On the track and off - Chapter 9

Written by: Neo Queen Serenity Chiba

Rating: PG - rating may go up.

Genre: Romance/Drama

Editors: Only me.

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Hey I'm back again. Anyway I hope you enjoyed the last chapter. Now this chapter will have a lot of drama. Ok I hope you will all like it! Please R+R!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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After the night of Serena's race, Serena got up did her daily routines there here was a phone call from Leon. "Hello, Serena speaking" she spoke.

"Sere! Have you seen Seiya?" Leon said.

"No, not when I have been doing my jog this morning. Why?"

"He's missing. Me and Scott can't find him we have searched the whole place we know"

"Ok...... umm...... I'm not really quite sure"

"Ok, what about I pick you up from campus and we'll go and find him"

"Ok, I'll meet you there" and hang up and got dress into comfortable clothing and went to wait for Leon at the administration office. Then about 2 minutes later Leon arrived by his sliver Lexus - LS540. Serena it and got in.

After 30 minutes of searching Seiya in the city, he was nowhere to be found until Serena remembered one of the places he told her one time. "Leon has Seiya told you and other places than in the city" Serena said. Leon had a good think but couldn't remember. "Do you remember anything he has told you Sere?"

"Umm. I do remember one place her has told me but I'm not quite sure"

"Where is it at?"

"It's a village around 2 hours away"

"Oh yes, I remember, one of his friends lives there and brought a new apartment here and gave his house to Seiya"

"Lucky the court starts at 1.00pm"

"Yeah. Come on we have to hurry" They both of them hopped in the care and drove off to the village where Seiya was.

2 hours later, they arrived at a village called 'Ho long So' (AN: I made that up) village. The 2 got out of the car and went 2 separate directions. Leon and Serena knocked all the houses and asked them if they have seen Seiya. They meet each other on the same street but found no luck, then they went again. As for Serena, as she was going to another house, someone behind her place his hand over Serena's mouth and pulled her into an alley. As she open her eyes, it turned out to be Seiya. "You promised not to scream" Seiya said. Serena nodded and his hand was off of Serena mouth. She tried to get away but her hand got caught from Seiya's grip. "Where do you think you are going?"

"Away from you and plus I may have to take you back to court"

"Oh no you don't, you're coming with me" Then pulled her with him to his house. As they got in, he got his gym bag out and placed all the money in it. While he was doing that Serena quickly used her mobile phone and press a quick call to Leon. Leon received a phone call and knew whom it was from but he didn't know where. "Hello, Sere are you there" nobody answered and continued to listen to the conversation that was going on between Seiya and Serena. "Where are we Seiya?"

"You're at the only house that is on the hill Tism Tua Street" With that Leon hanged up and rang the ICAC. "Hello? ICAC? Yeah it's Leon. Yes I have found him. I'm at Ho Long So village and the place is at Tism Tua Street. Yep alright then thank you." Then he took off to Seiya's place.

Meanwhile, Serena was dragged everywhere around the house. "I'm not going with you. You can't force me to go with you," she said.

"Yes I can. You are going everywhere; I'm going to. Now since I'm ready let's go" and was about to walk to the door until Leon barged in. "Seiya, where do you think you're going?" Leon said almost a shout. "Where I'm going is none of your concern now get out of my way"

"No!" Seiya made a stand and placed his arm around Serena's neck.

"Let me go Seiya!"

"Shut up!"

"Seiya just let her go. She has nothing to do with this"

"No. I'm not letting her go. She is going with me everywhere"

"Please Seiya, just let go of me and we'll talk about it"

"No!" but lets go of Serena and then runs away. But Leon catches him and they both push each other to the sofa. Then Seiya struggled out of Leon's stand and ran outside going down the hill, he met the ICAC. "Stop ICAC" said the men. There were about 7 of them. Seiya took off running again and the ICAC split themselves into 2 groups going at a different direction. Leon and Serena met the director of the ICAC and stayed there with him. As for Seiya he was hiding behind an empty, wrecked house and as one of the men came on, he used a wood plank and hit him on the head. The other men saw it and chase after him. Going through an alley the group chased him but it was difficult as Seiya threw wooden planks down to the ground. Then Seiya was met by the other group. They caught him but Seiya got out of their catch and ran down the hill until one of the men went down and jumped on him following with the other men. Then the director met the 6 men and handcuffed Seiya.

"Well I will meet you guys in court Leon and Sere" Seiya said. Serena flinched at the word that Seiya said but couldn't say anything. Then Seiya got in the car and was driven off. "Thank you Leon and Serena. It was a great help but I think there will be nothing we could do with the court case. Well I'll see you in a hour" then left. Leon and Serena went back to the car and drove to get ready for court.

