Chapter 13
The Return
Serena gathered Caleb's things for his trip to the nursery. Bottles, pacifier, diapers, toys, jeeze, how many shoes did I buy him? She frowned over the pile she made on her bed. She felt a tugging on her pants leg and looked down. Caleb was on his knees with his hands out to her. She reached down and picked him up. "Hey sweetheart, ready to go bye-bye?" She asked nuzzling his soft face. He giggled. She shifted him on her hip and shoved everything in the blue diaper bag, and then she grabbed her school bag. She left her room to find Mina putting finishing touches on her hair.
"Ready to go?" Mina asked dropping her hand and grabbing her car keys. Serena nodded and both girls left the apartment. They headed to the nursery where Caleb's 'teacher' waited for them. Serena gave him a peck on the cheek and set him down to play with the other babies.
The school bell rang just as they pulled into the school parking lot. Mina and Serena exchanged glances and then ran like hell, arriving at their homeroom just as the teacher started taking roll. Miss H gave the girls a disapproving glance. They knew what that meant. They sighed in defeat and plopped on their chairs.
"Class, today we have two new students." Miss H began and opened the door. A tall boy and a girl with light brown hair filed into the room. Serena perked up. Did I miss them out there? They looked up and she stifled a gasp. "This is Allen and Ann." Miss H introduced them. My oh my, Allen was HOT! Serena never saw eyes like his. They were a sparkling blue color that held so much mystery. Well.......that prick Darien had eyes like that as well. WHAT! I wasn't just thinking about that devil spawned jerk was I? She shook him out of her thoughts. After that incident at the hospital, she did her best to avoid room 220, but she always seemed to be stuck administering to him. She thanked the merciful gods that he left. But did that stop their little run-ins? Hell no. The conceited jerk seemed to be EVERYWHERE! At the arcade, the mall, on her way home, he even lived in the same frekin' apartment building! She swore fate was playing a nasty joke on her. The jerk. She sighed and slouched in her chair. Still, she couldn't shake the uncanny resemblance Caleb and the prick shared. Was he the one?
"Excuse me, is this seat taken?" A warm, musical voice jarred her from her thoughts. Startled, she looked up to see Allen towering over her. She felt a warm blush steal over her cheeks.
"No." She managed to say. He smiled a low sexy smile and slid into the desk. Serena had to look away to keep her self from blushing more. She caught Mina's eye and Mina gave her a sly smile. Oh great.
~ ~ ~ ~
Later, Serena and Mina were talking quietly among them selves at lunch, mostly about Mina and Andrew. They were both so ga-ga over each other, Serena forced herself to listen to their latest date. There was a ruckus nearby and both girls went to see what was going on. A group of girls surrounded someone, gushing and fawning over them. Serena managed a peek over the group's shoulders, and saw Allen in their midst's. Like if by magic, Allen looked up and caught Serena's eye. Serena almost jerked back. Sure Allen was cute and all, but there was just something about him that made her wary of him. He moved from the girls and stood in front of her with that sexy smile of his.
"You are the most beautiful thing I ever saw." He murmured. His voice sent shivers of awareness through her whole body. Okay, okay, she WAS wary of him, but she was still a girl and Allen was soooo cute. She was flattered when he signaled her out. Pairs of murderous eyes from his fan club threatened to decapitate her. They were like angry felines. "Would you like me to play something for you?" He held a weird looking flute up to his lips and a sweet melody came floating out. The song almost washed away all of her feasible thoughts. That song was like a dream
"Allen." A hiss broke the trance. Serena turned around to see Ann seething with her hands clenching. "You're only supposed to play that song for me." She said. Serena shivered at her voice. Ann almost seemed.....jealous. Why would his sister be jealous?
After school and a short detention because Miss H had a date to prepare for, she and Mina picked up Caleb from the nursery and headed to the arcade. Andrew greeted them and he and Mina shared a kiss.
Serena cleared her throat to break the sucking face couple up.
"We have minors on the premises." Serena said covering Caleb's eyes playfully. Andrew and Mina laughed and pulled apart.
"What can I get for you girls?" He asked. Mina and Serena slid onto a bar stool.
"Strawberry shake." Mina chimed.
"Same." Serena said shifting her squirming baby on her lap. Caleb grabbed for everything he could reach. Serena bribed him with some shake, and he settled down. The doorbell chimed as someone came in.
"Hey Andrew." Called a cocky voice Serena knew all to well. Serena groaned, not wanting the Prick's torment today.
"I'm done. Ready Mina?" Serena stood up quickly. Mina gave her a confused look, but then she looked behind her and it dawned on her. She stood as well.
"See you tonight Andy." Mina said and they shared a quick kiss and left before Darien could say anything. When they got outside, Serena breathed a sigh of relief.
"Why is he everywhere I am?" She moaned at Mina. Mina giggled.
"I think Darien's cute. Maybe you two were meant to be together, that's why you always bump into one another." Mina said.
Serena quit tying Caleb's loose lace on his shoe and stared at her with an open mouth. "Me and that PRICK! Are you crazy? We can barely stand each other! Yeah right, meant to be together. You're crazy Mina." How ludicrous is that?
~ ~ ~ ~
Later that night Serena bathed and fed Caleb. She was about to put him down for the night when she heard Mina scream. She fumbled in the dark room and put him in the crib. She saw Luna run to Mina's room. She flung the door open and stared horrified at what she saw. Mina was clutched in some monsters hands! She stood rooted to the spot not believing her eyes.
