge.
The attacker was wearing a ski mask. Darien ripped it off and was floored by who it was – Francis! "You're the one who nearly drowned Serena! Why?"
"The little bitch deserved it! She took my spotlight and my guy! Would have killed her at the beach if you hadn't come in so fast! Your lips should have been on mine, not on hers! It is supposed to be you and me … you're my guy!"
Darien held back his urge to slap the deranged woman dead. "I have never been your guy, Francis. As for your spotlight, your attitude is what killed that off! I'm warning you this once … stay away from my Serena!"
The guard dragged Francis off, and Darien gathered a shaken and crying Serena into his arms. "It's okay, Serena. I'm here now, and I won't leave you again. I'll stay here with you all night."
"Muffin, I was so afraid." Serena whimpered into his shoulder, causing him to pull her all the closer to him.
"It's all right. I'm staying right here with you. Sleep now, my sweet." Darien whispered as he encouraged her to snuggle in his arms.
It was a few days before Irene and Ken would let Serena out of their sights, but only if they knew she wasn't alone. Amy and Zoicite came by to give Serena a day out shopping.
"Guys, thanks for the day off from being fussed over." Serena sighed as the three of them walked.
Zoicite chuckled. "And I thought that you would enjoy being waited on hand and foot."
"It was good the first couple of days, but now it is quickly becoming annoying. I keep telling mom that I'm fine, but she's still scared. If Darien hadn't come to check on me …" Serena had to bite her lip to keep from breaking down.
Amy rested a hand on her friend's shoulder. "What is important is that he did check on you and saved your life for a second time."
Serena grinned as they walked on. She was the first to notice Mrs. Winston and her son. "Look, it's Jordan."
"From down the block." Amy explained to Zoicite.
Mrs. Winston heard the exchange. "Oh, hello girls. And who's your new friend?"
"This is Tara. Tara this is Mrs. Winston and her son, Jordan." Serena introduced Zoicite.
Zoicite smiled at the little boy cuddled in his mother's arms. She couldn't wait to hold her own children like that. "Nice to meet you both."
"Ba, ba." Jordan managed.
The girls all chuckled. But that all stopped when the sky suddenly turned red and a monster appeared hovering above all of them.
"What's going on?!" Serena cried out, Amy gasped. "I don't know!"
Zoicite send out a distress call to the other generals. "Trouble!"
"Your energy is mine now!" The monster growled – ignoring the girls. Five tendrils it created with dark energy drifted down. "Give it to me!"
The tendrils wrapped around the babies, Mrs. Winston, and the teachers – draining all of them.
"Mrs. Winston!" Amy cried out.
"So weak . . ." Mrs. Winston muttered out as she collapsed.
The tendrils retreat and the monster disappeared. Serena gasped. "Oh Amy … Zoicite, look at 'em! They're not even moving! What are we gonna do? We've got to get them some help."
Just then, the men (Darien included) rushed up. Darien looked at them all, showing the Prince they all remembered. "Hurry! Go call an ambulance!"
"Right." Amy nodded before rushing off.
The ambulances arrive and began rushing the victims off to the hospital. Serena, Amy, Zoicite, and Darien all rode along with Mrs. Winston and Jordan.
Serena felt like flaking. She had no idea how to help. "Everything's gonna be all right, you guys. We're almost there. Just hang on."
The others met the group at the hospital. After about an hour of waiting, the group went back to check on everyone. Serena stood next to Amy, who had talked to the doctor. "So what did the doctor say, Amy?"
"Good news. The babies are going to be out in about a week."
That was a relief to everyone. "Great! And how's Jordan?"
"Jordan's totally fine, but Jordan's mom is in bad shape. She got it all in the attack and has to stay a while." Amy reported. But that wasn't all of the bad news. "Problem is, her husband's out of the country on a business trip, so there's no one to take care of Jordan."
"Aw . . ." Serena felt terrible.
"They just moved here about a month ago, so they don't really know anybody to take care of him, and the nursery here is jammed with all the other kids, so they really need him out of here. Poor little guy has nowhere to go. My mom and I would take him, but she's taking off for a medical conference in Paris, France. I just wish I knew someone who could take care of him." Amy explained.
