Chapter 12
Trials
Mina knocked on Serena's door. There was no response. She knocked again and she heard Serena stumbled out of bed and growl about killing someone who dare interrupt her sleep.
"What?!" She snapped. Groggy, but fiery blue eyes peeked out at her.
Mina breezed by her. "Well good morning to you to sunshine."
"Sorry Mina. You know, late night and all." She grumbled and climbed back under the warm covers.
"Where is Caleb?" She asked. Serena pointed to the small travel size crib in the corner. She saw that Caleb was still sleeping as well. Like mother like son. She mused. "You mom wanted me to get your ass up. They said they are going to leave in an hour or so." Serena groaned. Mina yanked the covers off of her and saw Serena shiver in her night attire of white cotton bikini underwear and a tight white tank top. "Hey, what's that?" She asked and picked up a sliced up black shirt that was stuffed under the pillow.
Serena opened one eye and then both popped open. She snatched the cloth from her hands. "Nothing." She said quickly and got out of bed. Mina's curiosity was piped. She grabbed the shirt back from Serena and studied it.
"Hey, this is Darien's shirt. He had in on right after he de- transformed last night." She looked up at Serena who was avoiding her eyes. "Why do you have his shirt?" She asked suspiciously. Serena shrugged nervously and pulled her suitcase out from under the bed. Mina gasped. "NO!" She looked at Serena in horror. "Tell me you're not still SLEEPING with him! SERENA!" She screeched and Serena ran up to her and placed a hand over her mouth.
"Mina! Shut up! Do you want the whole resort to hear you?" She hissed, looking embarrassed. Mina yanked Serena's hand off of her mouth.
"Oh my GODS you ARE! You're sleeping with the enemy!" She said a little quieter. Dear gods, what is she thinking? She can't be THAT starved for sex. Darien was EVIL for goodness sakes!
"No! It's not like that! Mina, where are you going?" Mina was already heading to the door.
"I have to tell the others." Mina said and turned the knob. The girls are going to freak!
"NO!" Serena cried and threw her self at the door, blocking her escape. "Mina! PLEASE! Listen to me and I'll tell you everything, but you can't tell the girls. Mina, please?" Serena begged, tears gathering in her eyes.
Mina looked at her pleading friend and then sighed, stomping over to the bed. She paused. Nope, not the bed. She went over to a chair and looked at Serena. Serena nodded with a roll of her eyes. Mina slumped down and waited for her to spill.
~ ~ ~ ~
Serena told her everything. She looked at her friend who was sitting on the chair with her mouth open.
Maybe she should have left out all the gritty details.
"Mina? Are you okay?" She asked cautiously.
"I'll be fine." Mina squeaked out. "Just need to......breathe." She said and closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She opened her eyes. "Are you sure you know what you're doing? It all seems pretty risky with Caleb here and all. He could kidnap him and bargain for the crystal."
Serena sighed, the words hitting a sore spot with her. She was right. Caleb, he could take him and she would give up her crystal for him. Fear gripped her chest. This has to end. What a fool she was, messing with someone so unpredictable like Darien.
"Yes. I know Mina. This won't go any further." She promised. Caleb began crying and Serena picked him up.
"You know, I would have loved to see Darien all tied up and vulnerable. You should have taken a picture." Mina giggled and then glanced up sharply. "You should have used your wand on him!"
Serena's face paled. "Damn! I should have! Uhhh, how could I be so stupid?!" She screeched wanting to pull her hair out. This all could have ended last night. She growled. I could have had him back. Stupid stupid stupid stupid......
"Well, next time, remember. Come on, the others are waiting for us." Mina said and hauled Serena's bags up.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
**four days later**
Ami glanced over to Serena, who was reading Caleb naptime story.
"Comics aren't bedtime stories." Ami told her. Serena laughed.
"Sure they are. They have pictures and everything. Caleb likes comics. Huh sweetie?" She rubbed her face him his soft black hair. Mmmm, he smells like baby soap.
Ami phone rang. "Greg?" She heard her almost squeal. Serena looked up at her shy friend. Lita had told her about Greg and Ami, and she caught a glimpse of him when she healed him. He must really be something to take Ami away from her studies Serena mused and watched the happy expression on Ami turn to worry. "Where are you? The scouts and I can protect you." Protect? Greg was in trouble. "No Greg, don't hang up. Greg? Greg?" Ami slammed the phone down and grabbed her coat. "Come on Serena, this is scout business." Serena needed no further insistence. She gathered Caleb close to her and headed out.
After a quick stop at her parents to drop off Caleb, she and Ami went to the temple. The others waited for them.
"What's up Ami?" Lita asked.
"Greg called a little while ago. Darien is gathering up all the rainbow crystal holders for something. He only needs Greg and Raye's grandfather." She said in a rush.
"But what for? The holders have no power. Why would Beryl want them?" Serena asked Luna and Artemis.
"We don't know. The negaverse knows something we don't. But one thing's for sure, we have to stop him." Luna said. Artemis nodded along with her.
"Ami and I will search for Greg. You guys look for Darien." Lita said and she and Ami were out the door.
~ ~ ~ ~
Darien saw the boy from a distance hunched over and looking nervously about. A cold smile tugged at his mouth. Ah Greg, you can't hide from me. He transported him self in front of Greg. Greg didn't even notice him and ran smack dab into his chest.
Darien watched the young man stumble back. "Why hello Greg. So nice to see you. I presume you know why I'm here?" He mocked. Greg's dark brown eyes widened.
"Who are you? What do you want?" He demanded backing away.
Darien chuckled. "I thought those visions of yours would come in handy." He jeered. Greg stood tall.
"You're here to take me back to the negaverse." He said in realization.
"Good boy. Now, let's get into the crystal." He said and held out the dark crystal.
Greg backed away. "No. I predict that I'll get away, and you won't lay a finger on me." He said and turned to the street. "Help! Someone help me!" He cried out. Darien cursed and tried to grab the boy to keep him quite, but people surrounded him and blocked his way. Greg ran off.
He broke away from the crowed and followed the hunched bundle into the ally way. In the darkness, he saw Greg stumbled over trash cans and soggy boxes.
"Greg!" He heard some once say. Cautiously he floated up in the air and saw that two scouts were with Greg. Darien resisted the urge to growl. Those damn scouts were EVERYWHERE!
"Ah, Jupiter, Mercury. So nice to see you." He fought a scowl when he saw that Serena wasn't there. He rubbed his chin where she nicked him with his knife she still had.
"Don't do this Darien. We will fight you if you don't leave Greg alone." Jupiter said placing her tall body in front of Mercury and Greg.
"Please Jupiter." Darien scoffed and then looked back and connected eyes with Greg. "What are they? Your bodyguards now?" He snickered at him.
"Mercury, you go take Greg somewhere safe. I'll keep Darien busy." Jupiter said and took an attack pose.
Mercury hesitated, but she grabbed Greg hand and they disappeared in the cold night.
"I don't have time for this Jupiter." Darien said and placed his feet on the ground. He took a menacing step to her, but Jupiter's eyes narrowed.
"I hate to do this to you Darien. But you betrayed us." She aimed her attack at him and Darien moved quickly to the side. The attack breezed by him and he smirked.