"Serena, you have to do something!" Serena looked down at her cat. When did Luna start to talk? This has to be a bad dream. She closed her eyes, willing herself to wake up. "Serena, look at me." Her persistent cat yelled at her. No, this is a dream. "Serena!" Luna's voice was almost pleading. Serena opened her eyes and looked down at her cat. "Luna mind melt." Luna said with tears in her eyes. A yellow beam shot out from Luna's crescent moon and connected with her forehead. A thousand memories assaulted her mind. She shook her head.
"No!" She moaned dropping to her knees. "No more fighting. I want to be a nor--a normal teenager." She pleaded, not wanting all the heart ach of Sailor Moon. Not wanting to become Princess Serenity. Gods please, no. But an image of Caleb, happy and gurgling had her stopping her resistance. It because of him, because of him, because of him because of him because of him.........she embraced Sailor Moon. She reached into the subspace pocket and pulled out her transformation broach. She looked down at Mina, who lay unconscious on her bed. She rushed to her side and checked her pulse.
"She'll be okay. She just fainted. Take care of her Luna." She told her cat transformed and jumped out the broken window where the yomen was attacking more people. She slipped onto her old routine. It was hard getting back into fighting, but she managed to kill it. But instead of turning into dust, it turned into blackened card. She frowned.
"Who are you?" Demanded a cold voice. Serena looked up from the card to two floating people in the sky.
"So you're the one behind this." She said bluntly.
"You will not succeed in defeating us." They said and then phased out. Serena sunk to her knees.
"Serena, are you alright?" Luna asked her cautiously. Serena looked at her cat. She saw the regret in her eyes. Serena slowly nodded.
"I guess it couldn't last forever." She murmured transforming back in her pjs. She looked up at the sky. Thanks mom, for giving me a little normality back, even if it was just for a little while.
"I'm sorry Serena. I know how much you wanted to be normal." Luna said sadly. Serena shrugged.
"I know Luna." She sighed.
"I have to tell you though, you're the only one who has your memories back. The other scouts are still clueless, and so is Darien." Serena nodded. Even after everything that happened, she and Darien were still separated. "I can bring back the scouts memories if you want." Luna offered looking up at Mina's window. Serena shook her head. If I can keep them from harm, then why give them back their memories? They deserved a carefree life. After all, they all died to save me. As for Darien......Serena looked down at Luna, but Luna shook her head. "Only the scouts." Bitter tears welled up in her eyes. Why me?
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The next day, after school, Mina came bounding down the stairs with a paper in her hand. Her face was flushed and her eyes danced with excitement.
"Guess what? A casting director called me and they want me to audition for a part in a movie!" She exclaimed. Serena grinned at her.
"Really? That's great. When do you go?"
"Right after school. Do you think you can come with me?" Serena hesitated. "We can leave Caleb it your parents." She said almost reading her mind.
"Alright, I'll see if my mom can watch him." She said and she and Mina left school. After making a deal to be at the family dinner on Saturday, Serena's mom agreed to take Caleb.
"You have to watch him closely, he found out about electric plugs." Serena warned her mother, and handed Caleb up to her. He grinned at his grandma, showing off his new teeth.
"Don't worry Serena, I was a mom once upon a time remember?" Her mom said with a roll of her eyes. Serena thanked her and ran to Mina, who was impatiently honking her horn.
They arrived at an old building. She and Mina made their way up the cracked stairs. A bulky man with sunglasses on stood outside the door. Mina showed him her invitation, and she was let in, and after batting her lashes and giving him a flirtatious smile, he let Serena in as well.
"Jeeze, all that to sit in here and wait till your done?" Serena asked slumping on a cold plastic chair. Mina smiled at her.
"It'll just be a moment Serena." She promised and sat to wait with her. Low mummers echoed off the old walls, and Serena glanced down the halls to see who was coming. She suppressed a gasp. It was all of the scout. She watched wide-eyes as Lita, Raye, and Ami came in. Along with them, her other friend Molly came as well. She felt a pang of remorse hit her. They were so close, but so far away. If only they remembered each other. She sighed and watched them chat lightly with one another. She missed Lita's cooking. She missed her arguments with Raye and her study sessions with Ami. She steeled herself from these thoughts. No, they can't know their past. They're so happy. Look at them, it had been a long time since she heard Ami laugh so carefree.
"In here girls." Called a void voice from a nearby room. All the girls went in. So Serena sat there and waited and waited. She glanced at her watch. How could this take two hours? She let out a bored sigh and stood up. Maybe I can see what else is in this place. She walked down the corridors of the building. Nothing really interesting. She looked in one room and saw someone exiting it. She stepped back.
"Ann, what are you doing here?" Serena asked the girl. Ann looked up at her sharply and shrugged.
"I was just looking around." She said in her icy voice. Serena didn't really care for the girl. Not after she tried to pick up on her Darien. She remembered that day when she was walking down the street to clear her head. She saw a heartbreaking sight up ahead. Her beloved was walking down the street reading a book, totally oblivious to the world around him. Totally oblivious to her. Cautiously, she walked by him, brushing against his sleeve to catch his attention. Unfortunately, her innocent intention was blumbered by running kids. They bumped into her and caused her to crash in to him. Books went flying and so did she. She helped him of course, but the act didn't go unrewarded. An insult duel fired up. Then that's when Ann, the leech, latched on his arm like a blood sucking parasite. She watched as Darien tried to shake off the girl, but Ann was unmoved. Poor guy. Finally, with a little help from her, Darien managed to get free and almost ran away from her. Ann had asked her if she knew him, and Serena blurted out that he was taken. Taken by whom? Ann had asked. Serena was speechless, she couldn't very well tell her that she and Darien had been past lovers on the moon kingdom and they had a kid together. So Ann took her silence as a bluff and told Serena that Darien would be hers. And now, Ann was up to something, she could tell.