Zoicite felt worried. "I don't think it would help matters with that awful Ms. Koga if Malachite and I took him in."
Darien thought about it for a moment, then decided he was the only one who could. "I'll take care of him."
"Huh?" Serena was startled.
"Tell the doctors it's taken care of." Darien told Amy.
Amy however knew something about children that age. "But Darien, are you sure you want the responsibility? I mean, taking care of babies is really hard work. You've got to watch him every minute."
Jordan started to fuss and cry as his pacifier fell out of his mouth. Serena without a thought picked it up and offered it to Jordan. "Oh, here you go. Got your binky."
"You sure you know what you're getting into, taking him for a whole week? He could just cry all the time, you know? I'm sure he's not used to being away from his mother." Amy tried to talk Darien out of it.
"Here it is, sweetie." Serena got Jordan to take it, but only for a second. Jordan thought to himself before bursting into tears again, "who's this goofball with the hair? Can't she see I'm hungry?"
"Oh, poor Jordan needs a hug. Probably scared from all these tubes." Serena guessed, so she picked him up. "I'm gonna take him to our place."
"Yes right. You and a nine-month-old. You couldn't even take care of your goldfish." Amy pointed out.
"Aw, I've changed a lot Amy!" Serena defended herself. "Huh?"
Darien started babysitting right away. "We'll have a good time, won't we? Coo-cootchie cootchie coo."
"Oh . . ." Serena blushed at the sight.
They take Jordan to Darien's apartment, but being their first time with a baby they aren't sure why Jordan was crying. Darien set up a mobile and shook a rattle, but nothing seemed to calm Jordan. "Hey, hey. You're a happy baby. Yes you are. You don't wanna cry anymore."
Darien resorted to making a funny face, but it did nothing. Jordan couldn't believe the nitwits he was stuck with! "Stop with the dumb faces and change my diaper."
"I bet I can make Jordan smile." He stopped cry for a minute when he saw Serena. She started acting silly, and Jordan couldn't help but laugh. "She IS a goofball."
Darien figured that Serena had her own life to lead, and this was his idea – even if it was a new sight, Serena with a baby. "Okay, Meatball Head. You can make tracks anytime."
"Huh?" Serena was hurt by it.
Darien clarified it to save her heart. "I'm the one who volunteered for this, so I don't want you to think you have to help. You have homework and your friends waiting for you, I'm the one going to put my life on hold … okay?"
He laid back and lifted Jordan above his head. "All right! We're flying! Woo hoo!"
"Oh, that's a relief. This babysitting business is major hard work. Wonder if Darien'll be in such a good mood after a three A.M. wake up call." Serena confided to herself, barely hold back her chuckle at first. "Some day, I'll have my own happy family just like this . . ."
Then she realized that both Darien and Jordan were looking at her. " Oops. Ha, ha, ha. So Darien, where do you keep your comic books? I'll read him a story."
Jordan started crying once again. Serena could see that she wasn't the only without any idea what was wrong. "Hmm. Woah, he sure changes moods fast."
"Maybe it's 'cause he's hungry. I'll fix him a bottle." Darien said.
Serena realized that with Darien distracted, she could summon one of her now overly protective guardian youma to help her. "Okay, and I'll try to calm him down."
Once his back was turned, Serena summoned Monlou and whispered, "what do you think is wrong with Jordan?"
"Mistress, all I can think of is to check his diaper. According to Lady Molly's baby books babies need changing often."
Serena nodded and Monlou hid back in her Negative space, watching ever closer her Mistress. "Hey Darien. I'm going to check his diaper. Maybe that's what's wrong."
"Good idea Serena. I'm almost done with his bottle."
"Okay, there you go. Nice and dry." Once his diaper was changed, Jordan seemed to be a little happier.
Darien came in with the bottle. "Nice thinking Meatball Head. Now for dinner. You want me to feed him?"
"No, let me do it." Serena was liking pretending that she was holding her and Darien's child.
Darien sat beside them and could help picturing Serena holding his baby … someday. She was so beautiful as she fed Jordan. Darien had to be serious, she was beautiful to him all of the time. He scooted closer to her and rubbed Jordan's head gently. "That's good milk, isn't it big guy. Keep that up, you'll grow big and strong. Milk is good for you, Jordan. Can you say 'milk' for me?"
