**I replaced the chapter with a correction. the ANs are the same, as well
as the review responses, I just forgot to put the three phrases Serena uses
to unlock the box! I can't believe no one told me about that in a
review!!! Anyhoo, enjoy the mini-not-really revision!!! ~*Lil-PrincessK*~
**
Here it is, the final, eagerly-anticipated installment in the "I Can Cry If I Want To" fan-fic! I'm sorry it's sorta short, but there isn't too much to wrap up in here except one thing, so that's it. I would like to thank all of the people (ok, two. . .) that have helped me while I was in a writing slump for this fic! I finally feel as if it is all coming together! Oh, and I'm not including a summary of the last chapter this time (which is really useful to make the chapters seem longer. . . shh. Don't tell, it's a secret!).
Reviews (and ReviewERS) Rock!
HappyGoLucky111- Don't worry, I don't plan to stop writing until I DIE!!! Nope, you can't get rid of me NOW! HAHAHA!!!
Brie- Thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed and were patient! It's a virtue! Oh, yea, and Disney World does rock!
Nadja- Aw, two hours? I'm touched! Yea, I wouldn't say that I myself was a tomboy, but I felt so shallow putting sites for dresses, but I had to share the prettiness, LoL. Raye's was gorgeous, I must admit, but, gasp, I can't remember what Haruka's looked like! I must go look again. And I couldn't let Setsuna be destined to loneliness for all of time! She's one of my favorites and that is just so bad for someone.
Stardust0912- Nope! Still have the epilogue to read, and THEN it's over.
Native16- Wow, as I told you, a special email all for me. I'm happy. Ok, Now go read the epilogue so you see Sets again!
Jing- Yup. Shadow is tres cool. I really think I did ok in creating him. I'm glad someone else thinks so too!
~ ~ = 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. Also, I have no rights nor do I own Steve Irwin, Crocodile Hunter. On the other hand, I DO own Jesse, for I created him with my own little ole mind, Kyra, and any of the other characters that aren't from Sailor Moon! 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" Epilogue
A more mature Serena sat back into her cushy sofa, a good two years later. She was smiling as she looked through her photo album at her cute puppy with the big ears, barking playfully at her in the park not so long ago. ~I hope he's happy with Jesse, all the way over seas in England! I hope he met some nice French poodles!~ she thought with a little laugh. She glanced at the clock. Darien was due home any minute now. He had taken a few extra classes in his senior year of college, while Serena had stuck with the bare minimum allowed for as long as she had attended.
She heard the door of their new high-rise apartment suite open and jumped up to meet her husband of six fun filled months. "Darien, How was your day?' she asked as she slid her arms around his neck, looking straight up into his deep eyes.
He just laughed at her, saying, "Sere, you were THERE most of the day, you know what I have." She gave him a little fake pout. "I'm just trying to be a good wife. . ."
"Ok, if you insist. I went to my first class, which you know is quantum physics, and we learned that on the molecular level, plutonium 439756 is REALLY very physiologically similar to. . ."
He was cut off by a little peck on his nose. "Never mind. I don't wanna hear all of that mumbo jumbo. How about we go for a walk instead?" He nodded and began to help her put her light coat on.
As they were walking throughout the city, Darien asked about her friends.
"Well, Mina and Andrew are FINALLY considering getting married, as I'm sure he's told you. It's about time, all of the times she's been getting on us about being the Goddess of Love. They are moving to Paris for a year. I was asking how she expected to finish college AND do that, but she wants to quit schooling for that year and pursue modeling while she's there. She said she would reenroll when they got back. Talk about a long honeymoon!
"I called Raye today, and she is doing well with her Priestess training. She thinks she has her cousin taught well enough to be her assistant, and says Grandpa is enjoying his retirement, though he still pretty much does a lot of what he used to, especially flirt. Raye just has the title of running the Temple. We were thinking of setting up a time for a girls' weekend before Mina leaves.
"Amy was telling me in English today that she was thinking of going to a big, fancy medical school, but has decided to go to the one here instead. She says that even though the Negaforce hasn't attacked in a year, she should stay to keep an eye out. I think she'll just miss Raye and I too much, though!
