**Well, here's a new chapter. Hope everyone realized in the last chapter that everything that was happening was in the same time frame of the chapter before that. It wasn't set two years into the future. If you had any confusion on that one, let me know. Hope you enjoy this chapter. It involves the battle between Ann and Allen and Sailor Moon. However, it's been awhile since last I saw it, so things will be different. Just bear with me, okay? If anything isn't clear, let me know! **
… Means thought
With the Coming of the Dawn
Chapter 13, Part One
It had been several hours since she had said her good-byes to her friends at the arcade. Serena had decided to leave, needing to think through her private conversation with Darien that afternoon. Dusk was falling now, and the wind was quickly losing its warmth as it changed direction and blew down from the north, lifting small tendrils of her hair from around her face as it passed her by, giving her a small chill. She was on her way back from the park where she'd spent the majority of the late afternoon thinking. Mostly with Darien in mind, Serena had wondered if Darien's past feelings for her could be resurfacing, wondered if it was possible that he could love her even without his memories of their past, of his life as Prince Endymion and hers as Princess Serenity.
The unsettling question of Sailor Star's loyalty had also been hovering at the forefront of her mind, like an unshakeable ominous shadow. Serena's eyes focused on the ground beneath her feet as she walked, her mind thinking itself in circles.
I realize Rei believes Sailor Star is a threat, but my heart tells me she's not. What reason would she have had to but herself in harms way to protect us if she only meant to attack us later?
Serena stopped her hurried walking to lean up against a lamppost set back from the street side. She closed her eyes, her eyebrows drawn together, and rubbed slow circles against her temple. Taking a deep breath, she tried to focus her mind and relax her body, blocking out the sounds of the cars passing by on the busy street in front of her. Her hand rubbing her temple dropped to her side. She was tired. She wanted Darien back in her life. Foremost because she loved him and couldn't live on without him in her life. Secondly because she sorely needed to talk to him openly about the new alien threat that was killing in the name of a Doom Tree and to seek his guidance on how best to handle Sailor Star.
Serena's crystal blue eyes looked up to the heavens. Just faintly she could see the light of the evening star, the first star to shine at night, against the harsh artificial light of the city. The night sky had always instilled a sense of calm in her; however, on this night, a sudden color change over came the star. Serena's eyes widened. For an instant, she swore, it flashed ruby red.
"Serena, you're losing it," she muttered quietly to herself, shaking her head and rubbing her temple once more. She started walking again, but this time at a slower pace.
Darien's information had been helpful. At least now I know where the Scouts and I might be able to find Sailor Star. I just wish it had given me something more to go on. Everything he told me only supported Rei's theory that she can't be trusted.
Continuing her walking, not really paying any attention to her direction, Serena's eyes glazed over in thought and memory.
Sailor Star did tell me if I ever needed her, to look to the stars and call her name. Maybe that might work…
Serena's inner monologue was cut short by a voice behind her.
"Hey Serena!"
Turning towards the voice, Serena saw Darien waving a bouquet of flowers to get her attention. Her dark thoughts forgotten, Serena's eyes lit up with excitement and a smile broke out across her beautiful young face. Her heart beat a little faster, hoping against hope that the flowers were for her.
"Hey Darien!" her smile brightened even more as he fell into step beside her, her eyes alight with happiness.
Looking down on her, Darien didn't understand what he had down to provoke such a reaction in her, what he had down to cause her face to light up like it had, but he didn't want to question it. The aura of pure vibrant life that radiated from her left him in awe.
No one had ever seemed so happy to see him as she did right now. The warmth of her smile and the adoring look in her eyes made him pause. Despite all of the cruel and bitter words that had passed between them, here she stood, looking as if he was the most important person in the world to her. It left him in wonder.
Suddenly, what he'd come this way for didn't seem very important.
All he wanted was to do what ever he had to so that Serena would keep looking at him the way she was.
All but skipping to keep up with Darien's long legged stride, Serena bubbled with excitement, "Who are the flowers for Darien?"