"It that the best you can do?" He taunted and raised his fist and charged after her. She dodged the blows he gave her with ease. This is so boring. I could kill her right here and now. But he didn't really want to hurt the scout, that old responsibility to protect them came in to play. Damn, if only he could dismiss the call! He and Jupiter continued to spar.
"That's enough. I'm not here for you." He sneered and floated up in the air.
"What's the matter Darien? Afraid to lose to a girl?" Jupiter taunted him. Darien tossed a small black energy attack at her, and Jupiter ducked.
"Of course not. But I have more important things to do Jupiter." He said and then left to go find Mercury and Greg.
~ ~ ~ ~
Serena and the others walked down the slick sidewalks.
"Where could they be?" Raye said looking around.
"I don't know, but we have to find them." Serena said and rubbed her shoulders to keep from turning into an ice cube. What was Darien up to? The question kept running through her mind.
"Hey guys!" Called a voice belonging to Lita. They turned and saw she had transformed.
"Lita! Where's Ami? Did you find Greg?" Raye bombarded her with questions.
"I told her to take him somewhere safe. Come on, Darien is hot on their trail" Lita said and all of them ran to catch up with her.
~ ~ ~ ~
Darien had found them in a closed amusement park. They were talking quietly among them selves. He could tell from their expressions that it was an intimate subject. He jumped onto the cold Ferris Wheel and touched the energy panel. The lights blinked alive and the ride began to move. It was just to catch their attention, but unfortunately, it caught the other scouts attention as well for they all were in scout uniform. Prepared for battle. Well, he though a little humorously, everyone was ready for battle except Serena who was wailing about a cold draft blowing up her short skirt.
Mercury narrowed her eyes at him and blasted her bubble attack. Darien groaned with a roll of his eyes and shimmied to where Mercury was supposedly hiding. Greg stared wide eyed at him and Darien pushed Mercury out of the way.
"Some body guards Greg. They couldn't even protect you." He held out the crystal and energy rings surrounded him and sucked him in the dark crystal.
"No! Greg!" Mercury cried looking at Darien with ice cold hatred. He transformed himself into Tuxedo Mask and stood over the scouts with a smirk in his face. "Mercury Bubbles......blast!" She shot her bubbles at him, but he held out his cane and blew them away.
"That's the best you can do?" He mocked the small scout. Mercury charged after him, but he maneuvered out of the way, and turned, but not quick enough. Mercury was flipping over him. She grabbed the crystal from his hands. Shit. Darien made a dash of it.
"Never underestimate you enemy Darien. Beryl is a bad teacher." It was her turn to taunt him and she broke the crystal. He watched the black crystal shatter in a million pieces on the cold, icy sidewalk.
"No!" All his hard work down the frekin' drain! He watched as all of the crystal holders fell to the ground unconscious.
"Mercury Bubbles.......blast!" Her attack was joined by Jupiter's attack. It was coming to fast for him to dodge. Pain exploded through out his body and paralyzed him. He closed his eyes, trying to phase out and return to the negaverse, but the attacks held him tight.
"Moon healing activation!" He opened his eyes and saw Serena aim her own attack at him. He sucked in his breath as a thousand sensations ran through out his body and through his mind. Memories assaulted his brain. He saw the first time he met Serena on the street and the first time he saved the scouts. He remembered the night where he and Sailor Moon made love in the alley and when he saw his young son for the first time. Laughter, happiness, completeness, love, all these feelings surrounded him and he felt the power of the negaverse scatter away from him. Exhausted he fell to his knees and then down on the ground. He wanted to stay awake, but drowsiness overcame him and he was out.
~ ~ ~ ~
Serena started running to where Darien fell to the ground. She wanted to explode with happiness, but her bubble burst when dark energy surrounded Darien.
"No!" She screamed and ran faster, but she was too late. Once again her love was taken from her. She dropped to the cold ground trying to hold back her tears. Her eyes burned and her chest felt like it was squeezing shut. Anger built up in her and she snapped. "FUCKING BITCH!" She screamed as loud as she could. She was never one to cuss like that, but she never hated someone as much as she hated Beryl. The emotion burned through her, almost bitterly. Blood lust pounded through out her whole being. She wanted to kill her. She wanted to make her suffer over and over again until she died. She didn't trust her self and it scared her. "I'll find you Beryl and you won't live to see another day." She vowed viciously.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
A few days later, Luna and Artemis told them they found a way to the negaverse.
"It's in an abandoned building just south of here. We were suspicious of that place for a ling time." Luna told them.
"Then what are we waiting for?" Serena said and jumped up. Caleb was at her parents' house for 'grandparent's day'. Or so her mom had told her. It almost hurt to look at her small son because every time she did, sadness and hatred flared. She knew Caleb felt it as well and she didn't want him to feel scared of his own mother. I'll have him back. She had promised him one night when Caleb was sleeping. And now was the time to fulfill that promise.
A while later, she and the scouts ended up on the broken part of town where various rundown buildings were. They followed Luna and Artemis to one. Jupiter blasted open the entrance. They all stepped in and shivered. This place was crawling with evil, they felt it. It opened up into a jagged cave. Slowly and carefully they started down the dark cave. Green vespers licked at their skin.
"This isn't right." Venus said looking around.
"How right you are." Came a cold arrogant voice. The green vespers solidified in to the tall figure of Kunzite. "So nice to see you again scouts. I assume you came to hand over the crystal?"
"Dream on surfer boy." Jupiter said and they all placed themselves in front of Serena.
"I have no time for this. What makes you thing you can beat us again? Queen Serenity couldn't and neither can you." He growled and aimed a quick attack at them. They all dodged out of the way and the dark energy knocked Serena's wand out of her hand.
"No! My wand!" She tried to grab it while it was sailing away from her, but Kunzite knocked away her hand and went for it. Serena felt dread befall on her. He can't get the wand!
The wand glowed and turned. The handle hit Kunzites hand and floated over to Serena, She snatched it quickly. Power hummed in the wand and Serena stared at in, wondering what was happening. Bright light flashed and she felt her self falling and heard the scouts screaming.
Strangely, Serena knew what was going to happen. The scouts were going to see their last days on the Moon Kingdom. It was time to meet their destiny. They all fell hard on a cold and dusty surface. Serena blinked, rubbing the dust out of her eyes. Shakily, she stood up and scanned the place. Home. She was at her destroyed home. Pillars of white marble were cracked. She saddened. This place use to be so full of life and laughter, now it was a cold wasteland. A flash of light caught her attention and she turned to see what it was. A white orb looking thing descended from the sky. She saw a small person in it.
"Mother." She breathed and sniffed back tears as Queen Serenity looked up at her. Her eyes were so warm and dark.
"Hello daughter." She greeted and all Serena could do was nod acknowledgment. Her mother looked up at the scouts. "Since you're here, that means it is time to tell you what happened in the last days." She began. Serena and her friends listened as her mother recounted the last days when everyone was happy. After a while, the story was finished and they all were transported back to the cave. Ragged cries caught their attention and they watched horrified at Kunzite shot a dark attack at Luna and Artemis. Their beloved guardians collapsed, dirty and broken.