"Lita, as you probably remember, is doing great in her culinary classes. She is hoping that is Mina DOES get married, she'll be able to cater it. Ooh, she'll be so happy with her own business! She was also commenting on how cute she thought Mr. Fredique is. You know, our history professor? She hasn't changed a bit, I tell you.
Darien though a minute. "You haven't heard from the others though?" This brought a small frown to Serena's face. She hadn't heard from Haruka, Michiru, nor Hotaru in about a month. She knew she could contact Setsuna whenever, but didn't want to distract her from her Duties of Eternity. "Amy does have a theory, though. She thinks that they might have been needed in the future or past or something. Setsuna might have sent them. But I don't get why I haven't heard abut it. I'll have no choice but to contact Pluto later on." She said resolutely.
They walked on in silence, simply enjoying each other's company.
After a while of walking, the couple decided to go home and settle down for the night. Darien had two tests the following day and Serena was going to visit Pluto. When they arrived back in their apartment, Darien began looking through notes in the living room, while Serena headed to their bedroom.
She dug through her closet until she found what she was looking for. She delicately resurrected a small silver box with three complicated looking locks. Instead, however, of trying to open it with the traditional code or key, she spoke a phrase into the first lock, which was embellished with an etched crescent moon. "La Princesse de la Lune à jamais." It opened with a small clink and a bit of pink light.
She then spoke clearly to the second, more complex looking lock. It was decorated with a beautiful silver rose. "Le Prince de la Terre à jamais." It too opened with a clink, slightly louder, and a bit of black-ish looking light burst from it.
To the last, most intricate of the locks, she said a longer phrase. "Ensemble, les Amants et les Protecteurs l'Univers" It opened with a clearly audible clink and a stream of white, opalescent light. Serena gently lifted the lid up to see the contents of the small space. Inside was where she had stored her Sailor Moon items a while back. Among the assorted items were her Luna Pen, her Eternal Sailor Moon broach, her locket and Silver Crystal, and the time key. This last item she took out and resealed the box. "Au nom de la Lune, le cachet a fermé!"
She then went out into the living room to tell Darien that she would be back in a few, she was going to visit Pluto. She then held the key away from her in her hand and chanted, "Time Key, bring me to the Gates of Time!" over and over until she started to disappear.
After thirty seconds of swirling light, she landed gracefully on her feet in a dark chamber. Immediately, she felt a pair of strong arms clamp around her neck and waist and she reflexively ducked, turning around to pin her attacker. She let out a small squeal of shock as she saw who it was she had caught. "Shadow! Well, I haven't seen YOU in a while," she said with a light hearted smirk. "What are you doing here? Where's Pluto?"
When she released him, he turned. "Shadow of Time, and you don't think I belong or at LEAST have a right to be at the Time Gates?!" he exclaimed with mock indignation. "I am appalled!" He shut up when he saw the Plutonian Princess walking up to them. Serena turned and quickly pulled her friend into a bear hug.
"I've missed you so much, but I didn't want to take you away from your duties!" She let go to take in her friend. She hadn't seen her since their last giant sleepover, almost a year ago, when the attacks stopped occurring. "But I am here for a reason. I was starting to get worried about Hotaru, Michiru, and Haruka! We haven't seen hide nor hair of the trio for almost a whole month!"
Setsuna laughed. "You silly. They went on a vacation to Australia! Didn't they tell you?! Hotaru has developed a strong attachment to koala bears!" As an after thought, Pluto mumbled, "Though where she got it from, Selene only knows." She dragged her friend over to the control panels, followed by Shadow. She pointed to the center screen. "See? At some zoo, watching a demonstration of some man by the name of Steve Irwin. Strange fellow, he is."
Through the screen, they heard a distinct yell of surprise. "CROIKEY, ME ARM!!!" The man on the screen began jumping up and down in failed attempts to get the large anaconda to let go of him. They saw heroic Haruka run up to help him, wrestling the giant snake safely into its aquarium so it could do no more harm. "Yes, well, I could've done that," Steve said in an absurdly fake Australian accent, "but I wanted to know how the audience could handle themselves under pressure. . ." and he promptly felt down, out cold.