1 hour later, all of Serena's family and friends, Darien's family, Leon and Scott were all at court. The procedure started and Darien was first to be asked, then it was followed by Ami, Raye, Lita, Mina and Luna, then they had a lunch break. Everyone was worried and didn't know what to do if Seiya was guilty or how much it will affect on Serena too.

As a lunch break as finished, everyone went back inside to the courtroom and the procedure started again. After Luna was questioned, it was Greg, Chad, Ken, Andrew and Artemis then it was Serena. "Your honour, I would like to ask Serena to the stand" then Serena got up went to the stand and said she'll tell the truth. "Miss Moon. In what relationship were you and Seiya with?"

"Please sir, call me Serena. Uh...... Seiya and I were a couple but he cheated on me and stayed with Connie. But now we were a couple"

"Mm hmm...... then how did you know about Seiya's doing?"

"He told me"

"Does that mean you're also in the scandal too?"

"No! I wouldn't. I know what the consequences are if I was busted for doing that!"

"Then what were you doing with Seiya, Darien and Seiya's friends"

"After the race for the trials to get in the Hong Kong International Cup, Seiya told me to get Darien and we'll celebrate with his friends at the club where they had the disco going on last time. So we went there, and had a couple of drinks only. Darien and I weren't drinking alcohol and then he started......" looking at Seiya who was behind bars and was giving her the death glare. A couple of tears rolled down her cheeks and continued. "He started to hand out the things that were out of his gym bag, Darien and I were getting concerned and then the ICAC came in"

"No further questions your honour" Serena got up and sat down with the rest of her family and friends. Everyone was comforting her telling it was all right. Then another break started and the jury was now voting.

After 30 minutes, everyone came back in and was ready to face the truth. As the judge came back in, he sat down as everyone did and face at the jury. "Miss Lui, have you finally decided what the answer is?" said the judge

"Yes your majesty" and handed the paper to the judge. The judge looked at it and faces everyone. "Through this entire court case, Seiya Yuen as a jockey is...... Guilty. Court a juried" (I can't spell it) Everyone was shocked then Seiya started yelling. "You'll never forget this Serena. You know I love you and you are just telling fibs!" Then he was dragged inside prison. "You'll never forget this Sere!" Then he was gone.

From Serena's point of view, she was hurt and disappointed. All the words Seiya said were stuck in Serena's mind repeating over and over again. "Come on Sere, let's go home" said Elane. Serena nodded and followed everyone out. As the girls followed with Serena and her family to the Serena and her family's cars they had to split including with the boys and Darien when he had to drop them including his family in one car. Leon and Scott followed them then it was their turn to go home. After they bid a goodbye to Serena and Darien, they left and told Serena they'll visit Seiya. Serena nodded and hopped back in the car and left with Darien following behind them. As the Moon family arrived at their apartment, Darien got out of the car and went to Serena. "Serena, I suggest you take some rest ok. I'll tell Josh that you ain't feeling that well and scratch off your race tomorrow night" Serena smiled and hugged him. "Thank you Darien, you're the best" and kissed him on the cheek. Darien smiled. "Well call me if you need me ok?" and saw Serena nodded and went into her apartment. Darien sighed them went back inside the car looking at his mum and dad with big grins on their faces. "What!"

"Are you in love with Sere dear?"

"Uh...... why yes...... I love her since my eyes first laid on her"

"But I suggest you take it slow dear, especially what happen tonight"

"Yes mum, I know what I'm doing" His parents smiled and drove off.

The next day, Serena got up, still scared of all the sayings that keep on repeating over and over again, she did her daily routines then decided she'll go to the campus. She got into her car and drove off. ½ hour later she arrived at the campus and parked her car. She went to sign in and went to her room. Changed into some comfortable clothing to start training, she decided to go for a jog. After her jog, she passed by the mechanical horse and decided to try and see if her skills got affected after last night. Hopping on the horse's back, she pushed the button and is started slowly then fast. As she was riding, all the painful memories came back from last night. Shutting her eyes for trying not to remember but then everything all came at once then she lost her grip of the rein and fell down. Darien passed by and saw someone on the floor and the mechanical horse was still going. He came closer and saw it was Serena. "Serena!" he said and came over to her side and push the button to stop the mechanical horse. "Ow!"

"You're alright?"

"No...... I can't ride, I don't know if I can do it tonight"

"Well I told Josh to scratch it if you ain't coming. Just give it a go tonight and I'll come and watch ok"

"Alright then. Can you help me get back up?"

"Sure" and helped her up in her standing position. Feeling a bit light headed, Serena leaned on Darien's shoulder while Darien supported her to get rest. "Let me take you back"

"Can I stay at your room for a while" Darien nodded and led her to his room to rest.