"This is low even for you." Jupiter spat at him and Serena and Venus ran to save their cats.
Luna said something to her, but Serena couldn't understand her. Then Luna went limp in her arms.
"They should have minded their own business." Kunzite lifted his hands and two white bladed appeared in his hand. He threw them at the scouts. Serena felt the hit metal slice through her flesh. The scouts surrounded her. Determination glinted in her eyes. She felt the scouts power surround her, trying to keep her from harm, but Kunzites blades sliced through the vulnerable scouts and one by one, they fell to the ground in exhaustion. Serena watched in ache as they went unconscious. She looked up to see Kunzite gloating. The fires of her hatred burned deep in the pit of her stomach and she raised her wand. She felt the crystal grow hot from all the power she was putting into it, then with a ragged cry, she aimed the white beam of her moon crystal at Kunzite. His eyes widened and soon, his whole body almost exploded into a million sparking pieces. She dropped to her knees a fought the blackness that threatened her vision. Her whole body hummed with the power the crystal let off. She blinked and then stood up on shaky legs. Only one more to go.
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The next day, after everyone was healed, they all stood outside Raye's temple. Luna and Artemis were wrapped in bandages from tail to nose, but were strong enough to tell the scouts what they had found. Serena sulked, they had to go in the cold again? This sucked. Caleb shifted in her arms, trying to find more warmth. She looked down at her sleeping son. It was for him she was willing to do everything in her power to save the world. She felt a sense of danger looming ahead. Tears fell from her eyes. She hoped she survived this.
The scouts all transformed and Serena sighed and looked at Luna. Luna nodded and turned into a human. She gently placed her precious son in Luna's arms, feeling her heart break.
"You'll keep him safe won't you Luna? If I don't come back.........please say you'll take care of him and explain to my family." Serena pleaded.
Luna was speechless. She wanted to think everything would be okay, that Serena and the girls would come back alive and safe. But that was a dream thought. She knew of the danger that girls were about to face. So she nodded and looked down so Serena couldn't see her tears. She felt Serena hesitate, but she transformed and joined the others. She watched them gather in a circle and teleport. Caleb's eyes opened just then, and tears sprouted. He let out a wail. Luna felt the connection with his mom be severed. Serena let him go for now. Just for now, Luna thought and looked up at the sky.
"Selene, watch over them." She whispered.
~ ~ ~ ~
They all landed on a cold tundra of ice. Winds sliced through them, and whipped their hair all over. Mercury pulled out her trusty computer and did a scan.
"Help me Sailor Moon." Said a ragged voice. Serena looked up to see Tuxedo Mask hanging from ropes. His clothes were tattered and his face was worn. Serena gasped and ran to him, but Jupiter jumped on her and tackled her to the ground.
"No Sailor Moon, it's a trap!" She told her. Serena felt the coldness of the snow seep into her clothes and she looked up at Tuxedo Mask. His lips twisted into a evil smile and then he changed into a woman yomen dressed in scanty clothes.
"Well done scouts, I see didn't fool you." She hissed and sent thorny vines at them. Jupiter rolled them out of the way, but the vines caught around her waist. Serena held Jupiter close to her, but Jupiter was yanked out of her grasp. She let out a cry and the vines wrapped themselves all around Jupiter's tall body. Serena and the scouts were helpless. But Serena saw determination in Jupiter's eyes. Serena watched in horror as Jupiter called out her power.
"No!" Serena screamed and ran to try to help her, but the scouts all held her back. With tears in her eyes, Jupiter's whole body lit up and she and the yomen crashed to the ground in a gaping hole. And then, Serena felt her link with Jupiter disappear.
"No! Jupiter!" Serena let out a painful moan. Shatter.
"We can't let this stop us. We have to go." Raye told her with a tearful voice. Mercury edged closer to the gaping hole where Jupiter was taken. Red flashed and she gasped and stepped back quickly. Red fireballs shot out from the hole.
"One down, three more to go." Gloated another yomen and aimed a fireball at Mercury. She fought it with her bubble attack. Both powers collided and wiped both of them out. Another link was gone. Shatter.
Serena tore away from Raye and ran to where Ami was taken. She let out another cry of despair. They were both gone. Everything happened so suddenly. More tears mounted. How could they both be gone? I was just talking to them two minutes ago. She sunk to her knees, feeling so very defeated. She was so tired.
"Sailor Moon watch out!" Screamed Venus. Serena turned to her, but Venus knocked her out of the way. Serena landed in the cold snow and turned suddenly to see ice clamp around Venus's waist and propel her up.
"No!" Serena tried to scream, but her voice was so weak. She saw Venus writhing in pain. Then the platform Venus was caught in jolted down and took her into another gaping hole. She saw flashed of light, and a scream, and then Venus's link was gone as well. Shatter.
She didn't know what to feel anymore. Three lives were gone.
"Serena?" It was Mars's hesitant voice. Serena looked up at her last remaining friend. Mars grabbed her hand. "Serena, I think you were meant to battle Beryl by yourself." She whispered to her. Serena saw the flash of fear in her friend's eyes.
"No Mars! I won't let her take you also." Serena threw herself at her friend. Mars hugged her back, but then let go.
"It has to be this way Serena." She paused and then took a deep breath. Serena was powerless to stop her friend. Mars walked to a waiting yomen. The yomen moved fast, and took Mars with her yet another gaping hole. Serena ran weakly to the hole, but she was so broken, she landed on her knees. She felt the heat of Mars's attacks and then her link was gone as well. Shatter.
SHATTERED. She felt so shattered. All of her best friends were gone so that she could live. She didn't feel the need to cry anymore. She was all out of tears, but she wasn't out of hatred. Her eyes narrowed. Her once innocent blue eyes were tainted with death. She looked to the far distance where she felt Beryl's power. A red orb looking thing was racing to her. She stood up and the orb connected with her and carted her off to meet the evil Queen. It was time to make Beryl pay for everything.
She skidded to a stop. A little dazed, she looked around. Where the hell was she? The place was so cold and empty.
"Finally, the princess has arrived." Said a cold, almost slithering voice. Serena resisted the urge to shiver. She saw a shadow and soon, a light shined on her. Beryl stood in front of her with an ugly purple dress on and a staff in her hand. Serena felt all the bitterness, hatred and sadness from her past bubble up. Then the light widened and Serena saw Darien dressed as Prince Endymion bowing over Beryl's ugly pale hand. Serena sucked in her breath, the sight making her feel sick to her stomach.
"Darien." She managed to croak out his name.
"Prince Endymion belongs to me now Princess." Beryl said with a cackle, then turned to Darien. "Kill her." She ordered. Serena took a step back when rose to obey the order. He raised his sword and charged at her. Serena pulled out her wand and aimed her healing attack at him. He stopped, and looked at her blankly. The magic had no effect on him. "I told you, he belongs to me now. Nothing you can do can sway him." Beryl taunted.
"No, Darien." Serena choked out, her throat tight with a stifled sob.
"It's been fun Sailor Moon." He sneered at her and charged again, raising his heavy sword. She knew what she had to do, but it pained her to do so. She threw her tiara it him. It sliced across his stomach. He dropped his sword and fell to one knee. He was breathing hard, but Beryl barked another command and he picked up his sword and raised it over his head. "Die Sailor Moon!"