"Oh, well. That's nice." She said a bit awkwardly.
"Excuse me girls, gotta run." Said someone stumbling over them. Serena looked up to see a head of jet black hair disappear around the corner.
"Hey Darien wait up." Ann the Leech bounded after him. Serena growled. I don't think so Ann. Darien is mine! She ran after them.
~ ~ ~ ~
Mina knew something was up. The set seemed so cold, like there was some......evil presence here. The casting directors had talked to all of them earlier, but then they left and she and the other girls waited patiently on the set for them to return. That had been almost an hour ago.
"When will they come? I told them I didn't want to be in this picture." A quite girl named Ami said with a sigh. Mina didn't know why, but she felt a certain kinship with these girls. She felt like she knew them some how. But how was that possible? Sure Lita and Ami went to her school, but she didn't know Raye. And Molly, well sure she knew Molly, she hung out with her and Serena now and then when she wasn't with her boyfriend Melvin. Mina frowned, how she got with Melvin Mina had no idea.
"Welcome girls." Said a low musical voice that sounded familiar. Mina jerked her eyed up to a tall pillar where a boy and girl stood with strange looking leotards on. The boy held up a flute to his mouth and blew out a sweet melody. Soon, an ugly looking monster with horns came charging at them. It caught Molly between his horns and started glowing. Mina felt ice cold fear grip her. It's draining Molly, just like a monster drained her the other night. Mina's eyes iced over, there was no way she would let that monster take Molly's energy. She gripped her purse and threw it with all her might. It hit the monster in the head and Molly slumped to the ground. The monster turned to them and charged. The girls ran.
"Man, I feel like I should be doing something!" Lita yelled to the side of her. Strange, I feel the same way, Mina thought. They reached the end of the set.
"Oh we are so dead!" Ami moaned and turned to face the monster. The girls all took on a defense stance and Raye kicked the ugly monster and Lita threw a punch. Mina clenched her hand. She should be doing something! She wanted to scream in frustration! What was it she had to do?
"Moon Tiara Magic!" Said a booming female voice. Mina blinked at a glowing gold disc like thing came charging at the monster. It sliced it in the side. The monster let out a howl of pain and outrage.
"Sailor Moon!" Mina cried. Why did she seem so familiar? The monster turned its attention from them to Sailor Moon. With a stomp of its foot, the monster charged at her. Sailor Moon dodged it, and was regaining her balance when the monster pinned her to the wall with its horns. She fought, but her energy started draining and Mina watched as Sailor Moon stopped fighting and slump down just as Molly had done.
"No, Sailor Moon." Mina whispered and ran to the fallen soldier. The monster was reeling from the power is sucked from her. Mina glanced to the side to see a black cat running to her. Luna? What was Luna doing here? The black cat looked mournfully down at Sailor Moon.
"I told you, you needed them Serena." Luna whispered to her. Mina drew in a sharp breath. Since when did Luna start talking? Gods, this must be a dream, or something.
"Is she alright?" Lita came up behind them and crouched down beside Mina.
"Girls, you have to do something. Sailor Moon needs you!" Luna yowled at them. Three pairs of stunned eyes turned to Luna.
"Did that cat just talk?" Raye asked digging in her purse to find something to throw at the monster.
"Listen to me, I need you all to look at me." Luna's crescent moon began to glow.
There was a moan and Sailor Moon blinked awake and then bolted up. "Luna no!" She cried. But the beam shot out and connected with each scout.
Mina closed her eyes to the different sensations ran through her. Images of their past battles assaulted her mind. "Serenity." Mina whispered and looked down to see Serena with tears in her eyes.
"No, you should be free." Serena whispered to them and hung her head.
"No Serena, we were sent here to protect you, not for you to protect us." Raye said and reached into her subspace pocket and pulled out her transformation pen.
"Now lets moon dust this monster." Ami said and held up her pen. Mina stood up and called out her power. The scouts worked together and defeated the monster and the two aliens left in a huff.
"I'm sorry guys, I didn't want you to be burdened again." Serena said and de-transformed.
"Hey, I'll take being a Sailor Scout anytime." Lita said and she and the others de-transformed as well. Mina looked down at the girl and then held out her hand. Serena took it and Mina hauled her up in a hug.
"Everything is going to be okay Serena." She assured her. Soon, Raye, Lita and Ami joined the hug.
Serena pulled away and looked at each of them. She smiled softly. "We'll be burdened together I guess." She said. They gathered Molly together and left the old building.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The girls all sat at an arcade booth with Luna and Artemis in their human forms. Luna held Caleb in her lap, pulling Caleb's hands away from the Tabasco sauce and salt shaker. Serena slid the napkin holder to him and his chubby little hands began pulling the napkins out. She didn't know why he was so interested in pulling napkins from their holders. So far, she and Mina went through ten tissue boxes. Their trashcans were overflowing with tissues. Serena wondered how many trees her son killed so far.
Lizzy came to their table with their orders. Soon, the small booth table was crowded with various foods.
"Hey, those are mine." Serena grabbed her fries from Raye. "And those too, and those." She took her foods from Lita and Artemis.