That afternoon, Darien and Serena decided to go for a picnic with all the other. Everyone each brought a plate of food and sat under the tree where Serena and Darien stop after their jog. Everyone was all enjoying the beautiful atmosphere having a great time forgetting all their troubles even Serena forgot all her troubles from last night. Around 5.00 everyone packed up their things and all left together to their rooms. As soon as Serena went to her room, she went to get her jockey suit that was in black and white and all her other belongings. She dropped them off in her locker in the changing rooms and went to groom Serenity. Going to Serenity's stable, Serenity made a noise and was pleased to see Serena. Serena giggled and smiled. "Hey Sere! I've missed you. Tell me, can I do this tonight?" Serenity nodded her head and rub against her. Serena smiled and patted her head. "If you say so. Come on lets get you cleaned" and started to clean her.

Around 6.00, Serena got Serenity all dressed and left her stable to get herself changed to her black and white jockey suit. In her locker, she got out what she need and went for a shower. After refreshing herself, she was dressed and was in the conference room trying not to remember all the things from last night. 'Please don't come back' thought Serena, as flash backs of Seiya in the court and her in the stand and what Seiya said. It was time for her to get Serenity and Yuen was outside the stable with Serenity. "Hey Sere. How are you feeling?" said Yuen.

"Oh.... a bit light headed but I think I can beat it"

"Ok, just be careful ok, by the way Darien is out there watching with the other audiences in the crowd"

"Is he, well I better make it don't I?"

"Sere, tell me, are you developing feelings of Darien?" Serena hopped on Serenity and Yuen lead them to the track while talking. "Well honestly Yuen, I don't really know, I'm really confused and hurt so far but other than that I think I am" Yuen smiled.

"Ok I know what you feel Sere, but just to let you know, I'm always there when you need help ok"

"Thanks Yuen"

"Well we here, good luck" and handed Serenity to one of the gatekeepers. Getting ready, Serena placed her goggles over her eye and moved her cap on the right position. All the memories came back again, and Serena gripped her rein tight. "You'll never forget them Sere! You know that I love you! You are just telling fibs!' they were said in Serena's mind over and over again. Serena tried to concentrate on the race but couldn't. As soon as the gates opened and all horses took off including Serenity but Serena lost her grip and fell down and almost got trampled over by Serenity.

As for Darien, when he went to see Serena's race, he saw her in the gates and was ready. With his binoculars, Darien looked at the direction where Serena was. As the gates open, he saw her took off but she fell off Serenity and landed on her back, but rolled over before she could be trampled more than she had. "Oh my god Serena!" and rushed to Serena where the ambulance was coming.

In the ambulance car, Darien sat next to Serena holding her hand while Serena was on the stretcher pale as. She black out after she rolled over and now was going to the hospital. "Hold Serena. Please hold on" Darien's mind went. They arrived at the hospital and Serena was rushed to the Emergency room. Darien waited outside of the room until about 3 hours later the doctor came out. "How is she doctor?" said Darien. The doctor smiled and said "She's fine, just a broken arm and a few bruises here and there. But she is fine and awake" Darien blew a breath. "Can I see here?" the doctor nodded and lead him to see Serena.

Outside of Serena's room window Darien saw her awake sitting up a bit staring at nothing, all he saw was a blank stare. He opened the door and smiled. "Hey Sere"

"Uh...... oh hey Dare"

"How are you feeling?"

"A bit paralysed, but other than that very sore."

"Ok, what were you doing before? You some how fell over, what's wrong?" Serena felt her tear trickle and started to quietly sob. "Oh Dare, I kept on remembering the things what happen at court. The words that Seiya said, the way he shouted at me in court, everything, almost every little thing I can remember all at once. I can't stop them"

"Shh...... It's alright, these things happen" Darien said and hugged and smoothed her until she was fast asleep. Darien decided to stay overnight.

The next morning, Serena woke up still sore, she tried to move but couldn't because something was holding her back. She turned her head and founded Darien around her waist. Then she remembered what happened last night. Serena smiled and continued to go to sleep.

1 hour later......

Darien woke up and carefully let go of Serena and quietly left her room. Then Serena woke up. That afternoon all her friends including her family and Darien's family went to visit her. The doctor came and told everyone that Serena was able to leave tomorrow afternoon. Everyone nodded and left to continue what they needed to do.

The next afternoon, Serena left with Darien and his family, as Serena's family was busy including her friends. Darien opened the door to the back seat and Serena went in then Darien, while Candice and William sat in the front and William was driving. "So what are you going to do now?" said Darien. Serena looked out at the window and said, "Well I don't really know, I probably decide to stay home for a while but I will visit the campus when my arm is healed. But please take care of Serenity for me ok?" Darien nodded. Serena sighed. "I don't know when to move one, but I know soon I have to move on and continue my life" she continued. Darien placed his hand on her shoulder and smiled. "Just take your time Sere" Serena smiled. Then they arrived at Serena's apartment. Darien help Serena to her apartment and Serena invited them in. While Serena went to place her belongings in her room, Darien and his family absorbed the feeling in the air around the apartment. "Please make yourselves comfortable" gestured Serena.