Serena bowed her head, and then reached into her subspace pocket and pulled out the locket. Please let this work she silently pleaded.
"She may have your mind," She looked up at Darien, "But your heart still belongs to me." She said with tears in her eyes, begging him. She held out the locket and the top opened and the sweet melody filled the room. She saw a spark of memory in his void eyes. "All you have to do is touch it." She said in a whisper. He lowered his sword, the song beckoning him closer. He reached out a tentative hand and touched the glass face of the locket. The light of the crystal latched on his fingers and spread out through his whole body. She watched him as the dark magic scattered out of him. His heavy sword clambered to the ground. He feel to his knees and then on her. She caught him in her arms. "Darien?" He groaned and she hugged him, feeling so much relief and love for him as she cradled him. She grasped his face between her hands and looked into his eyes. Familiar, loving eyes. She drowned in the love he was showing her. "You're free." She murmured and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. She pulled back and he blinked.
"Serena." Her name rolled off his lips. The sound sent shivers through her body. It had been so long since he said her name with warmth.
"No! Endymion belongs to me!" Beryl ranted. Serena looked up and saw a sharp, dark crystal flying at her. Darien turned from her and sent one of his roses. It sliced through the crystal and shattered it. The fragments were still sailing at them and Darien shielded her from them with his body and cape. The small pieces cut through his body.
"No." She let out a moan when blood pooled at her place on the ground. She caught Darien's weak body. She let her head drop on his. He was going to leave her too. "You fool." She whispered to him. He looked back up at her and gave her a small smile.
"I'll find a way back to you." He promised with the last of his strength. Serena couldn't help her tears. She kissed him softly on his head.
"I'll let you call me meatball head." She told him before he breathed his last breath. She held his body for a while, not really wanting to leave him, but the ground started shaking. She left him then. Beryl waited outside for her. Serena was a little intimidated by the size of her, but she thought off all her friends and Darien. She thought of her parents. But most of all, she thought of Caleb. All these people gave her strength, and she wouldn't let them down. Beryl shot a dark attack at her and ice surrounded her. She closed her eyes and called on the power of the crystal. The warm white light protected her and she felt her past self step through. Their souls intertwined and she became Serenity. Now, she stood on a tall platform, crystal in hand.
"Pitiful Princess Serenity." Beryl spat at her.
You can do this Serena. Everyone's counting on you She heard Luna in her heart. Serena nodded and gathered her energy.
Hey Serena, I'll help you with this assignment Ami said with a soft laugh, and she felt Ami's power combine with hers.
You're so stubborn. Let us help or I'll never speak to you again Raye said with a pout. Serena smiled, and Raye joined in.
Yeah, let us help put her away. Still have a lot of guys to meet.Lita said with a wink and she joined.
Let us help Serena, who's going to be there when you need to go shopping? Mina giggled and she joined.
Serena felt happy, her friend's weren't gone. She did need them.
Mercury Power!
Mars Power!
Jupiter Power!
Venus Power!
"Moon Cosmic Power---- Unite!" Serena called out and drained all the powers and sent a powerful pink attack at Beryl's own attack. They collided. Serena put everything she had into it and soon, Beryl cried out and disintegrated. The crystal shattered and Serena fell to the ground.
She was dead, she knew it. She kept falling and falling and then she landed gently on a white marble floor. Confused, she looked up to see her mother, Queen Serenity sitting on a throne.
"Mother, what's going on?" She asked. The Queen smiled and stood up from her throne.
"You defeated her. I'm so proud of you Serena." She said and gathered Serena on a hug. She stepped away from her. "You know, I'm not really supposed to do this, but here." She held out a white looking orb thing. "What do you want Serena?" The Queen asked softly.
"To live as a normal teenager." Serena whispered to her. The Queen smiled.
"It shall be done Daughter. But you have to know, you'll be called again. Enjoy being normal for this short time."
Serena knew asking to be normal was a big favor. Well, she thought, it's better than nothing. She nodded and touched the orb.
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"Mina we're late!" Serena hollered through the apartment tugging on her shoes.
"Hey, this is volunteer work! They can wait!" Mina called back.
"But we'll miss the orientation!" Serena yelled back. Man, she needed to quit procrastinating. They were due at the hospital in ten minutes and they still had to drop Caleb off at the nursery.
"Done!" Mina said and grabbed our purses and Serena grabbed Caleb and they went outside to Mina's car. Serena strapped Caleb in tightly. Serena loved Mina, but she drove like a freakin' maniac! They were at the nursery in no time and she dropped her beautiful son off and then they were zooming down the street to the hospital. Breathless from running to the entrance, both girls stumbled in. The nurse directed them to a small room where other candy stripers waited. They sighed in relief when they realized that they weren't late. Soon, an elderly nurse came in and briefed them on their duties. Serena and Mina were paired up together.
"First room 220. This chart says that this guy was found unconscious on the street with a blow to his head. We have to check on him. See if he wants anything to eat or drink." Mina said. She opened the door. A young man with jet black hair sat up in his bed, reading something. He had a bandage on his head.
"Hello. I'm Serena, a hospital volunteer. This is Mina." Serena chirped. The young man looked up from his book in an annoyed manner. Serena sucked in her breath. He looked so much like.............but how can that be? She never met that man before. Was he the one she had that one night stand with? Truly, Serena never really thought of herself as the one night stand people. But that night, she and Mina went to some party and she woke up alone in a foreign bed. Nine months later, she had a son. Serena shrugged, not wanting to think about it.
"Hi, no offence, but you're hair looks like a pair of meatballs!" He said with a wicked smile no man should have. Jeeze, Serena, you just met the guy and your ready to jump his bones. She narrowed her eyes at him.
"What did you say?" She asked giving him the 'evil eye'. She heard Mina gulp behind her.
"Maybe I should call you meatball head instead of Serena." He drawled. Oh the nerve of the guy! Mina held her arm to keep her from charging at him.
"Why you little......" Serena started after him, but Mina grabbed her arm.
"Uh Serena, why don't you get him something to drink." Mina interrupted her. Serena gave one last glare at the young man.
"Prick!" She yelled at him before she left to get him something to drink. Jeeze, first day there and I'm ready to quit. That jerk! I'll show him Meatball head................
~ ~ ~ ~
Luna and Artemis sat on the balcony, looking down at the bustling city. She saw Mina's car pull in. Serena unbuckled Caleb's car seat and slammed the door.
"Hey, my car didn't call you meatball head Serena." Mina told her giving her 'baby' a little pat on the hood.
"I can't believe that guy! He has the nerve to insult me the first day I'm there!" Serena fumed. Luna and Artemis looked at one another.
"Well, it seems Serena and Darien found each other quickly." Luna mused looking back down at the girls entering the building.
Artemis laughed. "Things are almost back to normal." He said with a shake of his head.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
AN: I was originally going to leave it off here, but it was a major cliff hanger. So I'll add more chapters, you know, through the whole process of Darien regaining his memories. Then after the doom tree serious it will be a finished work....................again sorry it took so long. Hope you liked it, review me please...........KISSES *muh*
Mina knocked on Serena's door. There was no response. She knocked again and she heard Serena stumbled out of bed and growl about killing someone who dare interrupt her sleep.
