The thunder roared again, and Serena screamed, jumping back on the
couch. She froze, staring up at Darien, who blushed slightly, looking
down at her.
"Serena..." he said softly.
Too close, she thought, way too close.
Before she knew it, he was lowering his head to hers.
"I..."
Sometimes
by Phantasy Star
--------------------
Chapter Nine
Serena's eyes widened when she realized that he was kissing her.
'What am I doing?' Serena thought, 'I'm having my first kiss with some
other girl's boyfriend. I can't do this... But...'
She couldn't push him away again. She felt like she was melting.
Suddenly, the room was flooded with bright light.
With a gasp, she pulled away from Darien, who groaned inwardly. Her eyes
flew to the doorway and she opened her mouth in shock.
"Ann..." she whispered.
The redhead's eyes were filled with horror. Then, with an angry scream,
she turned and ran back upstairs to her room.
"Ann, wait!" Serena cried, jumping off the couch and running after her.
* * *
"Ann, come on, open the door."
Serena turned to Darien, almost in tears, "It's no use. It's like she's
not even in there..."
Darien didn't answer. He just stared at the ground.
"Ann..." Serena tried again, pleading, "Ann, we're so sorry... We really
didn't mean for it to happen. Please, just open up..."
Darien put a hand on Serena's shoulder, "Maybe we should talk about it in
the morning."
Serena moved away uncomfortably from Darien's touch.
"You're right," she said, "I... Good night, Darien."
"Good night."
* * *
Meanwhile, a pink-haired alien stood in the middle of the locked room,
an eerie black aura surrounding her body.
'They'll pay...' she thought before the disappeared into thin air.
* * *
Serena let out an angry groan and turned to her side to try to sleep
again. She was mad at herself, she was mad at Darien.
More at Darien. So she wouldn't have to blame herself for letting it
happen.
When did she become someone who would help a guy cheat on his girlfriend?
And now...
BEEP, BEEP!
Serena gasped, grabbing her locket from her bag.
"Serena here," she whispered into her communicator, "Luna?"
"Serena, big trouble," the black cat said, "You've got to come back right
away. There are three Cardian attacks going on right now. Three! We
need you and all the scouts back as soon as possible."
"You got it, Luna."
* * *
"Why do Andrew and the others have to go back to the city too?" Mina said
sleepily.
"They'd be suspicious if we're the only ones who left," Amy said, "So,
which excuse are we using again?"
"Let's just stick with the one where Raye's cabin has a toxic Asbestos
gas leaking into the bedrooms, so it's dangerous for us to stay."
"My cabin does not have toxic gas!" Raye exclaimed, "No way we're saying
that. Let's just tell them there's a monster in this area."
"Fine," Lita said, "Raye, go tell them that we've got the girls out
already, and they need to drive down too."
"Hurry back," Amy said, "We need you for the Sailor teleport."
* * *
"What about Serena?" Darien demanded.
"Don't worry, we've gotten all the girls to safety," Sailor Mars said,
"Now, you have to get back too."
"I wonder if we can use Raye's family car..." Andrew said.
"Sure," Sailor Mars said, immediately kicking herself.
Andrew and Darien turned to look at her.
"I mean," Sailor Mars said, "I've been observing this Raye Hino person
for a long time. She seems to be not only beautiful, but kind and
generous. She'd definitely let you use her car."
"All right," Darien said, "Go get Lizzie, Andrew. I'll drive."
* * *
"Girls, we've got to rally here," Mina said, "Three simultaneous
Cardian attacks. That means we've got to split up."
"Okay," Serena said, "Raye and Amy, head to the theatre. Lita and Mina,
go downtown. I'll take the library."
"You sure you can handle it alone?" Amy said.
"If I can't, Moonlight Knight will save me," Serena said dreamily.
"Ah, so that's the plan," Lita said, "You know you'll be needing the most
help so the handsome hero will come to your rescue."
"No time for accusations, Lita," Serena said, "Ready?"
The others nodded.
* * *
"Mars... Fire... Ignite!"
"Mercury... Bubbles... Blast!"
The girls watched as the fire and water mixed to create a swirl of
flames, turning to Cardian into dust.
"All right!" Raye said, "One down!"
"Sailor Mars, behind you!" Amy screamed.
Raye dropped to the ground, dodging the flying Cardian's attack by an
inch.
"Another one?" Raye gasped.