"How much did you order?" Raye growled at her when Serena snatched her burger from her. Serena grinned and slid Caleb a fry.
"The fries are for Caleb." She defended.
"I'm surprised your son isn't as fat as you." Raye mumbled. Serena sent her a glare.
"Hey! I'm not fat!" she protested. How dare Raye call her fat!
"That's what I told her yesterday." Came a cocky voice. Serena looked up to see her beloved Prick taunt her. She folded her arms and stuck out her tongue. The jerk, after all they been through, he still found a way to tease her. Oh, when he gets his memory back, she was going to give him an earful.
"Who asked you Prick?" She growled at him and threw one of her hot fries at him. It hit him the forehead. The fry was stuck there, and he stood motionless as it slipped off of him and onto the ground. He looked at her with dangerous eyes. A quick hand grabbed one of her shakes and dumped it in her lap. Serena squeaked feeling the ice cold drink seep through her shorts. The table became quite. Serena looked up from her lap to see Darien smirking. She grabbed the bottle of catsup and squirted him. The red gloop stained his once white shirt. Startled he looked down to see it running down. Serena giggled and then ducked when her precious burger was thrown at her. It hit poor Ami in the face.
"Oh my gods!" Serena gasped. The burger fell from Ami's shocked face. Her expression turned thunderous and she grabbed mustard and squirted him back.
"FOOD FIGHT!" Someone yelled. Soon the whole arcade was in an uproar. Ut oh. She ducked another shake. A good half an hour later, the arcade was in tatters from the food war. Andrew stalked to Serena and Darien who were squared off in yet another insult duel. Her grabbed their arms and jerked them back to an empty closet. Serena and Darien were thrown in and the door was slammed shut. Serena stared open mouthed at the door.
He locked them in here!
"Great! See what you did Prick?!" Serena turned to Darien.
"Me?! You're the one who started it!" He yelled back at her.
"You're the one who dumped my milk shake on me!" She shot back.
Darien growled and started banging on the door. "Andrew let me out!" He yelled. Serena sat down on the ground. It was going to be a while before they were gonna get out. Serena secretly smiled to her self. Well at least she was with Darien, even if he did get on her nerves. She gazed up and saw him hunker down in a corner.
There was silence. Awkward silence. Serena fidgeted. What's wrong with her? He was far away from her and her stomach had butterflies in it. I mean, they shared a lot more that this. She saw him NAKED for goodness sakes! Serena was glad it was dark, because she was blushing. If only he knew! When was he going to get his memory back? She resisted the urge to blurt everything out to him. Rrriiiiight, like he would believe her. She hoped Caleb was alright.
"I'm sorry okay." She said suddenly. She heard him chuckle.
"Me too meatball head." He said. Serena gritted her teeth. Calm Serena, go to your happy place.
"Prick." She muttered back. She knew he heard her, but he didn't say anything back.
~ ~ ~ ~
Mina promised a lot to Andrew to bail Serena and Darien out of the closet. She blushed when he held out the scanty teddy to her. She snatched it from him. Maybe my deal won't be so bad. I have the perfect shoes to go with this color.
Andrew pulled out his keys and unlocked the door. Mina peered anxiously into the closet. Serena looked up and squinted at the light.
"Andrew!" She cried and jumped to her feet. Mina smiled at her messy friend and her lover who didn't have his memory back yet.
"You're free." Andrew grumbled.
Mina stepped back and let the fuming couple come out. Serena shot a glare at Darien and he glared right back.
"Sorry about the food fight Andrew." Serena apologized.
"Yeah, me too. We'll come back to help you clean or something." Darien offered. Andrew nodded.
"You bet your ass you two will. Tomorrow morning. You both are off from school. Come by then, and bring some cleaning supplies." He told them. Serena and Darien shared a look and then they parted form each other. Not before Mina heard Serena call him a 'prick' and Darien call her 'meatball head'. Mina sighed. You would think they didn't have a past together let alone share a love child.
"Thanks Andrew." Mina said and grabbed her purse. Andrew caught her elbow.
"Where do you think you're going? You have deal to fulfill." He told her with a smirk.
Mina's eyes widened. "Now?" She gasped looking around. Andrew pulled her into his arms and nuzzled her neck. Mina closed her eyes and kissed him.
"Let's go into the employee lounge." He whispered. She frowned and looked up to see Serena and Darien regarding them by the door.
"Uhh, Darien, could you give Serena a ride home for me?" Mina asked him. Serena glared at her and folded her arms. Darien rolled his eyes and turned to Serena.
"Come on Meatball head. A good thing you live in the same building as me." He drawled. Mina bit her lip, but Andrew's clever little hand stole up her shirt and caressed her stomach. She shivered.
"I'll be home in a minute.....or two. Bye!" She called out to them and left with Andrew to the back room.
~ ~ ~ ~
Serena knew Mina would be home much much later. She pushed passed Darien and walked to his red sports car. She needed to take a shower and feed Caleb.
"Who's Caleb?" Darien asked her unlocking the door. Serena froze. Did she just say that out loud?
Think fast girl. "Uhh....my...fish, yeah, my fish." She stuttered and slipped in the passenger seat. Stupid girl.....my FISH?
"Okay meatball head, let's hurry so you can feed your fish." He mocked her.
Go to your happy place Serena. Your happy place. She chanted over and over in her mind all the way home.