"What?!" She snapped. Groggy, but fiery blue eyes peeked out at her.
Mina breezed by her. "Well good morning to you to sunshine."
"Sorry Mina. You know, late night and all." She grumbled and climbed back under the warm covers.
"Where is Caleb?" She asked. Serena pointed to the small travel size crib in the corner. She saw that Caleb was still sleeping as well. Like mother like son. She mused. "You mom wanted me to get your ass up. They said they are going to leave in an hour or so." Serena groaned. Mina yanked the covers off of her and saw Serena shiver in her night attire of white cotton bikini underwear and a tight white tank top. "Hey, what's that?" She asked and picked up a sliced up black shirt that was stuffed under the pillow.
Serena opened one eye and then both popped open. She snatched the cloth from her hands. "Nothing." She said quickly and got out of bed. Mina's curiosity was piped. She grabbed the shirt back from Serena and studied it.
"Hey, this is Darien's shirt. He had in on right after he de- transformed last night." She looked up at Serena who was avoiding her eyes. "Why do you have his shirt?" She asked suspiciously. Serena shrugged nervously and pulled her suitcase out from under the bed. Mina gasped. "NO!" She looked at Serena in horror. "Tell me you're not still SLEEPING with him! SERENA!" She screeched and Serena ran up to her and placed a hand over her mouth.
"Mina! Shut up! Do you want the whole resort to hear you?" She hissed, looking embarrassed. Mina yanked Serena's hand off of her mouth.
"Oh my GODS you ARE! You're sleeping with the enemy!" She said a little quieter. Dear gods, what is she thinking? She can't be THAT starved for sex. Darien was EVIL for goodness sakes!
"No! It's not like that! Mina, where are you going?" Mina was already heading to the door.
"I have to tell the others." Mina said and turned the knob. The girls are going to freak!
"NO!" Serena cried and threw her self at the door, blocking her escape. "Mina! PLEASE! Listen to me and I'll tell you everything, but you can't tell the girls. Mina, please?" Serena begged, tears gathering in her eyes.
Mina looked at her pleading friend and then sighed, stomping over to the bed. She paused. Nope, not the bed. She went over to a chair and looked at Serena. Serena nodded with a roll of her eyes. Mina slumped down and waited for her to spill.
~ ~ ~ ~
Serena told her everything. She looked at her friend who was sitting on the chair with her mouth open.
Maybe she should have left out all the gritty details.
"Mina? Are you okay?" She asked cautiously.
"I'll be fine." Mina squeaked out. "Just need to......breathe." She said and closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She opened her eyes. "Are you sure you know what you're doing? It all seems pretty risky with Caleb here and all. He could kidnap him and bargain for the crystal."
Serena sighed, the words hitting a sore spot with her. She was right. Caleb, he could take him and she would give up her crystal for him. Fear gripped her chest. This has to end. What a fool she was, messing with someone so unpredictable like Darien.
"Yes. I know Mina. This won't go any further." She promised. Caleb began crying and Serena picked him up.
"You know, I would have loved to see Darien all tied up and vulnerable. You should have taken a picture." Mina giggled and then glanced up sharply. "You should have used your wand on him!"
Serena's face paled. "Damn! I should have! Uhhh, how could I be so stupid?!" She screeched wanting to pull her hair out. This all could have ended last night. She growled. I could have had him back. Stupid stupid stupid stupid......
"Well, next time, remember. Come on, the others are waiting for us." Mina said and hauled Serena's bags up.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
**four days later**
Ami glanced over to Serena, who was reading Caleb naptime story.
"Comics aren't bedtime stories." Ami told her. Serena laughed.
"Sure they are. They have pictures and everything. Caleb likes comics. Huh sweetie?" She rubbed her face him his soft black hair. Mmmm, he smells like baby soap.
Ami phone rang. "Greg?" She heard her almost squeal. Serena looked up at her shy friend. Lita had told her about Greg and Ami, and she caught a glimpse of him when she healed him. He must really be something to take Ami away from her studies Serena mused and watched the happy expression on Ami turn to worry. "Where are you? The scouts and I can protect you." Protect? Greg was in trouble. "No Greg, don't hang up. Greg? Greg?" Ami slammed the phone down and grabbed her coat. "Come on Serena, this is scout business." Serena needed no further insistence. She gathered Caleb close to her and headed out.
After a quick stop at her parents to drop off Caleb, she and Ami went to the temple. The others waited for them.
"What's up Ami?" Lita asked.
"Greg called a little while ago. Darien is gathering up all the rainbow crystal holders for something. He only needs Greg and Raye's grandfather." She said in a rush.
"But what for? The holders have no power. Why would Beryl want them?" Serena asked Luna and Artemis.
"We don't know. The negaverse knows something we don't. But one thing's for sure, we have to stop him." Luna said. Artemis nodded along with her.
"Ami and I will search for Greg. You guys look for Darien." Lita said and she and Ami were out the door.
~ ~ ~ ~
Darien saw the boy from a distance hunched over and looking nervously about. A cold smile tugged at his mouth. Ah Greg, you can't hide from me. He transported him self in front of Greg. Greg didn't even notice him and ran smack dab into his chest.
Darien watched the young man stumble back. "Why hello Greg. So nice to see you. I presume you know why I'm here?" He mocked. Greg's dark brown eyes widened.
"Who are you? What do you want?" He demanded backing away.
Darien chuckled. "I thought those visions of yours would come in handy." He jeered. Greg stood tall.
"You're here to take me back to the negaverse." He said in realization.
"Good boy. Now, let's get into the crystal." He said and held out the dark crystal.
Greg backed away. "No. I predict that I'll get away, and you won't lay a finger on me." He said and turned to the street. "Help! Someone help me!" He cried out. Darien cursed and tried to grab the boy to keep him quite, but people surrounded him and blocked his way. Greg ran off.
He broke away from the crowed and followed the hunched bundle into the ally way. In the darkness, he saw Greg stumbled over trash cans and soggy boxes.
"Greg!" He heard some once say. Cautiously he floated up in the air and saw that two scouts were with Greg. Darien resisted the urge to growl. Those damn scouts were EVERYWHERE!
"Ah, Jupiter, Mercury. So nice to see you." He fought a scowl when he saw that Serena wasn't there. He rubbed his chin where she nicked him with his knife she still had.
"Don't do this Darien. We will fight you if you don't leave Greg alone." Jupiter said placing her tall body in front of Mercury and Greg.
"Please Jupiter." Darien scoffed and then looked back and connected eyes with Greg. "What are they? Your bodyguards now?" He snickered at him.
"Mercury, you go take Greg somewhere safe. I'll keep Darien busy." Jupiter said and took an attack pose.
Mercury hesitated, but she grabbed Greg hand and they disappeared in the cold night.
"I don't have time for this Jupiter." Darien said and placed his feet on the ground. He took a menacing step to her, but Jupiter's eyes narrowed.
"I hate to do this to you Darien. But you betrayed us." She aimed her attack at him and Darien moved quickly to the side. The attack breezed by him and he smirked.