Looking at her from the corner of his eye as he walked, Darien was struck by the hopeful, wistful look on Serena's face. A slight blush stained her checks in expectation. Looking down at the bouquet in his hand, Darien had a vague sense that Serena was not going to like the answer.
"These?" Darien lifted up the bouquet in question, "Oh, these are for Ann, Allen's sister. I heard she was not well, and thought these might cheer her up. Besides, I wanted to thank her again for all the work she put into the Snow White play. My university's Drama Association had funded it, and without her cooperation, it wouldn't have been such a success," Darien smiled down at the flowers in his hands, "And as a result of that success, the association is willing to fund other projects in the future."
Turning to her, Darien was about to ask if Serena thought the flowers were pretty when he was stopped, open mouthed, by the sight of Serena's tear filled eyes. She wasn't looking at him; she was looking at the ground. Her hand was in a fist at her side, trembling.
Darien stopped her with a hand on her shoulder, worried, "Serena, what's wrong?" When she wouldn't turn to look at him, he brought his hand from her shoulder to under her chin, turning her head to look at him. His voice soft, he asked again, "What's wrong?"
She gave a teary eyed smile and a small shake of her head. What a fool she'd been to think Darien's memories were returning. What a fool she'd been to think for a moment that she was deserving of his love.
"Nothing Darien. They are beautiful flowers; I'm sure Ann will love them," she turned away from him with a small dismissive wave of her hand, "I'm just tired is all. No one's ever done something as sweet as bring me flowers when I was sick; to think someone would go to such lengths to make someone else happy just got me all emotional," Serena gave a tearful laugh, "I'm just tired."
Darien looked at her, really looked at her, with great concern. She did look pale, and the light that had shone in her eyes only moments before was gone. He wondered if there wasn't something more bothering Serena than the possibility that she'd given a stranger a scrapped knee.
The loss of her smile left him feeling inexplicably hollow. Wanting to bring back her smile, he picked out the best flower in the bouquet, a red rose bud, and gave it to her.
"Here then," He said with a smile, "this is for being tired. And next time you're sick, I'll be sure to send you a dozen bouquets, to make up for all the other times I missed."
Serena stared at the red rose bud held in front of her eyes.
Tuxedo Mask… Serena though wistfully, an image of her caped protector flashing before her eyes. Oh, how she wanted him back. More tears came to her eyes, but this time when she smiled, it was genuine. Looking up at Darien from under her eyelashes, she blushed demurely and whispered, "Thank you."
"Come in with me?" Darien asked, "You and Ann attend the same school; I'm sure she'd appreciate having a fellow classmate come visit her, especially since she and her brother know so few people here."
Serena stumbled. The truth of the matter was Allen unnerved her with his obvious affection for her. As for Ann, though Serena hated to admit it to herself, Ann had fallen from Serena's favor when the red head had attempted to kiss her Darien during the Snow White play. Serena would concede that neither brother nor sister had any close friends, and despite everything, that fact pained her. Thinking perhaps now was as good a time as ever to start anew with the siblings, Serena nodded.
"Sure Darien." She smiled.
* * *
Sailor Star scanned the horizon, taking in the line of Tokyo's skyscrapers as Firewalker ran on the wind. She could see nothing unusual; this fact unsettled her. She knew there was danger: the terrible tightening in her chest and rapid beating of her heart told her that much. Her Guardian instincts were humming with agitation and the need to protect – Sailor Star knew the Moon Princess was in danger, she just didn't know where.
"Faster Firewalker," was all she said.
* * *
The doorbell rang. Ann looked up from her manga, puzzled. Allen stopped playing his mystical music on his flute, looking towards the door.
"Expecting someone?" Allen inquired.
"No," Ann snapped as she got up from the sofa, "You?"
Allen shook his head. Rolling her eyes, Ann opened the door. Her dark mood lifted instantly; a bright smile crossed her face.
"Darien!"
