Hey again!!!!! Ok, well, I got 2 reviews, and that's enough to motivate
me! Maybe I should raise my standards a bit, become a bit more stringent,
but hey, when you're motivated, you're motivated, eh? Oh, and I think I
will introduce all the outers like at once sorta in this chapter, just
cause I like them. Don't ask, I just want to. I'm "in the mood" I guess.
So, w/o further ado, the next chapter!
~ ~ = thoughts and ~*~*~*~*~*~ = POV/scene change
Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon, any of the other characters in that series, or any of Lesley Gore's song, so don't sue, you won't get a red cent. maybe a dog or two, but no money. *I also don't own Do You Love Me (or www. dylm .com) which I used in the dresses I picked out for the characters. I just thought their dresses were simply wonderful! Oh, and I also had to change the colors of the dresses to fit my liking. Some actually came in those colors, others I made up. hee hee.* Any web sites people want to visit that I have put here (for whatever reason) will have to have the spaces taken out 'cause it wouldn't upload right w/o them! Sorry!
"I Can Cry if I Want To" Part 1, Chapter 2: Party
Last time on ICCIIWT: Ok, so there's more 'ado' but it is 4 your own good!
He was thinking about the troubling string of dreams he had been having. . . Dreams of Serena. . . Just as they are about to say "I do". . . Ripped from his arms. . . Unseen force. . . Evenly-laced with evil: "Stay away from her or she shall die. . ."
~*FLASH*~
"So who is going to be able to come to my sweet 16 this Saturday?". . . "Party starts at 8:00pm, but I will need you guys there earlier". . . "Has anyone heard from him? Darien, I mean?". . . Hadn't called in 3 days. . . Beginning to worry. ~You would know if he didn't love you anymore~. . . He hasn't come in at all this week. . .
~*FLASH*~
"Where have you been?. . . All worried sick about you!". . . ~I hate it when those two fight. . . Ridiculous, him just ignoring her outright for this long~. . . "I'll be right over. . . Tell her to wait for me". . .
~*FLASH*~
Wait. . . ~Can't just let him walk all over me, now can I? No~. . . "You would wait until the end of the Earth and Moon for him!". . . Shopping tomorrow. . .
~*FLASH*~
~Give her up~. . . Sometimes he's just really protective. . . "See you tomorrow?". . . "It's a date". . .
~*~*~*~*~*~
As she waited for the bell to ring after detention (AN: yes, Serena was late again this morning. ~I had a right to be! I was thinking of shopping!~ If you say so. . .), she couldn't help but think of the details she would be looking for. This helped pass the time very quickly, you see. After years of detentions after school, Serena had mastered the fine art of wasting time doing absolutely nothing. The bell rang, and she was off! ~I have to hurry. I said I would meet the girls at 3:10 and it is almost that now.~ Serena ran through the crowded streets of Tokyo, when she saw Darien drive up next to her.
"Need a ride?" he chided with a lopsided grin. "Do I ever! I promised to meet Mina and them at the mall. It isn't out of your way, right?" She didn't want to make him late with anything because of her own tardiness. "No, of course not!"
~*~*~*~*~*~
Five minutes later, without a minute to spare, Serena walked into the Dillard's entrance to the mall, with a quick wave back at Darien as he sped off. "What did I do to deserve him?" she asked herself out loud. "I don't know, but I need to figure it out, and do it better!" was heard from behind her. "RAYE!!!!!" but Lita intervened before any real harm was done.
"Come on. . . we have the next 3 hours to shop, shop, shop!" exclaimed the ever-perky Mina. "I hear they just got in some killer dresses at the little boutique across from the food court!" Serena could just imagine. . . "Great!!! Food AND clothes, all at once!"
The other four sweat-dropped. "Do you ever think of anything else, Meatball Head???" Raye inquired. "Yes. . . give me a second. . ." as she wandered throughout her thoughts. "Darien, clothes, the Moon, Darien, the past, the future, Darien, ice cream. . . wait, that is food- scratch that, it doesn't count. . ."
"We get the picture. While it is a narrow-minded one, we get it," Amy cracked.
"Mina and Lita stifled a laugh, while Raye just outright nearly came to tears, thinking about the small amount of subject matter that drifted in and out of her friend's mind.
All of a sudden, they heard Serena gasp, and how very audible it was. "Girls, I think I have found my dress!" was heard as Serena was nothing but a blur running into the store they had come upon to stake claim on the dress she had spotted. When the rest got inside, they saw what was so captivating about the gown Serena had seen. To put it simply, it was gorgeous. It was relatively simple, pink with the waist almost Empire in its place (being high up and all), but coming up slightly to a point, the chest being a bit sparkly, and the skirt layers upon layers of fine tulle, all at different lengths to give it a wispy look. (Ok, ok, the dresses I decided to use are. . . get this! REAL!. . . LoL. Just cause I love these dresses so much, I am going to include the web addies with them, so you can appreciate their total kewlness! My personal favorite: www. dylm .com/images/1420 .jpg).
The girls looked at Serena in open mouthed awe as she emerged 2 minutes later from the dressing room. It fit her like a glove, no questions asked. She paid for the dress while the others looked around. They saw some interesting dresses, but nothing that really stood out. On to the next store!
Next, they went to the little boutique that Mina had mentioned earlier, named Celestial Garments, as it turned out. Inside, Amy found a beautiful conservative dress. It was a light blue, with no design on it, but cut low in the chest area (AN: ooh. . . You go girl!), it had a flared skirt, and tied in an "X" in the back ( www. dylm .com/images/1405 .jpg). It looked even better on Amy than on the hanger, as they all do.
Inside Celestial Garments, Mina also found her perfect dress of choice. It was a pale orange-yellow in color, and, like Amy's, was gracefully flared. It's high waist had little openings that held the skirt to the top with embroidered flowers (AN: You kind of have to see this to really get it. www. dylm .com/images/1434 .jpg).