"It that the best you can do?" He taunted and raised his fist and charged after her. She dodged the blows he gave her with ease. This is so boring. I could kill her right here and now. But he didn't really want to hurt the scout, that old responsibility to protect them came in to play. Damn, if only he could dismiss the call! He and Jupiter continued to spar.
"That's enough. I'm not here for you." He sneered and floated up in the air.
"What's the matter Darien? Afraid to lose to a girl?" Jupiter taunted him. Darien tossed a small black energy attack at her, and Jupiter ducked.
"Of course not. But I have more important things to do Jupiter." He said and then left to go find Mercury and Greg.
~ ~ ~ ~
Serena and the others walked down the slick sidewalks.
"Where could they be?" Raye said looking around.
"I don't know, but we have to find them." Serena said and rubbed her shoulders to keep from turning into an ice cube. What was Darien up to? The question kept running through her mind.
"Hey guys!" Called a voice belonging to Lita. They turned and saw she had transformed.
"Lita! Where's Ami? Did you find Greg?" Raye bombarded her with questions.
"I told her to take him somewhere safe. Come on, Darien is hot on their trail" Lita said and all of them ran to catch up with her.
~ ~ ~ ~
Darien had found them in a closed amusement park. They were talking quietly among them selves. He could tell from their expressions that it was an intimate subject. He jumped onto the cold Ferris Wheel and touched the energy panel. The lights blinked alive and the ride began to move. It was just to catch their attention, but unfortunately, it caught the other scouts attention as well for they all were in scout uniform. Prepared for battle. Well, he though a little humorously, everyone was ready for battle except Serena who was wailing about a cold draft blowing up her short skirt.
Mercury narrowed her eyes at him and blasted her bubble attack. Darien groaned with a roll of his eyes and shimmied to where Mercury was supposedly hiding. Greg stared wide eyed at him and Darien pushed Mercury out of the way.
"Some body guards Greg. They couldn't even protect you." He held out the crystal and energy rings surrounded him and sucked him in the dark crystal.
"No! Greg!" Mercury cried looking at Darien with ice cold hatred. He transformed himself into Tuxedo Mask and stood over the scouts with a smirk in his face. "Mercury Bubbles......blast!" She shot her bubbles at him, but he held out his cane and blew them away.
"That's the best you can do?" He mocked the small scout. Mercury charged after him, but he maneuvered out of the way, and turned, but not quick enough. Mercury was flipping over him. She grabbed the crystal from his hands. Shit. Darien made a dash of it.
"Never underestimate you enemy Darien. Beryl is a bad teacher." It was her turn to taunt him and she broke the crystal. He watched the black crystal shatter in a million pieces on the cold, icy sidewalk.
"No!" All his hard work down the frekin' drain! He watched as all of the crystal holders fell to the ground unconscious.
"Mercury Bubbles.......blast!" Her attack was joined by Jupiter's attack. It was coming to fast for him to dodge. Pain exploded through out his body and paralyzed him. He closed his eyes, trying to phase out and return to the negaverse, but the attacks held him tight.
"Moon healing activation!" He opened his eyes and saw Serena aim her own attack at him. He sucked in his breath as a thousand sensations ran through out his body and through his mind. Memories assaulted his brain. He saw the first time he met Serena on the street and the first time he saved the scouts. He remembered the night where he and Sailor Moon made love in the alley and when he saw his young son for the first time. Laughter, happiness, completeness, love, all these feelings surrounded him and he felt the power of the negaverse scatter away from him. Exhausted he fell to his knees and then down on the ground. He wanted to stay awake, but drowsiness overcame him and he was out.
~ ~ ~ ~
Serena started running to where Darien fell to the ground. She wanted to explode with happiness, but her bubble burst when dark energy surrounded Darien.
"No!" She screamed and ran faster, but she was too late. Once again her love was taken from her. She dropped to the cold ground trying to hold back her tears. Her eyes burned and her chest felt like it was squeezing shut. Anger built up in her and she snapped. "FUCKING BITCH!" She screamed as loud as she could. She was never one to cuss like that, but she never hated someone as much as she hated Beryl. The emotion burned through her, almost bitterly. Blood lust pounded through out her whole being. She wanted to kill her. She wanted to make her suffer over and over again until she died. She didn't trust her self and it scared her. "I'll find you Beryl and you won't live to see another day." She vowed viciously.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
A few days later, Luna and Artemis told them they found a way to the negaverse.
"It's in an abandoned building just south of here. We were suspicious of that place for a ling time." Luna told them.
"Then what are we waiting for?" Serena said and jumped up. Caleb was at her parents' house for 'grandparent's day'. Or so her mom had told her. It almost hurt to look at her small son because every time she did, sadness and hatred flared. She knew Caleb felt it as well and she didn't want him to feel scared of his own mother. I'll have him back. She had promised him one night when Caleb was sleeping. And now was the time to fulfill that promise.
A while later, she and the scouts ended up on the broken part of town where various rundown buildings were. They followed Luna and Artemis to one. Jupiter blasted open the entrance. They all stepped in and shivered. This place was crawling with evil, they felt it. It opened up into a jagged cave. Slowly and carefully they started down the dark cave. Green vespers licked at their skin.
"This isn't right." Venus said looking around.
"How right you are." Came a cold arrogant voice. The green vespers solidified in to the tall figure of Kunzite. "So nice to see you again scouts. I assume you came to hand over the crystal?"
"Dream on surfer boy." Jupiter said and they all placed themselves in front of Serena.
"I have no time for this. What makes you thing you can beat us again? Queen Serenity couldn't and neither can you." He growled and aimed a quick attack at them. They all dodged out of the way and the dark energy knocked Serena's wand out of her hand.
"No! My wand!" She tried to grab it while it was sailing away from her, but Kunzite knocked away her hand and went for it. Serena felt dread befall on her. He can't get the wand!
The wand glowed and turned. The handle hit Kunzites hand and floated over to Serena, She snatched it quickly. Power hummed in the wand and Serena stared at in, wondering what was happening. Bright light flashed and she felt her self falling and heard the scouts screaming.
Strangely, Serena knew what was going to happen. The scouts were going to see their last days on the Moon Kingdom. It was time to meet their destiny. They all fell hard on a cold and dusty surface. Serena blinked, rubbing the dust out of her eyes. Shakily, she stood up and scanned the place. Home. She was at her destroyed home. Pillars of white marble were cracked. She saddened. This place use to be so full of life and laughter, now it was a cold wasteland. A flash of light caught her attention and she turned to see what it was. A white orb looking thing descended from the sky. She saw a small person in it.
"Mother." She breathed and sniffed back tears as Queen Serenity looked up at her. Her eyes were so warm and dark.
"Hello daughter." She greeted and all Serena could do was nod acknowledgment. Her mother looked up at the scouts. "Since you're here, that means it is time to tell you what happened in the last days." She began. Serena and her friends listened as her mother recounted the last days when everyone was happy. After a while, the story was finished and they all were transported back to the cave. Ragged cries caught their attention and they watched horrified at Kunzite shot a dark attack at Luna and Artemis. Their beloved guardians collapsed, dirty and broken.