Allen came up behind his 'sister' as the tall, dark haired man standing in the door way handed her a bouquet of flowers.
Ann blushed, "Thank you, they're beautiful."
Looking down at the flowers, Allen's peripheral vision picked up on movement behind Darien. Recognizing the dumpling headed blonde, he smiled softly.
"Hello Serena."
Ann's fowl mood returned upon sighting the other girl, "What are you doing here Serena?"
"Well, I know you've missed time at school recently. I just wanted to make sure you were alright."
Shrinking back ever so slightly at Ann's scowl, Serena added quietly, "I hope that's okay."
"Of course it is Serena, please come in," the tall brunette ushered the petite blond in, "I think I even have some cake."
Watching Allen show Serena to her seat, Darien was slightly taken aback when Serena didn't squeal in delight at the thought of food. Watching her, he noticed how rigidly she held herself when Allen was near her and wondered what the problem might be. Darien didn't have the opportunity to ask however before Ann dragged him over to the sofa, sitting him down close beside the red head. By that time, Allen had left for the kitchen and the tenseness in Serena had diminished.
"You have a very nice apartment Ann," Serena started pleasantly, looking around. Ann all but ignored her, staring intently at Darien much to Serena's chagrin.
"The view from the balcony is very beautiful. Would you like to see it Darien?" Ann asked hopefully.
"Perhaps Ann, you should show Serena around the apartment?" Allen interjected on his return from the kitchen, sweets in hand. However great his desire to have time alone with Serena, the idea of Ann being alone with Darien did not please him.
Thinking quickly, he added, "It'll give you two the time to 'girl chat'".
"I don't want to 'girl chat!" Ann snapped, "I want to show Darien the view from the balcony!"
"Well, Allen and I haven't had the chance to introduce ourselves formally. How about he takes me out to see the balcony? That'll give us the chance to get to know each other better and you two the chance to talk," Darien suggested. Something about Ann's brother bothered Serena, and he hoped that by talking with the man he'd be able to figure out what.
"That sounds like an idea," Serena piped up, desperate to keep Ann away from Darien.
Setting the tray of sweets down on the table in front of the girls, Allen indicated the balcony doors, "Shall we?"
Getting up, Darien smiled down at the girls as he left, his gaze lingering on Serena. With the balcony door closed, Ann and Serena were left alone.
Bitterly Ann commented, "Well I guess I can show you the place, but don't touch anything!"
With that, Ann got up and started walking to the kitchen. A little startled, it took Serena a moment to realize that that had been an invitation to follow Ann through the apartment.
The 'tour' through was short and brisk. Every word out of Ann was completely perfunctory.
"There," Ann stood with her hands on her hips, "that was my apartment. Now, what is it you want to talk about so we can get that done and I can get out on the balcony with Darien… and my brother?"
Serena stood with her mouth agape, not really sure what they could talk about. Looking about for a distraction, her eyes looking all around her, Serena's eyes fell on a door to a room Ann had not shown her. Her curiosity piqued, Serena pointed towards the unmentioned door.
"What's in there?"
Serena's tone was innocent enough, but Ann immediately went on the defensive. Taking a step toward the door, Serena felt a hand wrap firmly around her wrist.
"What's behind that door is absolutely none of your business!"
Looking back at Ann, Serena was taking aback at how vicious the red head had just become. Yet, as soon as the storm came it was gone again, and Ann smiled coyly.
"But I can tell you what's in there."
With Serena's wrist still firmly in hand, Ann dragged her down to the sofa once more.
"To tell you the truth, what's in that room kinda freaks me out."
Serena looked at Ann intently, eyes wide, "Really? Why?"
"That's Allen's room," Ann nodded towards the closed door, "He wont let me go in there, something about a science experiment he's doing for extra credit in school. But I hear these strange noises coming out of there at night. Oh, Serena, it scares me so!"
Ann smiled to herself as she watched Serena's reaction to her little charade. The blonde's eyes widen even more and she gasped in fright. Ann almost gagged with disgust when the petite blonde's hand came up comfortingly to cover her own. All she wanted to do was throw the hand off her, but Ann grit her teeth instead.