Serena shook her head. "He's not old enough to talk yet, Darien. He's gotta learn to stand up first."
Humoring his girlfriend, Darien moved a few steps away. Serena stood Jordan up, and helped him get his balance. Darien half-heartedly encouraged the little boy. "Good, Jordan. Ooh, good. Now, walk to me. Oh yes . . ."
But Jordan sat down. Serena wouldn't give up, and helped Jordan to his feet again. "Oh, here. Let's try again. There you go."
Once again Jordan sat down. Serena didn't understand or like it. "Oh . . ."
"And you're not pushing him? Poor kid probably doesn't even know how to crawl, and you're making him walk for you." Darien pointed out.
"Hey! I'll bet my allowance for two weeks he walks before he talks! So there! Hmph." Serena snapped.
Darien was never one for turning away a challenge. "Hmph. You're on, Meatball Head."
"Weirdoes." Was all that Jordan had to think about it.
At dusk Serena and the youmas in their human forms stormed home. "OH! He is the most totally pompous, arrogant blowhard! I mean, who does he think he is?!"
She stopped at a bridge and looked out over the water. "I know he hates me. He just won't come right out and say it 'cause he doesn't wanna hurt my feelings like that. He only saved my life because it was the right thing to do, not because he didn't want to lose me. Oh, what am I gonna do?"
She broke down into tears. She stood there crying for a while. The youma tried to make her think otherwise, but Serena refused to believe that Darien was still in love with her.
She ended up twenty minutes late getting home. Once in the house the youma turned back into their usual forms. Irene was a wreck. "Serena, where have you been? You're late and we didn't know where you were. We were about to call the police back."
"I had thinks to think about so I stood in the park for a while. What do you mean call the police back?" Serena asked warily.
"The police called to say that Francis has escaped, and is most likely looking for you. Girls until they catch her, I want you visibly with Serena except when she's with Darien." Irene ordered the youma.
They all agreed, but Serena looked like she was about to break down into tears again. Irene embraced her. "He loves you. Otherwise why would Darien have been calling every five minutes? He's about to call in everyone to search for you."
"He has?" Serena numbly asked. Then the phone rang. Sammy answered it. "Hey Darien. Who else has been calling every five minutes? Yet, she finally brought her rear home. Something about thinking in the park. Yeah, hang on a minute. Serena, Darien want to talk to you."
"Darien?" Serena was scared of what he was about to say. Were they going to break up again?
Darien's voice sounded so relieved. "Serena, I thought that Francis got a hold of you! Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. I was hanging out at the park and I didn't notice the time. You know me, ditzy Meatball Head." Serena brushed her hopes aside.
"Promise me when you come over tomorrow that you will have an escort. I can't live if something were to happen to you." Darien's voice sound as if he was in pain.
Serena smiled despite the situation. "Don't worry. Mom has already taken care of that until Francis is caught."
"Good. Are you still coming over tomorrow? Jordan already misses you, but not half as much as I do." Darien wished he could shimmy through the phone line to her arms. Next time he would have to see about her pulling an overnight. Somehow he knew that it wouldn't be too hard.
In fact it wasn't hard at all. Irene and Ken did want some time alone. They had gotten Sammy to go to a friend's house for the night, and only needed someone to take in Serena.
Hearing about it, Serena was barely able to get any sleep that night. Amazing all of the youma, she was out of bed with the dawn and gone an hour later. She couldn't wait to be near her love.
She and Darien spent the day shopping for Jordan. Darien had been surprised that Serena had gotten up and had friends willing to walk her to his place so early in the morning. "You really didn't need to come, Meatball Head."
"Now how are you supposed to push the stroller with your arms full?" Serena pointed out with smile. Yes, she was a little tired. But being with her muffin and Jordan was well worth it.
"Well, I just hope we bought enough to last 'til his mom's well."
They didn't see Ann round a corner and spot them. "There's Darien and Serena . . . and what are they doing with a baby stroller? He'd better be helping her baby-sit. That can't be his baby."
Before she could walk up to them, Mina, Amy, and Lita beat her to it. Ann stood too far away to hear anything, she just stands there and watches.
Mina chuckled as she winked over at Lita. "Aw, look at the cute little family. Aren't they adorable? You make such a nice couple."