To find Raye's pick of dress, however, took at least an hour of their time, for she was extremely picky and wanted to outshine the others. This was not going to happen, (Raye: ~But why not?!~) however, because this is MY story (heehee) and Serena is the star of it (w/ Darien, but that isn't the point!). So they finally found her dress in another, slightly larger store called the Butterfly Boutique (AN: I made that up, but if it does exist somewhere, don't sue me, I DON'T own it. . .) Her dress was a strapless one, that was two-toned of red and white. It was embellished by white lace on the edges and a corset-like tying in the back. (www. dylm .com/images/1411 .jpg). ~Yes, in this dress, I will come veeeeery close to outshining everyone. Haha!~ (AN: I in no way hate Raye, I just liked this little outshining thing. . . don't ask. . .).
Last but not least, Lita. She didn't take very long to pick out hers because she wasn't into all this dressing up stuff, but when she tried this one on, she knew she had to have it. As was Mina and Amy's dresses, this was not very detailed and frilly, but it was just enough. It was a minty green and was a halter top connected to the skirt by a wide strip of the fabric in front, and the top tied in the back with a long, flowy tulle fabric. Its skirt also flared smoothly to the floor. (www. dylm .com/images/1432 .jpg).
Just as the group piled their new purchases into the back of Amy's car (AN: Yes, I am giving Amy a car because she is the most responsible one! LoL. And they need a way to carry all that stuff!), they heard a scream come from inside the mall. Knowingly, they took off towards the alarming sound, transforming along the way.
Mercury Star Power, Make Up!
Venus Star Power, Make Up!
Mars Star Power, Make Up!
Jupiter Star Power, Make Up!
Moon Crystal Power, Make Up!
When they rounded the corner, heading in the direction of the Celestial Garments boutique, they started drawing on their energy sources to call forth their attacks, Mercury already running scans to find any weaknesses.
"Anything yet?" yelled Sailor Moon, who was running far up in the lead, to Mercury. "Nothing!" she said, exasperated. "Maybe I can get something when we are closer, but it seems to be blocked now." ~Darn. I was hoping this would be an easy one.~
Serena's first impression of the youma was that it looked more human than monster, but its sheer size and color (plus the beams of dark energy!) gave it a menacing look that said it was from the one-and-only Negaverse.
Jupiter had already started in with some punches and kicks to its head, while Mars waited for her to finish. Finally, Jupiter backed off long enough for the attacks to be made:
Mercury Ice Bubble. . . FREEZE! While the youma was frozen at first, he was highly powerful, and could not be held by that alone. He began to get his ability to move back, and fast. "Venus! Go!" commanded Sailor Moon.
Venus Love Chain. . . ENCIRCLE! With the added attack, he was held fast, at least for a little while.
Mars Celestial Fire. . . SURROUND!
Jupiter Thunder Crash. . . ZAP!
"It still isn't worn out enough, guys! My attack won't dust it yet!" Sailor Moon said as she went in for some up-close and personal hits, and the others, excluding Amy, soon joined her.
"I FOUND IT!!! HE IS WEAK IN HIS LOWER BACK!" screamed Amy as she saw the strong gathering of Dark Energy. . . but she was too late. The other Sailor Senshi were knocked back with a hard blow. She saw, just a second too late, Tuxedo Mask rush by, but there was nothing he could do, other than pelt the monster with his roses, to distract it long enough.
Mercury Shine Aqua. . . ILLUSION!
"Good. . . that should hold for a while. Tuxedo Mask! Help me with the others!" But as they approached, the fallen soldiers slowly got up themselves. "Aim your attacks at his lower back this time, before he gets too much of a chance to do any funny business."
"Duh. . ." moaned Mars, but didn't go any further, for before their eyes, appeared 2 more youma that looked just like the first, but were different colors, black and white.
"God, save us. . ." whispered Jupiter, and she relentlessly charged the closest of the two new arrivals. "Take down the frozen one first guys!" contradicted Sailor Moon.
"Right!" She wasn't going to say anything yet, but Venus noticed that Sailor Moon had become a lot more leader-like recently, and was proud of her. She barely klutzed out anymore, and they got through fights a lot quicker that way. Tuxedo Mask noticed the same thing. ~At least I won't have to face protecting her all the time when she hates me, but I can do as much as possible now. She is really maturing and can hold her own.~ He had to smile at her sudden bravado.
Venus Crescent Beam. . . SHOWER!
"Is it down enough yet, Mercury?" Sailor Moon wanted to get this one out of the way. "Yes, it should be killed easily now." "Good!" she exclaimed with a smile.
Moon Scepter. . . ELIMINATION!
"Dusted!" the scouts cried out in unison. "Now, about the other two. . . Any info on them Mercury?" ~She had to have had plenty of time, while I destroyed the frozen youma.~ "There isn't any information for them, but it seems as if these are guarding their heads. See the unusual amount of armor and such?" "Ok, girls. . . and guy! You know what to do!" The group split into two groups, excluding Sailor Moon and Mercury, who was still typing furiously at the Mercury computer.
Mars and Tuxedo Mask tried wearing down the white youma, while Jupiter and Venus went at the black one.
Mars Firebird. . . STRIKE!
Rose Throw! (AN: What else am I supposed to call it???!!!)
Jupiter Thunder Dragon. . . SUPREME!
Venus Crescent Beam. . . SHOWER!
"Sailor Moon, these ones are much stronger than the last one. . . what should we do?" Mercury was worried now. "We keep fighting. That is what we always do." "Ok." The answer seemed like an ok one for her.
While the girls fought, Sailor Moon joined in on the black youma, while Mercury tried another freeze before joining in helping on the white monster.
Mercury Shine Aqua. . . ILLUSION! Both youma were stunned and slowed down, but not stopped as another beam of dark energy caught Mars on the shoulder. Mercury noticed as she made an attempt to fight that Venus had already been taken out, lying conscious, but not moving, at the base of a tree. Jupiter was near the same point, as were Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask. She was about to give up, herself when she heard something. . .