"This is low even for you." Jupiter spat at him and Serena and Venus ran to save their cats.
Luna said something to her, but Serena couldn't understand her. Then Luna went limp in her arms.
"They should have minded their own business." Kunzite lifted his hands and two white bladed appeared in his hand. He threw them at the scouts. Serena felt the hit metal slice through her flesh. The scouts surrounded her. Determination glinted in her eyes. She felt the scouts power surround her, trying to keep her from harm, but Kunzites blades sliced through the vulnerable scouts and one by one, they fell to the ground in exhaustion. Serena watched in ache as they went unconscious. She looked up to see Kunzite gloating. The fires of her hatred burned deep in the pit of her stomach and she raised her wand. She felt the crystal grow hot from all the power she was putting into it, then with a ragged cry, she aimed the white beam of her moon crystal at Kunzite. His eyes widened and soon, his whole body almost exploded into a million sparking pieces. She dropped to her knees a fought the blackness that threatened her vision. Her whole body hummed with the power the crystal let off. She blinked and then stood up on shaky legs. Only one more to go.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The next day, after everyone was healed, they all stood outside Raye's temple. Luna and Artemis were wrapped in bandages from tail to nose, but were strong enough to tell the scouts what they had found. Serena sulked, they had to go in the cold again? This sucked. Caleb shifted in her arms, trying to find more warmth. She looked down at her sleeping son. It was for him she was willing to do everything in her power to save the world. She felt a sense of danger looming ahead. Tears fell from her eyes. She hoped she survived this.
The scouts all transformed and Serena sighed and looked at Luna. Luna nodded and turned into a human. She gently placed her precious son in Luna's arms, feeling her heart break.
"You'll keep him safe won't you Luna? If I don't come back.........please say you'll take care of him and explain to my family." Serena pleaded.
Luna was speechless. She wanted to think everything would be okay, that Serena and the girls would come back alive and safe. But that was a dream thought. She knew of the danger that girls were about to face. So she nodded and looked down so Serena couldn't see her tears. She felt Serena hesitate, but she transformed and joined the others. She watched them gather in a circle and teleport. Caleb's eyes opened just then, and tears sprouted. He let out a wail. Luna felt the connection with his mom be severed. Serena let him go for now. Just for now, Luna thought and looked up at the sky.
"Selene, watch over them." She whispered.
~ ~ ~ ~
They all landed on a cold tundra of ice. Winds sliced through them, and whipped their hair all over. Mercury pulled out her trusty computer and did a scan.
"Help me Sailor Moon." Said a ragged voice. Serena looked up to see Tuxedo Mask hanging from ropes. His clothes were tattered and his face was worn. Serena gasped and ran to him, but Jupiter jumped on her and tackled her to the ground.
"No Sailor Moon, it's a trap!" She told her. Serena felt the coldness of the snow seep into her clothes and she looked up at Tuxedo Mask. His lips twisted into a evil smile and then he changed into a woman yomen dressed in scanty clothes.
"Well done scouts, I see didn't fool you." She hissed and sent thorny vines at them. Jupiter rolled them out of the way, but the vines caught around her waist. Serena held Jupiter close to her, but Jupiter was yanked out of her grasp. She let out a cry and the vines wrapped themselves all around Jupiter's tall body. Serena and the scouts were helpless. But Serena saw determination in Jupiter's eyes. Serena watched in horror as Jupiter called out her power.
"No!" Serena screamed and ran to try to help her, but the scouts all held her back. With tears in her eyes, Jupiter's whole body lit up and she and the yomen crashed to the ground in a gaping hole. And then, Serena felt her link with Jupiter disappear.
"No! Jupiter!" Serena let out a painful moan. Shatter.
"We can't let this stop us. We have to go." Raye told her with a tearful voice. Mercury edged closer to the gaping hole where Jupiter was taken. Red flashed and she gasped and stepped back quickly. Red fireballs shot out from the hole.
"One down, three more to go." Gloated another yomen and aimed a fireball at Mercury. She fought it with her bubble attack. Both powers collided and wiped both of them out. Another link was gone. Shatter.
Serena tore away from Raye and ran to where Ami was taken. She let out another cry of despair. They were both gone. Everything happened so suddenly. More tears mounted. How could they both be gone? I was just talking to them two minutes ago. She sunk to her knees, feeling so very defeated. She was so tired.
"Sailor Moon watch out!" Screamed Venus. Serena turned to her, but Venus knocked her out of the way. Serena landed in the cold snow and turned suddenly to see ice clamp around Venus's waist and propel her up.
"No!" Serena tried to scream, but her voice was so weak. She saw Venus writhing in pain. Then the platform Venus was caught in jolted down and took her into another gaping hole. She saw flashed of light, and a scream, and then Venus's link was gone as well. Shatter.
She didn't know what to feel anymore. Three lives were gone.
"Serena?" It was Mars's hesitant voice. Serena looked up at her last remaining friend. Mars grabbed her hand. "Serena, I think you were meant to battle Beryl by yourself." She whispered to her. Serena saw the flash of fear in her friend's eyes.
"No Mars! I won't let her take you also." Serena threw herself at her friend. Mars hugged her back, but then let go.
"It has to be this way Serena." She paused and then took a deep breath. Serena was powerless to stop her friend. Mars walked to a waiting yomen. The yomen moved fast, and took Mars with her yet another gaping hole. Serena ran weakly to the hole, but she was so broken, she landed on her knees. She felt the heat of Mars's attacks and then her link was gone as well. Shatter.
SHATTERED. She felt so shattered. All of her best friends were gone so that she could live. She didn't feel the need to cry anymore. She was all out of tears, but she wasn't out of hatred. Her eyes narrowed. Her once innocent blue eyes were tainted with death. She looked to the far distance where she felt Beryl's power. A red orb looking thing was racing to her. She stood up and the orb connected with her and carted her off to meet the evil Queen. It was time to make Beryl pay for everything.
She skidded to a stop. A little dazed, she looked around. Where the hell was she? The place was so cold and empty.
"Finally, the princess has arrived." Said a cold, almost slithering voice. Serena resisted the urge to shiver. She saw a shadow and soon, a light shined on her. Beryl stood in front of her with an ugly purple dress on and a staff in her hand. Serena felt all the bitterness, hatred and sadness from her past bubble up. Then the light widened and Serena saw Darien dressed as Prince Endymion bowing over Beryl's ugly pale hand. Serena sucked in her breath, the sight making her feel sick to her stomach.
"Darien." She managed to croak out his name.
"Prince Endymion belongs to me now Princess." Beryl said with a cackle, then turned to Darien. "Kill her." She ordered. Serena took a step back when rose to obey the order. He raised his sword and charged at her. Serena pulled out her wand and aimed her healing attack at him. He stopped, and looked at her blankly. The magic had no effect on him. "I told you, he belongs to me now. Nothing you can do can sway him." Beryl taunted.
"No, Darien." Serena choked out, her throat tight with a stifled sob.
"It's been fun Sailor Moon." He sneered at her and charged again, raising his heavy sword. She knew what she had to do, but it pained her to do so. She threw her tiara it him. It sliced across his stomach. He dropped his sword and fell to one knee. He was breathing hard, but Beryl barked another command and he picked up his sword and raised it over his head. "Die Sailor Moon!"