"I'll give ya a couple . . . of black eyes if you don't stop it, Mina. I'm just helping out overnight so my mom and dad can have a night to themselves! And I can spend a little time with Darien."
Lita shook her head in resignation. "We all know that the latter is the most important. But, don't have a coronary Serena. Actually, we think it's really nice of you to take care of Jordan while Mrs. Winston's in the hospital."
". . . as long as you treat him better than your goldfish." Mina teased.
"Ooh!" Serena was on the verge of giving Mina a piece of her mind when Amy moved close and passed on some information.
"Hey Serena, Raye's going to be doing a fire reading up at the temple. She's trying to home in on this new Cardian. Meet us there later, okay?"
Serena nodded slightly and whispered back. "I'll be there."
Amy agreed, and the girls were off, as were Serena, Darien, and Jordan.
By the time Ann caught up with the couple and baby, Darien had already buckled Jordan in his car seat and had opened the door for a softly blushing Serena. "My sweet."
"Thank you my Prince." Serena giggled.
By the time they got back to Darien's apartment, Jordan was asleep. Both Darien and Serena smiled on the little boy for a few minutes before carrying everything (including the little boy) upstairs.
The youma showed up at his door a half hour later, and teleported Serena to the temple. All of the others were already there.
"How are things at the love nest." Jedite taunted with a wink as he pecked his wife on the cheek.
Brooke on the other hand knew when to put her man in his place. "Jedite, I highly doubt things are at that stage."
"But, no way to tell when things might heat up." Jedite continued.
Serena on the other hand actually hoped for things to at the least get warm.
Raye just shook her head. "How about we get to finding out about this new Cardian monster?"
"Agreed." Neflyte knew that he wanted to get back to Molly fast. Both of them had gotten insatiable in the past two weeks – for many things.
After everyone settled in the sacred fire room, and she had the ceremony started Raye called out to the flames. "I call upon you, great fire. Show us who this evil new Cardian is on the count of . . . 5 . . . 4 . . . 3 . . . 2 . . . 1."
An image of the monster appeared within the flames. Amy cried out, "That's the one!"
"She put that weird spell on all those poor babies." Serena accused angrily.
After a beat Raye reported. "And she'll do it again. Seems like she's tuned in to baby energy. She's searching for more targets."
"They picked an ugly card this time." Neflyte decided out loud.
Jedite nodded. "Or they got the thing to activate with an ugly stick."
Brooke chuckled in spite of herself. "Talk about a savage beating!"
"Is there any way we can stop her?" Malachite asked with no hint of laughter in his voice. He still remembered the feeling of holding his daughter, and wouldn't want anything like this to happen to her.
Raye shook her head. "Not unless she appears again. Now that I've tuned in to her energy, I can keep an eye out for her, but we'll still have to be really careful."
"Got you, Raye." Lita nodded.
Mina chuckled. "Aren't you in luck, Serena? You've got an excuse to be with Darien."
"Oh didn't I tell everyone that he and I are finally going steady? Catch ya later." Serena meekly said. She knew full well that none of the others had any idea of the truth.
The youma teleport her to Darien's front door.
"I'm back Darien! Hey Jordan! Have you been a good boy?" Serena half groaned and half chuckled as she watched the little boy having fun pulling tissues out of a box. "Uh, Darien … a certain little boy is making a mess out of your tissue box and room."
"I know, but it's keeping him busy. Can you come in here Meatball Head?" Darien called out.
"Sure. He looks happy?" Serena's gasp quickly turned into a chuckle as Darien pulled her into his arms. "And I think that you look happy that I'm home … uh, I meant back."
"I think I like the former better than the latter." Darien huskily whispered as he tenderly kissed her lips. Quickly it grew hotter as Serena responded with equal hunger.
Darien regretted ending it, but he knew that they would be going into erotic territories if he didn't. "Mrs. Mori down the hall wanted you to come over and help her for a little bit when you came home."
"I'll be back later then. Love you muffin."
He stole a quick kiss before letting Serena out of his grasp. "I love you more my Meatball Head."
Five minutes after she left, Ann rang the doorbell.
"Hmm . . ." Darien knew that it couldn't be Serena, because his love didn't ring the bell while she was staying with him. "Come in."