Uranus World. . . SHAKING!
Neptune Deep. . . SUBMERGE!
Pluto Dead. . . SCREAM!
Saturn Silence Glaive. . . SURPRISE!
The two remaining youma were greatly affected by the strangers' attacks, and Sailor Moon knew that she came next. Aligning herself so that her attack would hit both monsters, she yelled out her power.
Moon Scepter. . . ELIMINATION!
The youma let out piercing screams, causing the fighters to cover their ears. ~I remember them!~ Sailor Moon detransformed, and ran squealing towards Pluto. "SETSUNA!!!!!" Pluto detransformed and hugged the girl she knew as her Princess tightly. "How did you all get here?" Serena asked the outers, not one of them in particular. "The same way you did, Princess," replied Uranus, as she detransformed to Haruka. Neptune and Saturn followed suite, becoming Michiru and Hotaru, respectively. "Mother sent you here, too?" she asked incredulously. "She sent Haruka, Michiru, and Hotaru. I reside mostly in the Time Gates, remember?"
Sadly, she did remember. It was a rare occasion when Setsuna was allowed out of her time-keeping bondage. "How long can you stay?" Serena wanted to know how long she had with her old friend. "As long as it takes to take down the Negaverse, this time."
The for-the-moment forgotten Inner Senshi and Darien (now all detransformed as well) were puzzled, and slightly disturbed that Serena took to the new- comers so easily. "Woo hoo. . . over here!" yelled Mina from about 100 feet away. She began walking towards her leader and Raye, Lita, Amy, and Darien followed her, all a bit slow because of their injuries, but those were healing fast. "Who are you people, and how do you know Serena?" questioned Raye, rather harshly. Amy just looked at them knowingly. She did not have her memories back of the Silver Millenium, but she had already figured out who the other senshi were using her computer.
Explanations were made to say why the three older and one younger girl were here and where they came from, Serena explaining most of it from memory, hoping it was the right thing to do, Amy filling in historical information. Luna wouldn't like her telling the girls about some of the memories of the past, but it was all she could do at the moment. (I'm not getting into that though. It would take too long, so, just 'imagine' I told you and either use prior knowledge or make up something about their past! hehehe)
"Oh. . . " the girls said, in obvious wonderment. "Do you remember, Darien?" asked Serena, for he had been quiet the whole time, while the girls asked questions to no end. "Yes." Was all he said. ~Now is as good as any to start distancing myself. She has more friends from the past to help her.~
"Well, in order to get reacquainted with each other, I propose that all of you attend my 16th birthday party!" she said with great glee. "Uh. . . I guess so." Setsuna wasn't sure about partying, but Michiru and Haruka were excited. "Sure! We don't have anything planned, but this will let us get around, meet a few people. Maybe it will help us!" Hotaru nodded silently in agreement. "Ok then. When and where is it?"
The details were explained, and they all parted ways, Outers going to their large, newly-purchased home, Inners continuing their sleep-over plans, Darien heading to his next class.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Later that week (Saturday night, to be exact), Serena got the call from Darien.
"Serena? I'm sorry. I can't pick you up and come early like we planned. We had a small accident at work, and I am needed to help fix it."
"Aww, I was really looking forward to you coming!" Darien could tell she was pouting by her voice. He couldn't help but grin, even thought what was about to go down that night would be the end of them.
"Don't worry. I will be there, just not early enough to help with the setup. I talked to Andrew, though. He said he can handle whatever you throw his way, but be easy on him!" She laughed at the memory of him trying to lift things when Lita got her apartment, all to evident that he was going to get squished by a sofa, Darien had quickly gone over to help him.
"Ok. . . I will still miss you. Talk to you later then! ~*MUAH*~!"
"-chuckling- Alright." *click.*
~*~*~*~*~*~
Six o'clock had finally rolled around. Amy had picked her up, along with the other girls minus Mina (she had plans to show up with Andrew), and they were on their way to the ballroom that had been rented. The plan was to go, setup, then get dressed in time to greet guests and such. It was a big occasion, and the guest list wasn't set. Serena's friends brought friends and friends-of-friends, as was the same for people Andrew, Darien, and the girls knew. Almost all were welcome.
The before-hand process was soon finished, and the large room looked spectacular. They all went into the back rooms to get dressed. Andrew took only 15 minutes, while the girls spent the better of 45 back there, setting their hair and primping. When they finally emerged, Andrew's jaw almost hit the ground. They were all, in a word, breathtaking.
Soon, guests started to arrive, and Darien was among them, about an hour late. But whenever Serena tried to get some time alone with him, he was always pulled away, without any protest on his part. ~Well, he has had a rough day at work. Let him be for a while.~ So she waited.
Not to say that her evening so far was eventless. She had danced with a number of people, including her father, brother, Andrew, her cousin from America, and some other guys from school. During the faster dances, she danced in her group of friends, which included the recently discovered Outers, each wearing a simple, but beautiful, gown.
[AN: Not going to go into those because it would take too long. Maybe I will add them later though. For those of you who might have been looking at what they are wearing, here are the addies: Setsuna: www. dylm .com/images/1408 .jpg in black; Michiru: www. dylm .com/images/1416 .jpg in a deep, aqua-marine; Haruka (who was hard to get to wear a dress, let me tell you!): www. dylm .com/images/1422 .jpg in a very pale blue; Hotaru: www. dylm .com/images/1431 .jpg in deep purple. Ok. I think that takes care of everyone's attire!]
~*~*~*~*~*~
Darien had tried hard to avoid Serena at almost all cost. Any chance he got to leave her side, he would take. He hadn't even danced with her yet, and he was hoping she was getting suspicious. The 'accident' at work earlier didn't even exist. Now, his second part of the plan would have to commence soon. He would pick out a girl, almost at random, and, so to say, 'woo' her at the party. Hopefully, Serena wouldn't find it in her heart to forgive him, but it was just that big. This was a major risk, and he knew it. Now, all he had to do is spot the perfect, or not-so-perfect, girl.