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AN: Yeah, pretty short, but I hoped you liked it.....see, I updated pretty fast..uh, I just don't know when the next chapter will be out...REVIEWS!!!!PLEASE!!! My review box is gathering dust.....*sniff* H
Serena gathered Caleb's things for his trip to the nursery. Bottles, pacifier, diapers, toys, jeeze, how many shoes did I buy him? She frowned over the pile she made on her bed. She felt a tugging on her pants leg and looked down. Caleb was on his knees with his hands out to her. She reached down and picked him up. "Hey sweetheart, ready to go bye-bye?" She asked nuzzling his soft face. He giggled. She shifted him on her hip and shoved everything in the blue diaper bag, and then she grabbed her school bag. She left her room to find Mina putting finishing touches on her hair.
"Ready to go?" Mina asked dropping her hand and grabbing her car keys. Serena nodded and both girls left the apartment. They headed to the nursery where Caleb's 'teacher' waited for them. Serena gave him a peck on the cheek and set him down to play with the other babies.
The school bell rang just as they pulled into the school parking lot. Mina and Serena exchanged glances and then ran like hell, arriving at their homeroom just as the teacher started taking roll. Miss H gave the girls a disapproving glance. They knew what that meant. They sighed in defeat and plopped on their chairs.
"Class, today we have two new students." Miss H began and opened the door. A tall boy and a girl with light brown hair filed into the room. Serena perked up. Did I miss them out there? They looked up and she stifled a gasp. "This is Allen and Ann." Miss H introduced them. My oh my, Allen was HOT! Serena never saw eyes like his. They were a sparkling blue color that held so much mystery. Well.......that prick Darien had eyes like that as well. WHAT! I wasn't just thinking about that devil spawned jerk was I? She shook him out of her thoughts. After that incident at the hospital, she did her best to avoid room 220, but she always seemed to be stuck administering to him. She thanked the merciful gods that he left. But did that stop their little run-ins? Hell no. The conceited jerk seemed to be EVERYWHERE! At the arcade, the mall, on her way home, he even lived in the same frekin' apartment building! She swore fate was playing a nasty joke on her. The jerk. She sighed and slouched in her chair. Still, she couldn't shake the uncanny resemblance Caleb and the prick shared. Was he the one?
"Excuse me, is this seat taken?" A warm, musical voice jarred her from her thoughts. Startled, she looked up to see Allen towering over her. She felt a warm blush steal over her cheeks.
"No." She managed to say. He smiled a low sexy smile and slid into the desk. Serena had to look away to keep her self from blushing more. She caught Mina's eye and Mina gave her a sly smile. Oh great.
~ ~ ~ ~
Later, Serena and Mina were talking quietly among them selves at lunch, mostly about Mina and Andrew. They were both so ga-ga over each other, Serena forced herself to listen to their latest date. There was a ruckus nearby and both girls went to see what was going on. A group of girls surrounded someone, gushing and fawning over them. Serena managed a peek over the group's shoulders, and saw Allen in their midst's. Like if by magic, Allen looked up and caught Serena's eye. Serena almost jerked back. Sure Allen was cute and all, but there was just something about him that made her wary of him. He moved from the girls and stood in front of her with that sexy smile of his.
"You are the most beautiful thing I ever saw." He murmured. His voice sent shivers of awareness through her whole body. Okay, okay, she WAS wary of him, but she was still a girl and Allen was soooo cute. She was flattered when he signaled her out. Pairs of murderous eyes from his fan club threatened to decapitate her. They were like angry felines. "Would you like me to play something for you?" He held a weird looking flute up to his lips and a sweet melody came floating out. The song almost washed away all of her feasible thoughts. That song was like a dream
"Allen." A hiss broke the trance. Serena turned around to see Ann seething with her hands clenching. "You're only supposed to play that song for me." She said. Serena shivered at her voice. Ann almost seemed.....jealous. Why would his sister be jealous?
After school and a short detention because Miss H had a date to prepare for, she and Mina picked up Caleb from the nursery and headed to the arcade. Andrew greeted them and he and Mina shared a kiss.
Serena cleared her throat to break the sucking face couple up.
"We have minors on the premises." Serena said covering Caleb's eyes playfully. Andrew and Mina laughed and pulled apart.
"What can I get for you girls?" He asked. Mina and Serena slid onto a bar stool.
"Strawberry shake." Mina chimed.
"Same." Serena said shifting her squirming baby on her lap. Caleb grabbed for everything he could reach. Serena bribed him with some shake, and he settled down. The doorbell chimed as someone came in.
"Hey Andrew." Called a cocky voice Serena knew all to well. Serena groaned, not wanting the Prick's torment today.
"I'm done. Ready Mina?" Serena stood up quickly. Mina gave her a confused look, but then she looked behind her and it dawned on her. She stood as well.
"See you tonight Andy." Mina said and they shared a quick kiss and left before Darien could say anything. When they got outside, Serena breathed a sigh of relief.
"Why is he everywhere I am?" She moaned at Mina. Mina giggled.
"I think Darien's cute. Maybe you two were meant to be together, that's why you always bump into one another." Mina said.
Serena quit tying Caleb's loose lace on his shoe and stared at her with an open mouth. "Me and that PRICK! Are you crazy? We can barely stand each other! Yeah right, meant to be together. You're crazy Mina." How ludicrous is that?
~ ~ ~ ~
Later that night Serena bathed and fed Caleb. She was about to put him down for the night when she heard Mina scream. She fumbled in the dark room and put him in the crib. She saw Luna run to Mina's room. She flung the door open and stared horrified at what she saw. Mina was clutched in some monsters hands! She stood rooted to the spot not believing her eyes.