"Hey, Darien. It's me. I heard you're on baby duty this week, and I thought I'd better see if you needed a hand with him. I'm really good with babies, you know?" Ann blabbered out. She sees Jordan pulling the tissues out of the box and picked him up. "Hey you, stop that."
Jordan didn't like it and started crying. "Yeah, I know you don't like it, but you can't go messing up Darien's nice, clean apartment, so it's time to shut up already."
"That's not a nice thing to say. Boy, you're a rude one." Jordan thought, and broke out in tears again.
"I'm warning you." Ann snapped quietly so Darien wouldn't hear her.
Darien looked in. He had started learning Jordan's different cries, but Serena was still better at it than him. "Oh, I think he needs to be changed. Could you do it?"
"Of course, Darien. I was just about to do that." She changed the diaper "There. All dry, so stop whining."
That was when she saw Serena's things nearby. "So, what are Serena's things doing here? She need a tutor or something and forgot something at home then decided to go get it?"
"No, she's staying over with me tonight to help with Jordan, and so her folks can have time to themselves." Darien called out.
"Oh so it's just a favor to her folks, huh." Ann was pushing for all the information she could get.
"Not really. We almost lost her twice on Marine Day. I'd rather have her near than at one of her girlfriend's houses." Darien explained as he gave Jordan a bottle, which quieted the little boy down.
"Oh, he's just the cutest little munchkin, don't you think, Darien? If you need anything else, I'll be glad to help. I love babies, and they love me. And at least I don't klutz like Serena. Okay, there." Ann rattled off as she picked up Jordan.
"She doesn't klutz that often anymore, and besides I want her here with me." Darien explained.
Ann brushed it off. "Oh, she tries to be miss perfect, but she'd never completely change. Now I have natural grace and charm. And this little guy knows it."
Jordan however had his own perspective on Ann. "What a phony. Why can't he see through her?"
Just then an air bubble hit and Jordan threw up on Ann. She saw red and shoved the baby back in Darien's arms. Just then Serena came home. "Hey Darien, how come the door was open?"
"Oh . . ." She took a step back when she saw Ann. 'I guess all that stuff he said in the hospital was a lie after all. He's not my guy.'
Ann turned around and stormed out. Serena called out worriedly – not for Ann, but for what she knew Ann really was. "Hey Ann, what's wrong?"
"Ann, wait. Don't go. Please, I don't want you to be mad." Darien called out, but Serena too it the wrong way. "You found someone else to help you with Jordan, haven't you? Fine. I'll take off. See ya 'round."
"No, Serena. Don't go." Darien stopped her.
Serena turned to him with such a hurt in her eyes that it gave Darien a near physical pain looking at her. "What's going on?"
Darien sighed. "Jordan threw up at her, and she got unglued."
But that hadn't been what Serena meant. "What is she? Your real girlfriend?"
"Of course not. What made you think that?" Darien asked.
Serena shook her head in anger. "You know, I don't care if she is. I've had it with the way you treat me! You can take care of Jordan by yourself! I'm outta here!"
Just then she looked over at Jordan and saw shocked! He had managed to stand himself up! "LOOK!"
"Huh?" Darien turned to look and gasped as well. "He's standing up! Woah!"
"Oh . . . oh . . ." Serena gasped as Jordan slowly took his first steps.
Darien was in shock. "I don't believe it!"
"You owe me ten bucks, pal." Serena hadn't forgotten their little wager. "Oh yes! Look at him! Ooh . . ."
Jordan made it over to the tissue box, sat down, and started to pull tissues out again – gurgling happily as he did. Serena giggled in joy. "We did it! He walked, Darien!"
Darien pulled Serena into his arms. "You did most of it my sweet! I love you Serena!"
Serena saw in his eyed that Darien was telling her the truth all along. Before it could go any further, Amy walked in. "Hey, what's going on?"
"Huh?" Darien looked over and settled Serena back on the ground, but didn't remove his arm from her.
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything." Amy asked.
"Amy, it was totally amazing! Jordan started to walk!" Serena cried out.
Darien added in after, "halfway across the room!"
"Wow, how great!" Amy was stunned. This baby had made a big change in Serena and Darien both. It was as if they were being given a glance of their future.