Serena laughed with the others and told them that she had to go, but would come to visit soon. "Take care of her, will ya?" she yelled at Shadow as she slowly disintegrated right before their eyes.
~*~*~*~*~*~
The next day, Serena and Darien found themselves once again taking a walk, this time, to the park. Instead of going to the rose garden, however, Serena felt a strong compulsion to sit on a bench overlooking one of the large clearing where families came to have picnics or play with their dogs. The two were debating names for their future children. They did this a lot to pass the time or for fun. Today, it was girl's names.
"Cassandra," said Serena.
"Chloe," said Darien.
"Valuable," countered Serena again.
"Angelina," said Darien.
Just as Serena began to utter another name, she heard a faint, but deep barking. This was not unusual for a park, but she stopped short to listen. "Ch-. . . Hey, Darien, did you hear that?" He just looked at her. "That barking? Yea, Sere. There is ALWAYS barking in parks. Are you feeling ok?" He was starting to get worried.
She couldn't answer because at that moment, a huge German Shepherd had hurtled itself onto her and was licking her face ferociously. She didn't move for a few seconds, but she began laughing hysterically after them. When she finally got the dog off of her, she looked around. "He's got to be here somewhere. . ." she mumbled. Darien just looked more perplexed by the second. Just then, a tall blonde man came jogging up. "I'm sorry, miss, he usually doesn't do that. . ." He broke off with a grin, which Serena returned and jumped up.
"JESSE! How have you been?! How was school in London???" Darien felt a flash of jealously but remember that she was his wife and he didn't need to feel animosity towards her old boyfriend. Serena reached down and began scratching behind Thor's ears, making him shake his hind leg in contentment.
"Oh, I'm doing good. And you guys? You seem to be happy," he noted. Serena smiled and said, "Yea, we got married six months ago." She gleefully latched onto Darien's waist, beaming up at him.
"Aw, well I'm happy for you." He turned to Darien. "Didn't I tell you? I knew it, and you can't deny it!"
While Serena just looked perplexed, Darien nodded. "They stopped right after I told her. Come to think of it, I guess it was right after you left. I never got to thank you, so, hey, thanks!" Serena just looked from one to the other and back and shrugged.
"Well, Thor and I were just stopping in for a while here. We don't live anywhere near here, but I was just coming to Tokyo to visit a few friends. I guess I might see you around again sometime, ok?" Jesse winked and said as he was slowly backing up into a small grove of trees, "Oh, and by the way, I'll tell Puu you said hi!" and he seemed to just. . . disappear.
A faint whistle could be heard. Thor saw that Jesse was nowhere to be seen, licked Serena's hand once more, and took off running straight to where Jesse had moments earlier stood and disappeared, too.
The couple stood there for a few seconds, taking these events in. Serena felt a smile creep onto her face, while Darien just looked at her. "I'll tell you later, ok?" and she lead him over a small bridge over a stream and into the sunset.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Ok, I hope everyone liked the ending, and I hope you all got it, because I don't wanna just come right out and say it. So there. LoL. But seriously, if you didn't, uh, get the "subtle" hints, email me and I'll tell you. . . Thanx for everyone who has reviewed throughout this production (oh yea, I'm big league now! Heehee. . .) and stay tuned for future stories from me. I think I'll post a list of my ideas after this, so if you see an update, there aren't any new chapters, just future stories. That doesn't mean don't look into them! Ok, thank you all one last time, from I Can Cry If I Want to, this is Kristina signing out. . .