He saw her as he made his way over to the punch line. She was a petit girl with long, long, deep pink hair and green eyes. He noticed she didn't seem to be with anyone, but she also seemed to be the type of girl to take another's boyfriend, or at least he was hoping so.
"How do you know Serena?" he came up and asked her. "Oh, not personally. My younger sister knows her a little from school. How do you, if it is so important you know how I do?" she countered. "I'm her boyfriend." He said simply, knowing it would catch her interest.
He was right. ~Wow. He is a bit old for her. This might be fun!~ She gave him a coy smile and walked away slowly, exaggerating the swing of her hips. "Well, I was right. Hook, line, and sinker." And he followed. They danced a few songs, and he excused himself to go and mingle for a bit. Ten minutes later, he was back, and dancing again, and, might I add, very intimately.
~*~*~*~*~*~
This behavior did not go unnoticed, however, which in Darien's mindset, would be a good thing. Haruka had been watching him all night, being the protective friend that she is. She distrusts guys so much and figured she better not this one. She was right.
When he got up and went over back to Serena for a while, she wet over to grille the girl.
She found out that her name was Kyra and that this girl knew Darien was dating Serena, but didn't see that as a problem, because, in her words, "The little twit doesn't deserve to take collage guys anyway. There aren't enough to go around as is." And she shrugged, and turned back away. This got Haruka very upset, and she went to tell the other Outers what she knew.
"What should we do?" she asked Setsuna, who already knew the outcome of this fiasco, but wasn't telling. "It is strictly against the Time Rules to tell you. Just let it ride itself out." Michiru and Hotaru agreed and they all kept close watch over the offending man for the next 15 minutes, until they could no longer find him.
Hotaru came back and told the others that she saw Darien and Kyra leave together, arms wrapped around each other.
"That definitely is not good. . ." Michiru said. "Maybe we should tell her?" Setsuna sighed, "I suppose it is time."
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Andrew? Have you seen Darien anywhere? He hasn't danced with me yet, and I want to talk to him!" He thought. "No, Serena, now that I think of it, I haven't seen him in a while. Sorry."
She got the same basic answer from the rest of the people she asked and then decided to group up the girls for some talk-time. "Guys, I think something is bothering Darien. I just can't figure it out though. he hasn't talked to me a lot, we haven't danced, and he has taken any excuse he gets to leave when I am with him!" They could see the tears springing in her crystalline eyes.
This is when Hotaru decided it best to let the Inners know what she had seen. "I think Hotaru has something to say," mentioned Haruka.
"What is it? Is it about Darien?!" pleaded the tiny blonde. "I'm afraid so. I saw him leave about 30 minutes ago." "Where?! Where did he go? Maybe to pick up my cake?" she hoped it was that, and not something else.
"No. . . I'm so sorry. He left. . . with another girl." Thinking better of it, Michiru said, "Rather a woman, if that is any better. . ." "NO IT ISN'T!" yelled Serena. She was very near bawling now. "I just knew he would find someone better than me!"
"No, no!!! that isn't it, Serena!" comforted Mina. "It is so his loss! If he is doing this, he didn't fully realize what he had!" Lita chose this time to comment, "When I see that Darien, he will see the full-fledged fury of Sailor Jupiter. . ."
"Them be's fightin' words. . ." said Mina wisely. "Mina, shut up. . ." said Raye. "Well, they are! **raspberry**"
"What was her name. . . did I invite her? Tell me everything you know." demanded their leader. So they told how Haruka questioned the girl, and what the two-timing Darien had been pulling all night.
Maybe 20 minutes after they finished their story, Darien came back in, arm in arm with Kyra. Serena, seeing the pure openness he was showing with her, walked right over there and, without a word, slapped him, saying "We are OVER" in a very menacing tone, and walked calmly away. There was a round of applause for her from the senshi, and evil looks shooting the usual daggers at Darien, and some aimed towards Kyra. ~I guess my plan worked~, he thought glumly.
Lita was trying to get away from Setsuna and Haruka when Serena got back to them. "Leave him be. He doesn't deserve our attention anymore." Her voice was calm and emotionless, but her eyes showed her true feelings: hurt, pain, anger, but most of all, love. Love for the man who had betrayed her, and not even in secret! ~The nerve of the self-centered baka.~ (AN: I was gonna not use any Japanese terms in this, but I didn't want to use any. . . uh. . . vulgar. . . language. If you want, imagine anything else you would like to call him there!)
Serena told Mina and Raye to spread the word around that the party was NOT over, and that she would be fine. In reality, she felt like she could die right there and not give a care. People danced, Darien and Kyra danced, and Serena sat. People laughed, Darien and Kyra laughed (thought Darien's was not heart-felt, but she didn't know that), and Serena did not laugh. Neither did her close friends. They sat with her for most of the night, bringing her and the others food and drink every once in a while. And that is how the "party" went for the rest if the time there.
When it was over, the guests left, sharing their condolences with her, advising her to forget the idiot of a boyfriend, and find someone better. Serena smiled weakly at these people, knowing that they only meant well. And Darien left with Kyra. ~I WILL get over him. I still have my duties as Sailor Moon, even though I don't have him. And my friends. they will help me.~ And that thought alone, with her family, got her through the night.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Well, another chapter! Ok, as a reminder, there will be one more chapter in this part, then a second part with three chapters in it. Review please, because I don't feel very motivated anymore. . . I am getting greedy. . . wahaha. 2 reviews is not enough for me! I'm thinking more along the lines of 10 reviews, then I will really try and post something (Who knows if I will be finished w/ the next chapter by then!) LoL. Well, tell me if it stinks, is good, or even if you have a pet monkey named Fluffy (inside joke. . . LoL). Any and everything, but I need reviews to write! If you want me to email you when I update, send me an email saying so or include it in your review, k? Oh, and if you have like some good news of whatever, tell me cuz I just spent $20 on a CD I don't want. stupid thing. LoL. And I just got my cartilage pierced!!! YAY!!! Ok, I'm so sure you REALLY wanted to know about that. Oh well. ~*Lil-PrincessK*~
~ ~ = thoughts and ~*~*~*~*~*~ = POV/scene change
Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon, any of the other characters in that series, or any of Lesley Gore's song, so don't sue, you won't get a red cent. maybe a dog or two, but no money. *I also don't own Do You Love Me (or www. dylm .com) which I used in the dresses I picked out for the characters. I just thought their dresses were simply wonderful! Oh, and I also had to change the colors of the dresses to fit my liking. Some actually came in those colors, others I made up. hee hee.* Any web sites people want to visit that I have put here (for whatever reason) will have to have the spaces taken out 'cause it wouldn't upload right w/o them! Sorry!