The Doom Tree is dying. This meatball head will be just the thing needed to give the Tree a little energy boost until we are strong enough to go out and get more. Now, just to get the blonde ditz to the door again…
"Serena, would you go look for me please? I'm just so scared whatever's in there is going to hurt Allen or me. If you could just take a peek in with me…." Ann batted puppy dog eyes at Serena, hoping that the act would be enough to fool the girl.
Serena visibly swallowed, "Me?! Go in there?!" She pointed towards the door with a shaky hand. After what Ann just told her, she didn't want to go within ten yards of that door. Serena didn't take Ann to be someone easily frightened, and if she was so scared of what was behind that door Serena wanted nothing to do with it.
Serena laughed nervously, "Ann, I doubt Allen would bring anything in here that would hurt you, he's your brother!"
"Please Serena," Ann all but begged. When she saw the small blonde finally acquiescent, Ann could barely suppress a small smile of victory.
Enjoy the feast, Doom Tree…
* * *
Darien and Allen were standing quietly overlooking the great city of Tokyo. Like most men, they had very little to say to one another outside of social formalities and had quickly fallen into a somewhat friendly silence. Darien, himself, was pondering over Serena.
Ever since that day on the sidewalk, things between us have changed…
Darien's gaze went out over the city's skyline. He was confused. Several weeks ago, he would have teased Serena mercilessly over her hair, her grades, and her ungraceful-ness. Recently, however, he felt protective over her and saw an inner beauty in her he'd never seen before. In truth, she was too young for him.
But if that's the case, then why do I feel so conflicted when it comes to her…
Darien didn't have much time to think it through when he heard Serena scream.
* * *
Serena screamed as a massive tree branch wrapped around her midsection, lifting her off the ground. Panic and terror tore through her veins as realization struck: Ann and Allen were the alien attackers. Serena felt the air quake and saw walls crumble as whatever had a hold of her unleashed its power. Serena wasn't aware of what sort of creature held her suspended in the air, but her Scout instincts were telling her that this was what the alien attackers had been stealing energy for.
Looking down to where Ann had been standing beside her moments before she opened the door, Serena now saw the female alien – her long pink hair a stark contrast to the destruction around her. The branch holding Serena tightened, forcing the air from her lungs. She struggled to breath and in a panic began beating the limb to get it to let her go. That only seemed to anger the creature, and in a roaring rush Serena watched the ceiling collapse; she soon saw the moon, the stars and the night sky.
I can't breathe!
Serena forced herself to calm down.
I'm going to need the Scouts on this! Serena's desperate voice resounded through her head. Lifting her communication bracelet to within her line of vision, Serena reached over and flipped it open.
"Guys… if you can hear me," Serena struggled to form the words, "I need your help… Ann and Allen are the aliens…and they are attacking…"
Serena's vision began to black out; she couldn't get enough air. Her hand fell to the side; her ears didn't register Rei's frantic calls for her attention nor Amy's desperate demands for the location.
Suddenly, Serena's lungs filled with air in a loud rush. Her vision cleared and her hearing returned. The creature had released its death grip on her. She heard someone call out below her.
"Serena!"
She felt herself falling. She kept hearing her name being called frantically. She felt strong arms embrace her.
It happened so suddenly Serena didn't have time to scream. The creature had released her. Her body taunt, she braced herself for impact. When it didn't come, she slowly opened her eyes. Darien's concerned face was looking down at her.
"Dear gods Serena, are you alright?"
His anxious blue eyes held hers until she answered, "I'm okay."
Serena's eyes widened as she saw the blue haired, male alien come up behind Darien, hovering in air.
"Darien, watch out!"
Serena used all her strength to push the taller man away from her and out of the alien's path. Frantic for Darien's sake, she called out to their attacker, "What do you want?"
The male alien's angry gaze didn't waver from Darien as he moved through the air to hover in front of Serena, his back to her.