"Serena, you have to do something!" Serena looked down at her cat. When did Luna start to talk? This has to be a bad dream. She closed her eyes, willing herself to wake up. "Serena, look at me." Her persistent cat yelled at her. No, this is a dream. "Serena!" Luna's voice was almost pleading. Serena opened her eyes and looked down at her cat. "Luna mind melt." Luna said with tears in her eyes. A yellow beam shot out from Luna's crescent moon and connected with her forehead. A thousand memories assaulted her mind. She shook her head.
"No!" She moaned dropping to her knees. "No more fighting. I want to be a nor--a normal teenager." She pleaded, not wanting all the heart ach of Sailor Moon. Not wanting to become Princess Serenity. Gods please, no. But an image of Caleb, happy and gurgling had her stopping her resistance. It because of him, because of him, because of him because of him because of him.........she embraced Sailor Moon. She reached into the subspace pocket and pulled out her transformation broach. She looked down at Mina, who lay unconscious on her bed. She rushed to her side and checked her pulse.
"She'll be okay. She just fainted. Take care of her Luna." She told her cat transformed and jumped out the broken window where the yomen was attacking more people. She slipped onto her old routine. It was hard getting back into fighting, but she managed to kill it. But instead of turning into dust, it turned into blackened card. She frowned.
"Who are you?" Demanded a cold voice. Serena looked up from the card to two floating people in the sky.
"So you're the one behind this." She said bluntly.
"You will not succeed in defeating us." They said and then phased out. Serena sunk to her knees.
"Serena, are you alright?" Luna asked her cautiously. Serena looked at her cat. She saw the regret in her eyes. Serena slowly nodded.
"I guess it couldn't last forever." She murmured transforming back in her pjs. She looked up at the sky. Thanks mom, for giving me a little normality back, even if it was just for a little while.
"I'm sorry Serena. I know how much you wanted to be normal." Luna said sadly. Serena shrugged.
"I know Luna." She sighed.
"I have to tell you though, you're the only one who has your memories back. The other scouts are still clueless, and so is Darien." Serena nodded. Even after everything that happened, she and Darien were still separated. "I can bring back the scouts memories if you want." Luna offered looking up at Mina's window. Serena shook her head. If I can keep them from harm, then why give them back their memories? They deserved a carefree life. After all, they all died to save me. As for Darien......Serena looked down at Luna, but Luna shook her head. "Only the scouts." Bitter tears welled up in her eyes. Why me?
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The next day, after school, Mina came bounding down the stairs with a paper in her hand. Her face was flushed and her eyes danced with excitement.
"Guess what? A casting director called me and they want me to audition for a part in a movie!" She exclaimed. Serena grinned at her.
"Really? That's great. When do you go?"
"Right after school. Do you think you can come with me?" Serena hesitated. "We can leave Caleb it your parents." She said almost reading her mind.
"Alright, I'll see if my mom can watch him." She said and she and Mina left school. After making a deal to be at the family dinner on Saturday, Serena's mom agreed to take Caleb.
"You have to watch him closely, he found out about electric plugs." Serena warned her mother, and handed Caleb up to her. He grinned at his grandma, showing off his new teeth.
"Don't worry Serena, I was a mom once upon a time remember?" Her mom said with a roll of her eyes. Serena thanked her and ran to Mina, who was impatiently honking her horn.
They arrived at an old building. She and Mina made their way up the cracked stairs. A bulky man with sunglasses on stood outside the door. Mina showed him her invitation, and she was let in, and after batting her lashes and giving him a flirtatious smile, he let Serena in as well.
"Jeeze, all that to sit in here and wait till your done?" Serena asked slumping on a cold plastic chair. Mina smiled at her.
"It'll just be a moment Serena." She promised and sat to wait with her. Low mummers echoed off the old walls, and Serena glanced down the halls to see who was coming. She suppressed a gasp. It was all of the scout. She watched wide-eyes as Lita, Raye, and Ami came in. Along with them, her other friend Molly came as well. She felt a pang of remorse hit her. They were so close, but so far away. If only they remembered each other. She sighed and watched them chat lightly with one another. She missed Lita's cooking. She missed her arguments with Raye and her study sessions with Ami. She steeled herself from these thoughts. No, they can't know their past. They're so happy. Look at them, it had been a long time since she heard Ami laugh so carefree.
"In here girls." Called a void voice from a nearby room. All the girls went in. So Serena sat there and waited and waited. She glanced at her watch. How could this take two hours? She let out a bored sigh and stood up. Maybe I can see what else is in this place. She walked down the corridors of the building. Nothing really interesting. She looked in one room and saw someone exiting it. She stepped back.
"Ann, what are you doing here?" Serena asked the girl. Ann looked up at her sharply and shrugged.
"I was just looking around." She said in her icy voice. Serena didn't really care for the girl. Not after she tried to pick up on her Darien. She remembered that day when she was walking down the street to clear her head. She saw a heartbreaking sight up ahead. Her beloved was walking down the street reading a book, totally oblivious to the world around him. Totally oblivious to her. Cautiously, she walked by him, brushing against his sleeve to catch his attention. Unfortunately, her innocent intention was blumbered by running kids. They bumped into her and caused her to crash in to him. Books went flying and so did she. She helped him of course, but the act didn't go unrewarded. An insult duel fired up. Then that's when Ann, the leech, latched on his arm like a blood sucking parasite. She watched as Darien tried to shake off the girl, but Ann was unmoved. Poor guy. Finally, with a little help from her, Darien managed to get free and almost ran away from her. Ann had asked her if she knew him, and Serena blurted out that he was taken. Taken by whom? Ann had asked. Serena was speechless, she couldn't very well tell her that she and Darien had been past lovers on the moon kingdom and they had a kid together. So Ann took her silence as a bluff and told Serena that Darien would be hers. And now, Ann was up to something, she could tell.