"I Can Cry if I Want To" Part 1, Chapter 2: Party
Last time on ICCIIWT: Ok, so there's more 'ado' but it is 4 your own good!
He was thinking about the troubling string of dreams he had been having. . . Dreams of Serena. . . Just as they are about to say "I do". . . Ripped from his arms. . . Unseen force. . . Evenly-laced with evil: "Stay away from her or she shall die. . ."
~*FLASH*~
"So who is going to be able to come to my sweet 16 this Saturday?". . . "Party starts at 8:00pm, but I will need you guys there earlier". . . "Has anyone heard from him? Darien, I mean?". . . Hadn't called in 3 days. . . Beginning to worry. ~You would know if he didn't love you anymore~. . . He hasn't come in at all this week. . .
~*FLASH*~
"Where have you been?. . . All worried sick about you!". . . ~I hate it when those two fight. . . Ridiculous, him just ignoring her outright for this long~. . . "I'll be right over. . . Tell her to wait for me". . .
~*FLASH*~
Wait. . . ~Can't just let him walk all over me, now can I? No~. . . "You would wait until the end of the Earth and Moon for him!". . . Shopping tomorrow. . .
~*FLASH*~
~Give her up~. . . Sometimes he's just really protective. . . "See you tomorrow?". . . "It's a date". . .
~*~*~*~*~*~
As she waited for the bell to ring after detention (AN: yes, Serena was late again this morning. ~I had a right to be! I was thinking of shopping!~ If you say so. . .), she couldn't help but think of the details she would be looking for. This helped pass the time very quickly, you see. After years of detentions after school, Serena had mastered the fine art of wasting time doing absolutely nothing. The bell rang, and she was off! ~I have to hurry. I said I would meet the girls at 3:10 and it is almost that now.~ Serena ran through the crowded streets of Tokyo, when she saw Darien drive up next to her.
"Need a ride?" he chided with a lopsided grin. "Do I ever! I promised to meet Mina and them at the mall. It isn't out of your way, right?" She didn't want to make him late with anything because of her own tardiness. "No, of course not!"
~*~*~*~*~*~
Five minutes later, without a minute to spare, Serena walked into the Dillard's entrance to the mall, with a quick wave back at Darien as he sped off. "What did I do to deserve him?" she asked herself out loud. "I don't know, but I need to figure it out, and do it better!" was heard from behind her. "RAYE!!!!!" but Lita intervened before any real harm was done.
"Come on. . . we have the next 3 hours to shop, shop, shop!" exclaimed the ever-perky Mina. "I hear they just got in some killer dresses at the little boutique across from the food court!" Serena could just imagine. . . "Great!!! Food AND clothes, all at once!"
The other four sweat-dropped. "Do you ever think of anything else, Meatball Head???" Raye inquired. "Yes. . . give me a second. . ." as she wandered throughout her thoughts. "Darien, clothes, the Moon, Darien, the past, the future, Darien, ice cream. . . wait, that is food- scratch that, it doesn't count. . ."
"We get the picture. While it is a narrow-minded one, we get it," Amy cracked.
"Mina and Lita stifled a laugh, while Raye just outright nearly came to tears, thinking about the small amount of subject matter that drifted in and out of her friend's mind.
All of a sudden, they heard Serena gasp, and how very audible it was. "Girls, I think I have found my dress!" was heard as Serena was nothing but a blur running into the store they had come upon to stake claim on the dress she had spotted. When the rest got inside, they saw what was so captivating about the gown Serena had seen. To put it simply, it was gorgeous. It was relatively simple, pink with the waist almost Empire in its place (being high up and all), but coming up slightly to a point, the chest being a bit sparkly, and the skirt layers upon layers of fine tulle, all at different lengths to give it a wispy look. (Ok, ok, the dresses I decided to use are. . . get this! REAL!. . . LoL. Just cause I love these dresses so much, I am going to include the web addies with them, so you can appreciate their total kewlness! My personal favorite: www. dylm .com/images/1420 .jpg).
The girls looked at Serena in open mouthed awe as she emerged 2 minutes later from the dressing room. It fit her like a glove, no questions asked. She paid for the dress while the others looked around. They saw some interesting dresses, but nothing that really stood out. On to the next store!
Next, they went to the little boutique that Mina had mentioned earlier, named Celestial Garments, as it turned out. Inside, Amy found a beautiful conservative dress. It was a light blue, with no design on it, but cut low in the chest area (AN: ooh. . . You go girl!), it had a flared skirt, and tied in an "X" in the back ( www. dylm .com/images/1405 .jpg). It looked even better on Amy than on the hanger, as they all do.
Inside Celestial Garments, Mina also found her perfect dress of choice. It was a pale orange-yellow in color, and, like Amy's, was gracefully flared. It's high waist had little openings that held the skirt to the top with embroidered flowers (AN: You kind of have to see this to really get it. www. dylm .com/images/1434 .jpg).