Darien proudly stood Jordan up. "Hey Jordan, why don't you show Amy how you can walk?"
"Yeah, do it again, little guy. Come on." Serena chuckled like a proud mother.
However this was not a social call Amy was on, this was a Scout call. She whispered into Serena's ear. "Serena, Sailor Scouts needed right away."
"Huh?"
Amy explained further. "Raye's got new readings. The Cardian's on the move."
"Uh, sorry, Dar. We gotta book it. Ha, ha." Serena tried hard to come up with an excuse.
"What?" Darien asked. He really wanted to keep her safe, but how could he when Serena was taking off all of the time?
Serena decided to go with a half-truth. "Raye needs mine and Amy's help. But, I'll be home as soon as I can."
"Alright. Just … Amy, can you make sure Serena is safe up to the apartment door? The police still haven't caught Francis yet."
Amy understood that. "Sure, I hope they find her soon. It would put all of our minds at ease. Bye, guys. Have fun."
But, before they walked out the door, Serena rushed back over and kissed Darien's lips. "I know you're my guy Darien. I was just afraid that you didn't love me anymore. And I will be home soon, muffin. Be good Jordan."
"Love you more, my Meatball Head." Darien said to her back as she and Amy rushed out of the room.
Neflyte however was taking care of his wife. Every battle one of the Generals stayed behind to keep her away from the fighting. This time happened to be Neflyte's turn.
Molly was sitting in the rocking chair in the nursery. This place always seemed to calm her.
"Hey babe. How are you feeling?"
She smiled softly. Molly had been feeling false contractions, which scared both her and Neflyte. Before they could start getting ready to go to the doctor, Jessica called to tell them what was wrong and for Molly to just relax.
"I felt the baby move."
Neflyte knelt at his wife's side. "Are you sure Molly?"
Molly nodded with a brighter smile on her face. "Yeah. Like a butterfly fluttering in my stomach."
Neflyte like it better when Molly was happy, but with her stirring hormones it was often hard to please his beloved. Yet, he wouldn't have changed a moment of his new life up to now. Their daughter was growing in his wife's belly, and he had another chance at life.
"Oh! Neflyte! I feel her moving again! Hurry!" Molly motioned for him to give her his hand.
She laid his hand just above her belly button and held it there as she closed her eyes. Unlike most humans, Neflyte could sense his daughter's presence strongly. However this time he felt through his hand what his wife felt … a fluttering … little Desiree was moving up against her mother's womb.
He smiled as he gently placed a kiss where his wife had rested his hand, and then looked lovingly into her eyes. "Our daughter. As strong willed as her mother, and I hope with all of your beauty my love."
"With your sense of honor and talents, my Neflyte."
A few days later, Serena and Darien were waiting in the lobby of his apartment building. "Oh, I'm sure glad Mrs. Winston's finally out of the hospital."
As if on cue, Mrs. Winston walked in. " Jordan, my little guy! It's your mommy."
She smiled up at the obvious couple. "I can't tell you how much I appreciate you taking care of Jordan while I was sick. I hope he wasn't too much trouble."
"He was great." Darien assured her. But he knew it would have been harder if he hadn't had Serena there.
"Yeah, but the poor little guy really missed his mommy." Serena smiled, and then bent down to Jordan's level. "Now you be a good boy and let your mommy get some rest."
Darien followed in his girl's example. "And I'll forgive you for not talking to me, Jordan, as long as you're still my very best buddy."
Serena loved this side of Darien. "Bye, bye Jordan."
But then Jordan amazed them both. "Bye, Darien."
"Hmm?!" Darien didn't want to believe his ears!
The Jordan looked over at Serena. "Meatball Head."
Serena was stunned. "Huh?!"
"Bye." Jordan called out as his mother pushed him away in his stroller.
The couple waved goodbye to Jordan and his mother, still stunned by the turn of events. Serena sighed. "Unbelievable."
"He said my name!" Darien said. He too was stunned.
They look at one another and cheer. "We're geniuses! We taught him how to walk and talk! All right!"
There, finally another chapter! I will get to work on the other one asap. I have to get chapter two out on my Umbra Clan story for my new Beta Reader fast. The Voltron fic is already partially up (8 chapters). Tell me how this is going. Or should I just drop this here?