"Well, your apartment does feel nice and cosy. But I really love your room, especially with all those soft colours painted on the walls" said Candice.

"Why thank you. Now I would say that Elane should be home any minute from work so from there what do you want to do?" said Serena.

"Well Candice and I have to go back to the company, so why don't you and Dare stay here until Elane comes back" said William.

"Sure dad, not a problem" said Darien. His parents got up and left. Serena got up and went to the balcony that she can see almost the tall buildings in Hong Kong. "It's a beautiful view here," Darien said.

"Yeah I just love it. It keeps me calm a lot" she said. Then the door opened. "Hello anyone home?" said Elane

"Hey Elane, over here" shouted Serena.

"Oh.... There you are, hey Darien, how have you been?"

"I'm alright thank you. What about you?"

"A bit tired"

"Well, it's getting late & I have to go back to campus" said Darien.

"Hey I'll drive ya there ok" Sere said.

"Are you sure, you got a broken arm remember Sere"

"Yeah, I know, I've done it before & I can still drive. Come on"

"Alright then. I'll see you later Elane"

"See ya Darien" Serena took her car keys and mobile phone and went out with Darien down the lift to the underground parking lot. When they reached there, Serena went to her sliver Benz and unlocked the car. Serena hoped in the driver's seat while Darien sat in the passenger's seat. She turned on the car, lowered the music down and moved the gear to drive. The ride was comfortable. They mainly talked about their friends and their family. Now they were out on the highway. "Yeah I know, don't you just hate it when they talk about you and all the embarrassing moments" Serena said.

"Yeah. What about the schooling and everything. I mean, I know I'm very good at school, but I just hate it when they talk about it" Serena giggled. "Hehehe I would say you are an advance student in Uni?" Darien nodded.

"Well, I'm quite dumb, I would say but a lot of people say I should go to the advance classes. No wonder I've seen you before" Darien grinned. Serena turned left to the exit and knew she was nearly there. Then 5 minutes later they arrived. "Well thanks for the ride Sere. I'll tell Josh to cancel all races until you are ready ok, but please make it before the actual race which is 3 weeks time" he said. Serena nodded and smiled. Then Darien got out and went inside the Admin' block. Serena took off, turned the music up loud and enjoyed the rest of the ride.

The next week, Serena's arm was healed and she was at campus, packing up all the things that Seiya gave. Placing a big black garbage bag over the big Pooh Bear, Darien came in. "Hey Dare, come and sit" Serena said.

"I'm glad you back, but you won't be racing for a while will ya?"

"No I've been getting nightmares, but I'm moving on a bit, but takes time"

"You have to fight it Sere, I promised you will make it" Serena finished packing the last toy and placed them near the door. "Hey don't you have a race in the next hour?" she asked.

"Yeah, what about it?"

"Got your horse ready yet?"

"No."

"Come on, I'll help ya" they left to Media Puzzle's Stable. He was all groomed and now need to dressed up for the race. Darien got his number sheet, saddle and all the other belongings he needed with his horse.

About ½ hour later......

Media Puzzle was all ready and now Darien needed to get changed. He took off, while Serena was with Media Puzzle. "Think ya going to win?" she said. Media Puzzle nodded. Serena giggle and slide the door and left.

5 minutes before the race start, Darien was all set and his jockey suit was different. This time, his suit was in red and white. Red poke a dots on the sleeves and the front part was read as well. The only white part was the background with red dots. He had a red and white cap and got his goggles, whip, and gloves and was all ready. He went to get Media Puzzle and took him out of his stable and went to meet Yuen at the gathering ring. "Hey Dare"

"Hey"

"You ready?"

"Yeah you could say that" and hopped on Media Puzzle. Then Yuen lead them to the gathering ring. "How's Serena going?"

"She's getting there, she's trying to hide most of her feelings over a mask face a lot though"

"Don't worry, she doesn't want to let you guys know that what. She is afraid of love Dare, so you have to take care of her a lot if you are thinking about she been your wife!"

"Ok, ok, ok I get the idea. Geesh no need to be strict Yuen. You know me that I would never do that to Sere"

"That's good to hear. Well hear it goes" They left the gathering ring and were going to the gates. Then one of the gatekeepers took Media Puzzle in barrier 5. As Darien placed his goggles over his eye and gripped his whip and rein tighter, then the gates open the he took off.

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Well here goes another chapter. PLEASE R+R. My main goal is to reach up to 50 reviewers so far I got just below 10. I need reviewers guys so please R+R. Sorry about the late updates. I better bombarded with assignments and homework including my job!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ok I better go wait for the next chapter to see what happens..

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01/05/2003 (but revised on 03 May 2004)

Neo Queen Serenity Chiba

serenity4darien@hotmail.com