To find Raye's pick of dress, however, took at least an hour of their time, for she was extremely picky and wanted to outshine the others. This was not going to happen, (Raye: ~But why not?!~) however, because this is MY story (heehee) and Serena is the star of it (w/ Darien, but that isn't the point!). So they finally found her dress in another, slightly larger store called the Butterfly Boutique (AN: I made that up, but if it does exist somewhere, don't sue me, I DON'T own it. . .) Her dress was a strapless one, that was two-toned of red and white. It was embellished by white lace on the edges and a corset-like tying in the back. (www. dylm .com/images/1411 .jpg). ~Yes, in this dress, I will come veeeeery close to outshining everyone. Haha!~ (AN: I in no way hate Raye, I just liked this little outshining thing. . . don't ask. . .).
Last but not least, Lita. She didn't take very long to pick out hers because she wasn't into all this dressing up stuff, but when she tried this one on, she knew she had to have it. As was Mina and Amy's dresses, this was not very detailed and frilly, but it was just enough. It was a minty green and was a halter top connected to the skirt by a wide strip of the fabric in front, and the top tied in the back with a long, flowy tulle fabric. Its skirt also flared smoothly to the floor. (www. dylm .com/images/1432 .jpg).
Just as the group piled their new purchases into the back of Amy's car (AN: Yes, I am giving Amy a car because she is the most responsible one! LoL. And they need a way to carry all that stuff!), they heard a scream come from inside the mall. Knowingly, they took off towards the alarming sound, transforming along the way.
Mercury Star Power, Make Up!
Venus Star Power, Make Up!
Mars Star Power, Make Up!
Jupiter Star Power, Make Up!
Moon Crystal Power, Make Up!
When they rounded the corner, heading in the direction of the Celestial Garments boutique, they started drawing on their energy sources to call forth their attacks, Mercury already running scans to find any weaknesses.
"Anything yet?" yelled Sailor Moon, who was running far up in the lead, to Mercury. "Nothing!" she said, exasperated. "Maybe I can get something when we are closer, but it seems to be blocked now." ~Darn. I was hoping this would be an easy one.~
Serena's first impression of the youma was that it looked more human than monster, but its sheer size and color (plus the beams of dark energy!) gave it a menacing look that said it was from the one-and-only Negaverse.
Jupiter had already started in with some punches and kicks to its head, while Mars waited for her to finish. Finally, Jupiter backed off long enough for the attacks to be made:
Mercury Ice Bubble. . . FREEZE! While the youma was frozen at first, he was highly powerful, and could not be held by that alone. He began to get his ability to move back, and fast. "Venus! Go!" commanded Sailor Moon.
Venus Love Chain. . . ENCIRCLE! With the added attack, he was held fast, at least for a little while.
Mars Celestial Fire. . . SURROUND!
Jupiter Thunder Crash. . . ZAP!
"It still isn't worn out enough, guys! My attack won't dust it yet!" Sailor Moon said as she went in for some up-close and personal hits, and the others, excluding Amy, soon joined her.
"I FOUND IT!!! HE IS WEAK IN HIS LOWER BACK!" screamed Amy as she saw the strong gathering of Dark Energy. . . but she was too late. The other Sailor Senshi were knocked back with a hard blow. She saw, just a second too late, Tuxedo Mask rush by, but there was nothing he could do, other than pelt the monster with his roses, to distract it long enough.
Mercury Shine Aqua. . . ILLUSION!
"Good. . . that should hold for a while. Tuxedo Mask! Help me with the others!" But as they approached, the fallen soldiers slowly got up themselves. "Aim your attacks at his lower back this time, before he gets too much of a chance to do any funny business."
"Duh. . ." moaned Mars, but didn't go any further, for before their eyes, appeared 2 more youma that looked just like the first, but were different colors, black and white.
"God, save us. . ." whispered Jupiter, and she relentlessly charged the closest of the two new arrivals. "Take down the frozen one first guys!" contradicted Sailor Moon.
"Right!" She wasn't going to say anything yet, but Venus noticed that Sailor Moon had become a lot more leader-like recently, and was proud of her. She barely klutzed out anymore, and they got through fights a lot quicker that way. Tuxedo Mask noticed the same thing. ~At least I won't have to face protecting her all the time when she hates me, but I can do as much as possible now. She is really maturing and can hold her own.~ He had to smile at her sudden bravado.
Venus Crescent Beam. . . SHOWER!
"Is it down enough yet, Mercury?" Sailor Moon wanted to get this one out of the way. "Yes, it should be killed easily now." "Good!" she exclaimed with a smile.
Moon Scepter. . . ELIMINATION!
"Dusted!" the scouts cried out in unison. "Now, about the other two. . . Any info on them Mercury?" ~She had to have had plenty of time, while I destroyed the frozen youma.~ "There isn't any information for them, but it seems as if these are guarding their heads. See the unusual amount of armor and such?" "Ok, girls. . . and guy! You know what to do!" The group split into two groups, excluding Sailor Moon and Mercury, who was still typing furiously at the Mercury computer.
Mars and Tuxedo Mask tried wearing down the white youma, while Jupiter and Venus went at the black one.
Mars Firebird. . . STRIKE!
Rose Throw! (AN: What else am I supposed to call it???!!!)
Jupiter Thunder Dragon. . . SUPREME!
Venus Crescent Beam. . . SHOWER!
"Sailor Moon, these ones are much stronger than the last one. . . what should we do?" Mercury was worried now. "We keep fighting. That is what we always do." "Ok." The answer seemed like an ok one for her.
While the girls fought, Sailor Moon joined in on the black youma, while Mercury tried another freeze before joining in helping on the white monster.
Mercury Shine Aqua. . . ILLUSION! Both youma were stunned and slowed down, but not stopped as another beam of dark energy caught Mars on the shoulder. Mercury noticed as she made an attempt to fight that Venus had already been taken out, lying conscious, but not moving, at the base of a tree. Jupiter was near the same point, as were Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask. She was about to give up, herself when she heard something. . .
Uranus World. . . SHAKING!
Neptune Deep. . . SUBMERGE!
Pluto Dead. . . SCREAM!
Saturn Silence Glaive. . . SURPRISE!