~*Lil-PrincessK*~
**As I said earlier, I revised this. The 4 phrases (In French. I would have used Japanese except I couldn't find a proper translator online!) Serena used to open and seal her box are as follows, respectively: "Princess of the Moon forever"; "Prince of the Earth forever"; "Together, Lovers and Protectors of the Universe"; and "In the name of the Moon, seal closed!" I don't care if it's corny, I like it, so there! Hmph. . . Haha, hope you all liked it. ~*Lil-PrincessK*~ **
Here it is, the final, eagerly-anticipated installment in the "I Can Cry If I Want To" fan-fic! I'm sorry it's sorta short, but there isn't too much to wrap up in here except one thing, so that's it. I would like to thank all of the people (ok, two. . .) that have helped me while I was in a writing slump for this fic! I finally feel as if it is all coming together! Oh, and I'm not including a summary of the last chapter this time (which is really useful to make the chapters seem longer. . . shh. Don't tell, it's a secret!).
Reviews (and ReviewERS) Rock!
HappyGoLucky111- Don't worry, I don't plan to stop writing until I DIE!!! Nope, you can't get rid of me NOW! HAHAHA!!!
Brie- Thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed and were patient! It's a virtue! Oh, yea, and Disney World does rock!
Nadja- Aw, two hours? I'm touched! Yea, I wouldn't say that I myself was a tomboy, but I felt so shallow putting sites for dresses, but I had to share the prettiness, LoL. Raye's was gorgeous, I must admit, but, gasp, I can't remember what Haruka's looked like! I must go look again. And I couldn't let Setsuna be destined to loneliness for all of time! She's one of my favorites and that is just so bad for someone.
Stardust0912- Nope! Still have the epilogue to read, and THEN it's over.
Native16- Wow, as I told you, a special email all for me. I'm happy. Ok, Now go read the epilogue so you see Sets again!
Jing- Yup. Shadow is tres cool. I really think I did ok in creating him. I'm glad someone else thinks so too!
~ ~ = 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. Also, I have no rights nor do I own Steve Irwin, Crocodile Hunter. On the other hand, I DO own Jesse, for I created him with my own little ole mind, Kyra, and any of the other characters that aren't from Sailor Moon! 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" Epilogue
A more mature Serena sat back into her cushy sofa, a good two years later. She was smiling as she looked through her photo album at her cute puppy with the big ears, barking playfully at her in the park not so long ago. ~I hope he's happy with Jesse, all the way over seas in England! I hope he met some nice French poodles!~ she thought with a little laugh. She glanced at the clock. Darien was due home any minute now. He had taken a few extra classes in his senior year of college, while Serena had stuck with the bare minimum allowed for as long as she had attended.
She heard the door of their new high-rise apartment suite open and jumped up to meet her husband of six fun filled months. "Darien, How was your day?' she asked as she slid her arms around his neck, looking straight up into his deep eyes.
He just laughed at her, saying, "Sere, you were THERE most of the day, you know what I have." She gave him a little fake pout. "I'm just trying to be a good wife. . ."
"Ok, if you insist. I went to my first class, which you know is quantum physics, and we learned that on the molecular level, plutonium 439756 is REALLY very physiologically similar to. . ."
He was cut off by a little peck on his nose. "Never mind. I don't wanna hear all of that mumbo jumbo. How about we go for a walk instead?" He nodded and began to help her put her light coat on.
As they were walking throughout the city, Darien asked about her friends.
"Well, Mina and Andrew are FINALLY considering getting married, as I'm sure he's told you. It's about time, all of the times she's been getting on us about being the Goddess of Love. They are moving to Paris for a year. I was asking how she expected to finish college AND do that, but she wants to quit schooling for that year and pursue modeling while she's there. She said she would reenroll when they got back. Talk about a long honeymoon!
"I called Raye today, and she is doing well with her Priestess training. She thinks she has her cousin taught well enough to be her assistant, and says Grandpa is enjoying his retirement, though he still pretty much does a lot of what he used to, especially flirt. Raye just has the title of running the Temple. We were thinking of setting up a time for a girls' weekend before Mina leaves.
"Amy was telling me in English today that she was thinking of going to a big, fancy medical school, but has decided to go to the one here instead. She says that even though the Negaforce hasn't attacked in a year, she should stay to keep an eye out. I think she'll just miss Raye and I too much, though!