"Oh, well. That's nice." She said a bit awkwardly.
"Excuse me girls, gotta run." Said someone stumbling over them. Serena looked up to see a head of jet black hair disappear around the corner.
"Hey Darien wait up." Ann the Leech bounded after him. Serena growled. I don't think so Ann. Darien is mine! She ran after them.
~ ~ ~ ~
Mina knew something was up. The set seemed so cold, like there was some......evil presence here. The casting directors had talked to all of them earlier, but then they left and she and the other girls waited patiently on the set for them to return. That had been almost an hour ago.
"When will they come? I told them I didn't want to be in this picture." A quite girl named Ami said with a sigh. Mina didn't know why, but she felt a certain kinship with these girls. She felt like she knew them some how. But how was that possible? Sure Lita and Ami went to her school, but she didn't know Raye. And Molly, well sure she knew Molly, she hung out with her and Serena now and then when she wasn't with her boyfriend Melvin. Mina frowned, how she got with Melvin Mina had no idea.
"Welcome girls." Said a low musical voice that sounded familiar. Mina jerked her eyed up to a tall pillar where a boy and girl stood with strange looking leotards on. The boy held up a flute to his mouth and blew out a sweet melody. Soon, an ugly looking monster with horns came charging at them. It caught Molly between his horns and started glowing. Mina felt ice cold fear grip her. It's draining Molly, just like a monster drained her the other night. Mina's eyes iced over, there was no way she would let that monster take Molly's energy. She gripped her purse and threw it with all her might. It hit the monster in the head and Molly slumped to the ground. The monster turned to them and charged. The girls ran.
"Man, I feel like I should be doing something!" Lita yelled to the side of her. Strange, I feel the same way, Mina thought. They reached the end of the set.
"Oh we are so dead!" Ami moaned and turned to face the monster. The girls all took on a defense stance and Raye kicked the ugly monster and Lita threw a punch. Mina clenched her hand. She should be doing something! She wanted to scream in frustration! What was it she had to do?
"Moon Tiara Magic!" Said a booming female voice. Mina blinked at a glowing gold disc like thing came charging at the monster. It sliced it in the side. The monster let out a howl of pain and outrage.
"Sailor Moon!" Mina cried. Why did she seem so familiar? The monster turned its attention from them to Sailor Moon. With a stomp of its foot, the monster charged at her. Sailor Moon dodged it, and was regaining her balance when the monster pinned her to the wall with its horns. She fought, but her energy started draining and Mina watched as Sailor Moon stopped fighting and slump down just as Molly had done.
"No, Sailor Moon." Mina whispered and ran to the fallen soldier. The monster was reeling from the power is sucked from her. Mina glanced to the side to see a black cat running to her. Luna? What was Luna doing here? The black cat looked mournfully down at Sailor Moon.
"I told you, you needed them Serena." Luna whispered to her. Mina drew in a sharp breath. Since when did Luna start talking? Gods, this must be a dream, or something.
"Is she alright?" Lita came up behind them and crouched down beside Mina.
"Girls, you have to do something. Sailor Moon needs you!" Luna yowled at them. Three pairs of stunned eyes turned to Luna.
"Did that cat just talk?" Raye asked digging in her purse to find something to throw at the monster.
"Listen to me, I need you all to look at me." Luna's crescent moon began to glow.
There was a moan and Sailor Moon blinked awake and then bolted up. "Luna no!" She cried. But the beam shot out and connected with each scout.
Mina closed her eyes to the different sensations ran through her. Images of their past battles assaulted her mind. "Serenity." Mina whispered and looked down to see Serena with tears in her eyes.
"No, you should be free." Serena whispered to them and hung her head.
"No Serena, we were sent here to protect you, not for you to protect us." Raye said and reached into her subspace pocket and pulled out her transformation pen.
"Now lets moon dust this monster." Ami said and held up her pen. Mina stood up and called out her power. The scouts worked together and defeated the monster and the two aliens left in a huff.
"I'm sorry guys, I didn't want you to be burdened again." Serena said and de-transformed.
"Hey, I'll take being a Sailor Scout anytime." Lita said and she and the others de-transformed as well. Mina looked down at the girl and then held out her hand. Serena took it and Mina hauled her up in a hug.
"Everything is going to be okay Serena." She assured her. Soon, Raye, Lita and Ami joined the hug.
Serena pulled away and looked at each of them. She smiled softly. "We'll be burdened together I guess." She said. They gathered Molly together and left the old building.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The girls all sat at an arcade booth with Luna and Artemis in their human forms. Luna held Caleb in her lap, pulling Caleb's hands away from the Tabasco sauce and salt shaker. Serena slid the napkin holder to him and his chubby little hands began pulling the napkins out. She didn't know why he was so interested in pulling napkins from their holders. So far, she and Mina went through ten tissue boxes. Their trashcans were overflowing with tissues. Serena wondered how many trees her son killed so far.
Lizzy came to their table with their orders. Soon, the small booth table was crowded with various foods.
"Hey, those are mine." Serena grabbed her fries from Raye. "And those too, and those." She took her foods from Lita and Artemis.
"How much did you order?" Raye growled at her when Serena snatched her burger from her. Serena grinned and slid Caleb a fry.