The two remaining youma were greatly affected by the strangers' attacks, and Sailor Moon knew that she came next. Aligning herself so that her attack would hit both monsters, she yelled out her power.
Moon Scepter. . . ELIMINATION!
The youma let out piercing screams, causing the fighters to cover their ears. ~I remember them!~ Sailor Moon detransformed, and ran squealing towards Pluto. "SETSUNA!!!!!" Pluto detransformed and hugged the girl she knew as her Princess tightly. "How did you all get here?" Serena asked the outers, not one of them in particular. "The same way you did, Princess," replied Uranus, as she detransformed to Haruka. Neptune and Saturn followed suite, becoming Michiru and Hotaru, respectively. "Mother sent you here, too?" she asked incredulously. "She sent Haruka, Michiru, and Hotaru. I reside mostly in the Time Gates, remember?"
Sadly, she did remember. It was a rare occasion when Setsuna was allowed out of her time-keeping bondage. "How long can you stay?" Serena wanted to know how long she had with her old friend. "As long as it takes to take down the Negaverse, this time."
The for-the-moment forgotten Inner Senshi and Darien (now all detransformed as well) were puzzled, and slightly disturbed that Serena took to the new- comers so easily. "Woo hoo. . . over here!" yelled Mina from about 100 feet away. She began walking towards her leader and Raye, Lita, Amy, and Darien followed her, all a bit slow because of their injuries, but those were healing fast. "Who are you people, and how do you know Serena?" questioned Raye, rather harshly. Amy just looked at them knowingly. She did not have her memories back of the Silver Millenium, but she had already figured out who the other senshi were using her computer.
Explanations were made to say why the three older and one younger girl were here and where they came from, Serena explaining most of it from memory, hoping it was the right thing to do, Amy filling in historical information. Luna wouldn't like her telling the girls about some of the memories of the past, but it was all she could do at the moment. (I'm not getting into that though. It would take too long, so, just 'imagine' I told you and either use prior knowledge or make up something about their past! hehehe)
"Oh. . . " the girls said, in obvious wonderment. "Do you remember, Darien?" asked Serena, for he had been quiet the whole time, while the girls asked questions to no end. "Yes." Was all he said. ~Now is as good as any to start distancing myself. She has more friends from the past to help her.~
"Well, in order to get reacquainted with each other, I propose that all of you attend my 16th birthday party!" she said with great glee. "Uh. . . I guess so." Setsuna wasn't sure about partying, but Michiru and Haruka were excited. "Sure! We don't have anything planned, but this will let us get around, meet a few people. Maybe it will help us!" Hotaru nodded silently in agreement. "Ok then. When and where is it?"
The details were explained, and they all parted ways, Outers going to their large, newly-purchased home, Inners continuing their sleep-over plans, Darien heading to his next class.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Later that week (Saturday night, to be exact), Serena got the call from Darien.
"Serena? I'm sorry. I can't pick you up and come early like we planned. We had a small accident at work, and I am needed to help fix it."
"Aww, I was really looking forward to you coming!" Darien could tell she was pouting by her voice. He couldn't help but grin, even thought what was about to go down that night would be the end of them.
"Don't worry. I will be there, just not early enough to help with the setup. I talked to Andrew, though. He said he can handle whatever you throw his way, but be easy on him!" She laughed at the memory of him trying to lift things when Lita got her apartment, all to evident that he was going to get squished by a sofa, Darien had quickly gone over to help him.
"Ok. . . I will still miss you. Talk to you later then! ~*MUAH*~!"
"-chuckling- Alright." *click.*
~*~*~*~*~*~
Six o'clock had finally rolled around. Amy had picked her up, along with the other girls minus Mina (she had plans to show up with Andrew), and they were on their way to the ballroom that had been rented. The plan was to go, setup, then get dressed in time to greet guests and such. It was a big occasion, and the guest list wasn't set. Serena's friends brought friends and friends-of-friends, as was the same for people Andrew, Darien, and the girls knew. Almost all were welcome.
The before-hand process was soon finished, and the large room looked spectacular. They all went into the back rooms to get dressed. Andrew took only 15 minutes, while the girls spent the better of 45 back there, setting their hair and primping. When they finally emerged, Andrew's jaw almost hit the ground. They were all, in a word, breathtaking.
Soon, guests started to arrive, and Darien was among them, about an hour late. But whenever Serena tried to get some time alone with him, he was always pulled away, without any protest on his part. ~Well, he has had a rough day at work. Let him be for a while.~ So she waited.
Not to say that her evening so far was eventless. She had danced with a number of people, including her father, brother, Andrew, her cousin from America, and some other guys from school. During the faster dances, she danced in her group of friends, which included the recently discovered Outers, each wearing a simple, but beautiful, gown.
[AN: Not going to go into those because it would take too long. Maybe I will add them later though. For those of you who might have been looking at what they are wearing, here are the addies: Setsuna: www. dylm .com/images/1408 .jpg in black; Michiru: www. dylm .com/images/1416 .jpg in a deep, aqua-marine; Haruka (who was hard to get to wear a dress, let me tell you!): www. dylm .com/images/1422 .jpg in a very pale blue; Hotaru: www. dylm .com/images/1431 .jpg in deep purple. Ok. I think that takes care of everyone's attire!]
~*~*~*~*~*~
Darien had tried hard to avoid Serena at almost all cost. Any chance he got to leave her side, he would take. He hadn't even danced with her yet, and he was hoping she was getting suspicious. The 'accident' at work earlier didn't even exist. Now, his second part of the plan would have to commence soon. He would pick out a girl, almost at random, and, so to say, 'woo' her at the party. Hopefully, Serena wouldn't find it in her heart to forgive him, but it was just that big. This was a major risk, and he knew it. Now, all he had to do is spot the perfect, or not-so-perfect, girl.
He saw her as he made his way over to the punch line. She was a petit girl with long, long, deep pink hair and green eyes. He noticed she didn't seem to be with anyone, but she also seemed to be the type of girl to take another's boyfriend, or at least he was hoping so.