"Lita, as you probably remember, is doing great in her culinary classes. She is hoping that is Mina DOES get married, she'll be able to cater it. Ooh, she'll be so happy with her own business! She was also commenting on how cute she thought Mr. Fredique is. You know, our history professor? She hasn't changed a bit, I tell you.
Darien though a minute. "You haven't heard from the others though?" This brought a small frown to Serena's face. She hadn't heard from Haruka, Michiru, nor Hotaru in about a month. She knew she could contact Setsuna whenever, but didn't want to distract her from her Duties of Eternity. "Amy does have a theory, though. She thinks that they might have been needed in the future or past or something. Setsuna might have sent them. But I don't get why I haven't heard abut it. I'll have no choice but to contact Pluto later on." She said resolutely.
They walked on in silence, simply enjoying each other's company.
After a while of walking, the couple decided to go home and settle down for the night. Darien had two tests the following day and Serena was going to visit Pluto. When they arrived back in their apartment, Darien began looking through notes in the living room, while Serena headed to their bedroom.
She dug through her closet until she found what she was looking for. She delicately resurrected a small silver box with three complicated looking locks. Instead, however, of trying to open it with the traditional code or key, she spoke a phrase into the first lock, which was embellished with an etched crescent moon. "La Princesse de la Lune à jamais." It opened with a small clink and a bit of pink light.
She then spoke clearly to the second, more complex looking lock. It was decorated with a beautiful silver rose. "Le Prince de la Terre à jamais." It too opened with a clink, slightly louder, and a bit of black-ish looking light burst from it.
To the last, most intricate of the locks, she said a longer phrase. "Ensemble, les Amants et les Protecteurs l'Univers" It opened with a clearly audible clink and a stream of white, opalescent light. Serena gently lifted the lid up to see the contents of the small space. Inside was where she had stored her Sailor Moon items a while back. Among the assorted items were her Luna Pen, her Eternal Sailor Moon broach, her locket and Silver Crystal, and the time key. This last item she took out and resealed the box. "Au nom de la Lune, le cachet a fermé!"
She then went out into the living room to tell Darien that she would be back in a few, she was going to visit Pluto. She then held the key away from her in her hand and chanted, "Time Key, bring me to the Gates of Time!" over and over until she started to disappear.
After thirty seconds of swirling light, she landed gracefully on her feet in a dark chamber. Immediately, she felt a pair of strong arms clamp around her neck and waist and she reflexively ducked, turning around to pin her attacker. She let out a small squeal of shock as she saw who it was she had caught. "Shadow! Well, I haven't seen YOU in a while," she said with a light hearted smirk. "What are you doing here? Where's Pluto?"
When she released him, he turned. "Shadow of Time, and you don't think I belong or at LEAST have a right to be at the Time Gates?!" he exclaimed with mock indignation. "I am appalled!" He shut up when he saw the Plutonian Princess walking up to them. Serena turned and quickly pulled her friend into a bear hug.
"I've missed you so much, but I didn't want to take you away from your duties!" She let go to take in her friend. She hadn't seen her since their last giant sleepover, almost a year ago, when the attacks stopped occurring. "But I am here for a reason. I was starting to get worried about Hotaru, Michiru, and Haruka! We haven't seen hide nor hair of the trio for almost a whole month!"
Setsuna laughed. "You silly. They went on a vacation to Australia! Didn't they tell you?! Hotaru has developed a strong attachment to koala bears!" As an after thought, Pluto mumbled, "Though where she got it from, Selene only knows." She dragged her friend over to the control panels, followed by Shadow. She pointed to the center screen. "See? At some zoo, watching a demonstration of some man by the name of Steve Irwin. Strange fellow, he is."
Through the screen, they heard a distinct yell of surprise. "CROIKEY, ME ARM!!!" The man on the screen began jumping up and down in failed attempts to get the large anaconda to let go of him. They saw heroic Haruka run up to help him, wrestling the giant snake safely into its aquarium so it could do no more harm. "Yes, well, I could've done that," Steve said in an absurdly fake Australian accent, "but I wanted to know how the audience could handle themselves under pressure. . ." and he promptly felt down, out cold.