"The fries are for Caleb." She defended.
"I'm surprised your son isn't as fat as you." Raye mumbled. Serena sent her a glare.
"Hey! I'm not fat!" she protested. How dare Raye call her fat!
"That's what I told her yesterday." Came a cocky voice. Serena looked up to see her beloved Prick taunt her. She folded her arms and stuck out her tongue. The jerk, after all they been through, he still found a way to tease her. Oh, when he gets his memory back, she was going to give him an earful.
"Who asked you Prick?" She growled at him and threw one of her hot fries at him. It hit him the forehead. The fry was stuck there, and he stood motionless as it slipped off of him and onto the ground. He looked at her with dangerous eyes. A quick hand grabbed one of her shakes and dumped it in her lap. Serena squeaked feeling the ice cold drink seep through her shorts. The table became quite. Serena looked up from her lap to see Darien smirking. She grabbed the bottle of catsup and squirted him. The red gloop stained his once white shirt. Startled he looked down to see it running down. Serena giggled and then ducked when her precious burger was thrown at her. It hit poor Ami in the face.
"Oh my gods!" Serena gasped. The burger fell from Ami's shocked face. Her expression turned thunderous and she grabbed mustard and squirted him back.
"FOOD FIGHT!" Someone yelled. Soon the whole arcade was in an uproar. Ut oh. She ducked another shake. A good half an hour later, the arcade was in tatters from the food war. Andrew stalked to Serena and Darien who were squared off in yet another insult duel. Her grabbed their arms and jerked them back to an empty closet. Serena and Darien were thrown in and the door was slammed shut. Serena stared open mouthed at the door.
He locked them in here!
"Great! See what you did Prick?!" Serena turned to Darien.
"Me?! You're the one who started it!" He yelled back at her.
"You're the one who dumped my milk shake on me!" She shot back.
Darien growled and started banging on the door. "Andrew let me out!" He yelled. Serena sat down on the ground. It was going to be a while before they were gonna get out. Serena secretly smiled to her self. Well at least she was with Darien, even if he did get on her nerves. She gazed up and saw him hunker down in a corner.
There was silence. Awkward silence. Serena fidgeted. What's wrong with her? He was far away from her and her stomach had butterflies in it. I mean, they shared a lot more that this. She saw him NAKED for goodness sakes! Serena was glad it was dark, because she was blushing. If only he knew! When was he going to get his memory back? She resisted the urge to blurt everything out to him. Rrriiiiight, like he would believe her. She hoped Caleb was alright.
"I'm sorry okay." She said suddenly. She heard him chuckle.
"Me too meatball head." He said. Serena gritted her teeth. Calm Serena, go to your happy place.
"Prick." She muttered back. She knew he heard her, but he didn't say anything back.
~ ~ ~ ~
Mina promised a lot to Andrew to bail Serena and Darien out of the closet. She blushed when he held out the scanty teddy to her. She snatched it from him. Maybe my deal won't be so bad. I have the perfect shoes to go with this color.
Andrew pulled out his keys and unlocked the door. Mina peered anxiously into the closet. Serena looked up and squinted at the light.
"Andrew!" She cried and jumped to her feet. Mina smiled at her messy friend and her lover who didn't have his memory back yet.
"You're free." Andrew grumbled.
Mina stepped back and let the fuming couple come out. Serena shot a glare at Darien and he glared right back.
"Sorry about the food fight Andrew." Serena apologized.
"Yeah, me too. We'll come back to help you clean or something." Darien offered. Andrew nodded.
"You bet your ass you two will. Tomorrow morning. You both are off from school. Come by then, and bring some cleaning supplies." He told them. Serena and Darien shared a look and then they parted form each other. Not before Mina heard Serena call him a 'prick' and Darien call her 'meatball head'. Mina sighed. You would think they didn't have a past together let alone share a love child.
"Thanks Andrew." Mina said and grabbed her purse. Andrew caught her elbow.
"Where do you think you're going? You have deal to fulfill." He told her with a smirk.
Mina's eyes widened. "Now?" She gasped looking around. Andrew pulled her into his arms and nuzzled her neck. Mina closed her eyes and kissed him.
"Let's go into the employee lounge." He whispered. She frowned and looked up to see Serena and Darien regarding them by the door.
"Uhh, Darien, could you give Serena a ride home for me?" Mina asked him. Serena glared at her and folded her arms. Darien rolled his eyes and turned to Serena.
"Come on Meatball head. A good thing you live in the same building as me." He drawled. Mina bit her lip, but Andrew's clever little hand stole up her shirt and caressed her stomach. She shivered.
"I'll be home in a minute.....or two. Bye!" She called out to them and left with Andrew to the back room.
~ ~ ~ ~
Serena knew Mina would be home much much later. She pushed passed Darien and walked to his red sports car. She needed to take a shower and feed Caleb.
"Who's Caleb?" Darien asked her unlocking the door. Serena froze. Did she just say that out loud?
Think fast girl. "Uhh....my...fish, yeah, my fish." She stuttered and slipped in the passenger seat. Stupid girl.....my FISH?
"Okay meatball head, let's hurry so you can feed your fish." He mocked her.
Go to your happy place Serena. Your happy place. She chanted over and over in her mind all the way home.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
AN: Yeah, pretty short, but I hoped you liked it.....see, I updated pretty fast..uh, I just don't know when the next chapter will be out...REVIEWS!!!!PLEASE!!! My review box is gathering dust.....*sniff* H