Serena bowed her head, and then reached into her subspace pocket and pulled out the locket. Please let this work she silently pleaded.
"She may have your mind," She looked up at Darien, "But your heart still belongs to me." She said with tears in her eyes, begging him. She held out the locket and the top opened and the sweet melody filled the room. She saw a spark of memory in his void eyes. "All you have to do is touch it." She said in a whisper. He lowered his sword, the song beckoning him closer. He reached out a tentative hand and touched the glass face of the locket. The light of the crystal latched on his fingers and spread out through his whole body. She watched him as the dark magic scattered out of him. His heavy sword clambered to the ground. He feel to his knees and then on her. She caught him in her arms. "Darien?" He groaned and she hugged him, feeling so much relief and love for him as she cradled him. She grasped his face between her hands and looked into his eyes. Familiar, loving eyes. She drowned in the love he was showing her. "You're free." She murmured and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. She pulled back and he blinked.
"Serena." Her name rolled off his lips. The sound sent shivers through her body. It had been so long since he said her name with warmth.
"No! Endymion belongs to me!" Beryl ranted. Serena looked up and saw a sharp, dark crystal flying at her. Darien turned from her and sent one of his roses. It sliced through the crystal and shattered it. The fragments were still sailing at them and Darien shielded her from them with his body and cape. The small pieces cut through his body.
"No." She let out a moan when blood pooled at her place on the ground. She caught Darien's weak body. She let her head drop on his. He was going to leave her too. "You fool." She whispered to him. He looked back up at her and gave her a small smile.
"I'll find a way back to you." He promised with the last of his strength. Serena couldn't help her tears. She kissed him softly on his head.
"I'll let you call me meatball head." She told him before he breathed his last breath. She held his body for a while, not really wanting to leave him, but the ground started shaking. She left him then. Beryl waited outside for her. Serena was a little intimidated by the size of her, but she thought off all her friends and Darien. She thought of her parents. But most of all, she thought of Caleb. All these people gave her strength, and she wouldn't let them down. Beryl shot a dark attack at her and ice surrounded her. She closed her eyes and called on the power of the crystal. The warm white light protected her and she felt her past self step through. Their souls intertwined and she became Serenity. Now, she stood on a tall platform, crystal in hand.
"Pitiful Princess Serenity." Beryl spat at her.
You can do this Serena. Everyone's counting on you She heard Luna in her heart. Serena nodded and gathered her energy.
Hey Serena, I'll help you with this assignment Ami said with a soft laugh, and she felt Ami's power combine with hers.
You're so stubborn. Let us help or I'll never speak to you again Raye said with a pout. Serena smiled, and Raye joined in.
Yeah, let us help put her away. Still have a lot of guys to meet.Lita said with a wink and she joined.
Let us help Serena, who's going to be there when you need to go shopping? Mina giggled and she joined.
Serena felt happy, her friend's weren't gone. She did need them.
Mercury Power!
Mars Power!
Jupiter Power!
Venus Power!
"Moon Cosmic Power---- Unite!" Serena called out and drained all the powers and sent a powerful pink attack at Beryl's own attack. They collided. Serena put everything she had into it and soon, Beryl cried out and disintegrated. The crystal shattered and Serena fell to the ground.
She was dead, she knew it. She kept falling and falling and then she landed gently on a white marble floor. Confused, she looked up to see her mother, Queen Serenity sitting on a throne.
"Mother, what's going on?" She asked. The Queen smiled and stood up from her throne.
"You defeated her. I'm so proud of you Serena." She said and gathered Serena on a hug. She stepped away from her. "You know, I'm not really supposed to do this, but here." She held out a white looking orb thing. "What do you want Serena?" The Queen asked softly.
"To live as a normal teenager." Serena whispered to her. The Queen smiled.
"It shall be done Daughter. But you have to know, you'll be called again. Enjoy being normal for this short time."
Serena knew asking to be normal was a big favor. Well, she thought, it's better than nothing. She nodded and touched the orb.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Mina we're late!" Serena hollered through the apartment tugging on her shoes.
"Hey, this is volunteer work! They can wait!" Mina called back.
"But we'll miss the orientation!" Serena yelled back. Man, she needed to quit procrastinating. They were due at the hospital in ten minutes and they still had to drop Caleb off at the nursery.
"Done!" Mina said and grabbed our purses and Serena grabbed Caleb and they went outside to Mina's car. Serena strapped Caleb in tightly. Serena loved Mina, but she drove like a freakin' maniac! They were at the nursery in no time and she dropped her beautiful son off and then they were zooming down the street to the hospital. Breathless from running to the entrance, both girls stumbled in. The nurse directed them to a small room where other candy stripers waited. They sighed in relief when they realized that they weren't late. Soon, an elderly nurse came in and briefed them on their duties. Serena and Mina were paired up together.
"First room 220. This chart says that this guy was found unconscious on the street with a blow to his head. We have to check on him. See if he wants anything to eat or drink." Mina said. She opened the door. A young man with jet black hair sat up in his bed, reading something. He had a bandage on his head.
"Hello. I'm Serena, a hospital volunteer. This is Mina." Serena chirped. The young man looked up from his book in an annoyed manner. Serena sucked in her breath. He looked so much like.............but how can that be? She never met that man before. Was he the one she had that one night stand with? Truly, Serena never really thought of herself as the one night stand people. But that night, she and Mina went to some party and she woke up alone in a foreign bed. Nine months later, she had a son. Serena shrugged, not wanting to think about it.
"Hi, no offence, but you're hair looks like a pair of meatballs!" He said with a wicked smile no man should have. Jeeze, Serena, you just met the guy and your ready to jump his bones. She narrowed her eyes at him.
"What did you say?" She asked giving him the 'evil eye'. She heard Mina gulp behind her.
"Maybe I should call you meatball head instead of Serena." He drawled. Oh the nerve of the guy! Mina held her arm to keep her from charging at him.
"Why you little......" Serena started after him, but Mina grabbed her arm.
"Uh Serena, why don't you get him something to drink." Mina interrupted her. Serena gave one last glare at the young man.
"Prick!" She yelled at him before she left to get him something to drink. Jeeze, first day there and I'm ready to quit. That jerk! I'll show him Meatball head................
~ ~ ~ ~
Luna and Artemis sat on the balcony, looking down at the bustling city. She saw Mina's car pull in. Serena unbuckled Caleb's car seat and slammed the door.
"Hey, my car didn't call you meatball head Serena." Mina told her giving her 'baby' a little pat on the hood.
"I can't believe that guy! He has the nerve to insult me the first day I'm there!" Serena fumed. Luna and Artemis looked at one another.
"Well, it seems Serena and Darien found each other quickly." Luna mused looking back down at the girls entering the building.
Artemis laughed. "Things are almost back to normal." He said with a shake of his head.
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AN: I was originally going to leave it off here, but it was a major cliff hanger. So I'll add more chapters, you know, through the whole process of Darien regaining his memories. Then after the doom tree serious it will be a finished work....................again sorry it took so long. Hope you liked it, review me please...........KISSES *muh*