"How do you know Serena?" he came up and asked her. "Oh, not personally. My younger sister knows her a little from school. How do you, if it is so important you know how I do?" she countered. "I'm her boyfriend." He said simply, knowing it would catch her interest.
He was right. ~Wow. He is a bit old for her. This might be fun!~ She gave him a coy smile and walked away slowly, exaggerating the swing of her hips. "Well, I was right. Hook, line, and sinker." And he followed. They danced a few songs, and he excused himself to go and mingle for a bit. Ten minutes later, he was back, and dancing again, and, might I add, very intimately.
~*~*~*~*~*~
This behavior did not go unnoticed, however, which in Darien's mindset, would be a good thing. Haruka had been watching him all night, being the protective friend that she is. She distrusts guys so much and figured she better not this one. She was right.
When he got up and went over back to Serena for a while, she wet over to grille the girl.
She found out that her name was Kyra and that this girl knew Darien was dating Serena, but didn't see that as a problem, because, in her words, "The little twit doesn't deserve to take collage guys anyway. There aren't enough to go around as is." And she shrugged, and turned back away. This got Haruka very upset, and she went to tell the other Outers what she knew.
"What should we do?" she asked Setsuna, who already knew the outcome of this fiasco, but wasn't telling. "It is strictly against the Time Rules to tell you. Just let it ride itself out." Michiru and Hotaru agreed and they all kept close watch over the offending man for the next 15 minutes, until they could no longer find him.
Hotaru came back and told the others that she saw Darien and Kyra leave together, arms wrapped around each other.
"That definitely is not good. . ." Michiru said. "Maybe we should tell her?" Setsuna sighed, "I suppose it is time."
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Andrew? Have you seen Darien anywhere? He hasn't danced with me yet, and I want to talk to him!" He thought. "No, Serena, now that I think of it, I haven't seen him in a while. Sorry."
She got the same basic answer from the rest of the people she asked and then decided to group up the girls for some talk-time. "Guys, I think something is bothering Darien. I just can't figure it out though. he hasn't talked to me a lot, we haven't danced, and he has taken any excuse he gets to leave when I am with him!" They could see the tears springing in her crystalline eyes.
This is when Hotaru decided it best to let the Inners know what she had seen. "I think Hotaru has something to say," mentioned Haruka.
"What is it? Is it about Darien?!" pleaded the tiny blonde. "I'm afraid so. I saw him leave about 30 minutes ago." "Where?! Where did he go? Maybe to pick up my cake?" she hoped it was that, and not something else.
"No. . . I'm so sorry. He left. . . with another girl." Thinking better of it, Michiru said, "Rather a woman, if that is any better. . ." "NO IT ISN'T!" yelled Serena. She was very near bawling now. "I just knew he would find someone better than me!"
"No, no!!! that isn't it, Serena!" comforted Mina. "It is so his loss! If he is doing this, he didn't fully realize what he had!" Lita chose this time to comment, "When I see that Darien, he will see the full-fledged fury of Sailor Jupiter. . ."
"Them be's fightin' words. . ." said Mina wisely. "Mina, shut up. . ." said Raye. "Well, they are! **raspberry**"
"What was her name. . . did I invite her? Tell me everything you know." demanded their leader. So they told how Haruka questioned the girl, and what the two-timing Darien had been pulling all night.
Maybe 20 minutes after they finished their story, Darien came back in, arm in arm with Kyra. Serena, seeing the pure openness he was showing with her, walked right over there and, without a word, slapped him, saying "We are OVER" in a very menacing tone, and walked calmly away. There was a round of applause for her from the senshi, and evil looks shooting the usual daggers at Darien, and some aimed towards Kyra. ~I guess my plan worked~, he thought glumly.
Lita was trying to get away from Setsuna and Haruka when Serena got back to them. "Leave him be. He doesn't deserve our attention anymore." Her voice was calm and emotionless, but her eyes showed her true feelings: hurt, pain, anger, but most of all, love. Love for the man who had betrayed her, and not even in secret! ~The nerve of the self-centered baka.~ (AN: I was gonna not use any Japanese terms in this, but I didn't want to use any. . . uh. . . vulgar. . . language. If you want, imagine anything else you would like to call him there!)
Serena told Mina and Raye to spread the word around that the party was NOT over, and that she would be fine. In reality, she felt like she could die right there and not give a care. People danced, Darien and Kyra danced, and Serena sat. People laughed, Darien and Kyra laughed (thought Darien's was not heart-felt, but she didn't know that), and Serena did not laugh. Neither did her close friends. They sat with her for most of the night, bringing her and the others food and drink every once in a while. And that is how the "party" went for the rest if the time there.
When it was over, the guests left, sharing their condolences with her, advising her to forget the idiot of a boyfriend, and find someone better. Serena smiled weakly at these people, knowing that they only meant well. And Darien left with Kyra. ~I WILL get over him. I still have my duties as Sailor Moon, even though I don't have him. And my friends. they will help me.~ And that thought alone, with her family, got her through the night.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Well, another chapter! Ok, as a reminder, there will be one more chapter in this part, then a second part with three chapters in it. Review please, because I don't feel very motivated anymore. . . I am getting greedy. . . wahaha. 2 reviews is not enough for me! I'm thinking more along the lines of 10 reviews, then I will really try and post something (Who knows if I will be finished w/ the next chapter by then!) LoL. Well, tell me if it stinks, is good, or even if you have a pet monkey named Fluffy (inside joke. . . LoL). Any and everything, but I need reviews to write! If you want me to email you when I update, send me an email saying so or include it in your review, k? Oh, and if you have like some good news of whatever, tell me cuz I just spent $20 on a CD I don't want. stupid thing. LoL. And I just got my cartilage pierced!!! YAY!!! Ok, I'm so sure you REALLY wanted to know about that. Oh well. ~*Lil-PrincessK*~