"I want you to stay away from Serena," he growled menacingly.
Cross-confusion flashed in Darien's eyes. Before he had a chance to ask just what the hell the blue haired freak meant by that, the female alien berated the male.
"Don't you dare talk to my Darien that way Allen! Stop protecting the little brat! She's worthless!"
Darien's eyes widen in horror, Allen?!
"Worthless! Of what use is this man, Ann?!" Allen turned to Ann, his eyes ablaze with fury, "If you wanted to sacrifice someone to the Doom Tree, it should have been him! No one will miss him when he's gone!"
Serena watched the exchange between the two aliens, a mix of horror and utter disbelief filling her at the thought that these two beings could be arguing over Darien and herself like they were prizes to be won at a fair. A voice coming from her right shook her from her reverie; it was Amy's voice.
"Serena, can you hear me; come in Serena!"
Lifting the bracelet to her mouth, Serena replied in hush tones, "I'm here Ames."
"Oh, thank Heavens! Serena, where are you?"
Serena smiled softly at the worry she picked up on in Amy's voice, "Just look for a great big tree, you can't miss it."
"What are you talking about Serena?!" Rei's voice boomed over the communicator.
"Just like I said, look for a great big tree," Serena whispered, adding before Rei could explode at her again, "I got to go." With that, she turned off the communicator.
"Serena!" She heard a hushed whisper over the arguing that continued between the aliens.
Looking just off to her left in front of her was Darien, crouched low to the ground. He started moving closer towards her; she started moving closer to him, but their movements did not go unnoticed.
"Oh no you don't you little hussy!" Ann screeched, "Doom Tree! Get her!"
Another branch slithered its way through the tangle of vines, interwoven branches and massive trunk to wrap firmly around Serena, once more lifting her up into the air.
"No!" Allen cried out. In an instant, he was at Serena's side, trying to pry her from the death grip. Serena cried out as the branch tightened around her.
"Let her go!" Darien called up from the ground. Allen turned, eyes burning with anger.
"Doom Tree! Take his life instead! Leave this young woman to me!"
"Allen, no!" Ann screamed, panicked, but was not fast enough to put herself between the oncoming branch and Darien. Where one moment his feet had been firmly planted on the ground, Darien soon found himself only a few feet from Serena, some 7 meters in the air.
"Serena, reach for me!" Darien called out, stretching his right arm out as far as he could. If only he could get his hands on her, maybe he could free her…
He watched from the tips of his outstretched fingers as Serena held out her left arm, struggling against her captor to get just a little bit closer.
"Reach Serena! Just a little further!" His voice hardened with alarm.
"I'm trying!" Serena gasped.
A blue clothed foot appeared in Darien's line of vision.
"Get away from her, you pathetic earthling!" Allen viciously kicked Darien's hand away from Serena's.
Darien noticed the pink haired alien appear at his side.
"Don't you hurt him, Allen! Doom Tree! Kill her!"
Allen turned to the massive plant behind him, pleading, "No! Doom Tree! Take him!"
Serena screamed again as she felt the branch tighten and felt herself being lifted viciously into the air. She looked frantically around for Darien, calling his name. He flew into her field of view as the creature lifted him higher in the air than she. The creature wailed an ungodly sound; the apartment building beneath them all shook with the force of it. Serena watched with terror filled eyes as Darien was enveloped with a strange light, his body going limp.
"Darien, no! Take me if you want, but let him go, please!" Serena's eyes filled with tears that spilled down her cheeks, "Please!" Her pleading tone was desperate.
Before she could beg her attackers further, Serena's vision blurred with a similar light. Her heart pounding, she felt the strength slowly leave her body. Her eyes lids felt so very heavy - so did her limbs. Slowly, everything began to fade. She kept her eyes on Darien til the last, her sluggish mind and body unable to think or move fast enough to save itself. She felt too weak to be afraid.
As everything went black, Serena wondered if this is what it felt like to die.