Serena laughed with the others and told them that she had to go, but would come to visit soon. "Take care of her, will ya?" she yelled at Shadow as she slowly disintegrated right before their eyes.
~*~*~*~*~*~
The next day, Serena and Darien found themselves once again taking a walk, this time, to the park. Instead of going to the rose garden, however, Serena felt a strong compulsion to sit on a bench overlooking one of the large clearing where families came to have picnics or play with their dogs. The two were debating names for their future children. They did this a lot to pass the time or for fun. Today, it was girl's names.
"Cassandra," said Serena.
"Chloe," said Darien.
"Valuable," countered Serena again.
"Angelina," said Darien.
Just as Serena began to utter another name, she heard a faint, but deep barking. This was not unusual for a park, but she stopped short to listen. "Ch-. . . Hey, Darien, did you hear that?" He just looked at her. "That barking? Yea, Sere. There is ALWAYS barking in parks. Are you feeling ok?" He was starting to get worried.
She couldn't answer because at that moment, a huge German Shepherd had hurtled itself onto her and was licking her face ferociously. She didn't move for a few seconds, but she began laughing hysterically after them. When she finally got the dog off of her, she looked around. "He's got to be here somewhere. . ." she mumbled. Darien just looked more perplexed by the second. Just then, a tall blonde man came jogging up. "I'm sorry, miss, he usually doesn't do that. . ." He broke off with a grin, which Serena returned and jumped up.
"JESSE! How have you been?! How was school in London???" Darien felt a flash of jealously but remember that she was his wife and he didn't need to feel animosity towards her old boyfriend. Serena reached down and began scratching behind Thor's ears, making him shake his hind leg in contentment.
"Oh, I'm doing good. And you guys? You seem to be happy," he noted. Serena smiled and said, "Yea, we got married six months ago." She gleefully latched onto Darien's waist, beaming up at him.
"Aw, well I'm happy for you." He turned to Darien. "Didn't I tell you? I knew it, and you can't deny it!"
While Serena just looked perplexed, Darien nodded. "They stopped right after I told her. Come to think of it, I guess it was right after you left. I never got to thank you, so, hey, thanks!" Serena just looked from one to the other and back and shrugged.
"Well, Thor and I were just stopping in for a while here. We don't live anywhere near here, but I was just coming to Tokyo to visit a few friends. I guess I might see you around again sometime, ok?" Jesse winked and said as he was slowly backing up into a small grove of trees, "Oh, and by the way, I'll tell Puu you said hi!" and he seemed to just. . . disappear.
A faint whistle could be heard. Thor saw that Jesse was nowhere to be seen, licked Serena's hand once more, and took off running straight to where Jesse had moments earlier stood and disappeared, too.
The couple stood there for a few seconds, taking these events in. Serena felt a smile creep onto her face, while Darien just looked at her. "I'll tell you later, ok?" and she lead him over a small bridge over a stream and into the sunset.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Ok, I hope everyone liked the ending, and I hope you all got it, because I don't wanna just come right out and say it. So there. LoL. But seriously, if you didn't, uh, get the "subtle" hints, email me and I'll tell you. . . Thanx for everyone who has reviewed throughout this production (oh yea, I'm big league now! Heehee. . .) and stay tuned for future stories from me. I think I'll post a list of my ideas after this, so if you see an update, there aren't any new chapters, just future stories. That doesn't mean don't look into them! Ok, thank you all one last time, from I Can Cry If I Want to, this is Kristina signing out. . .
~*Lil-PrincessK*~
**As I said earlier, I revised this. The 4 phrases (In French. I would have used Japanese except I couldn't find a proper translator online!) Serena used to open and seal her box are as follows, respectively: "Princess of the Moon forever"; "Prince of the Earth forever"; "Together, Lovers and Protectors of the Universe"; and "In the name of the Moon, seal closed!" I don't care if it's corny, I like it, so there! Hmph. . . Haha, hope you all liked it. ~*Lil-PrincessK*~ **