"Looks like trouble..." Amy muttered.
* * *
"Venus, Love Chain, Encircle!"
The golden rope or hearts looped itself around the Cardian's body. Mina
pulled it in and the monster fell to the ground.
"Venus, Creasant Beam, Smash!"
With that, the monster turned into a pile of dust.
"You okay, Jupiter?" Venus asked turning around, just in time to see
Jupiter release a bolt of lightning that turned a screaming Cardian into
ash.
"No problem," Lita said with a smile.
"Jupiter, watch out!"
Lita turned around to see a black spike fly towards her, when a white
rose shattered it.
"It's the Moonlight Knight!"
* * *
"Ann, are you sure this is a good idea?"
"It's the best idea I've ever had!" the pink-haired alien exclaimed,
"Alan, face it, the tree is dying! We use up all our energy to send out
every Cardian possible, and we may have a chance of surviving. Chances
are, the Cardians will overwhelm the Sailor scouts, and we'll get more
energy than ever."
"Maybe you're right..." Alan said softly.
"Of course I am," Ann said.
Then she turned around to face the window overlooking the city.
'Serena... I'll pay you back by destroying your city...'
* * *
"Moon... Sceptre... Elimination!"
Serena breathed heavily. She had taken down three, and it looked like
the attacks had finally let up.
Her communicator beeped, and she turned it on to see Amy's face.
"Sailor Moon," Mercury said, "It looks like the source of all the
Cardians is the apartment building in the middle of town, where Ann and
Alan live. You're closest to it. You think you can check it out or do
you want to wait for the rest of us?"
"I've got it covered," Serena said with a nod.
"Okay, we're on out way too," Mercury said, "Good luck."
* * *
"I guess the six girls left with the Sailor Scouts..." Lizzie said
wistfully, staring out the window of the gray car.
"Six?" Andrew asked.
"Yeah," Lizzie said, "Serena and the girls, plus Ann."
"Oh yeah, Ann," Andrew said, "I almost forgot about Ann. I hope they're
safe."
"Of course they are," Lizzie exclaimed, "They're with the Sailor Scouts.
Don't you think so, Darien?"
He didn't respond, staring ahead at the dark road.
'I hope Serena's not in danger...' Darien thought with his brows
furrowed, 'I bet she's in a battle. Is it possible that Serena's friends
are Sailor Scouts too?'
"Darien..." Andrew said.
"Huh?" the black-haired young man said, turning to his friend, "What was
that?"
"Never mind," Andrew said, "Look, we're almost there."
* * *
"Well, Luna," Serena said with a sigh, "Here we are, right outside the
apartment building. The source of all the monsters."
"You're scared, aren't you?" Luna asked.
"I'm not *scared*," Serena retorted, "I... I *am* kind of hungry though.
Maybe we should go grab a cheeseburger. There's a store that sells
*really* great burgers right around the corner."
"Yeah," Luna said, "Maybe we should buy some for the Cardians too.
They'll be pretty tired from terrorizing the city."
"Wow, you're hilarious, Luna," Serena said.
The black cat sighed, "Come on, Serena. We may not have a lot of time
left. We've got to go in."
"*I've* got to go in," Serena corrected her, "I want you to stay out here
and keep sending messages between the scouts, okay? I'll be fine."
Luna looked doubtful, but Serena smiled reassuringly, "Really, Luna,
sometimes you worry way too much."
Before the guardian cat could protest, Serena stepped into the entrance.
Then she let out a surprised cry as she disappeared into a dark portal
she didn't know was there.
"Serena!"
* * *
"Ugh, where am I?" Serena said, rubbing her head.
"Ah, if it isn't Sailor Moon..."
Serena looked up and saw a pink-haired alien hovering over her.
"You again," Serena said, "When are you going to go home, for goodness
sake?"
"Shut up!" the alien spat, "You've caused us enough trouble already. How
does it feel to know that the city you've sworn to protect is in ruins."
"Not great," Serena said, "But my friends are on it, and you can be sure
that your plans won't work!"
Just then, a blue-haired alien appeared beside the first.
"It's an honour to see you again, Sailor Moon," he spat, "It'll be an
even greater honour to destroy you."
"Serena!"
All three turned to look at the doorway to the building.
Darien stood there, staring at them with a determined look on his face.
"Serena?" Alan said, "Where?"
"What are you talking about, Darien?" Sailor Moon said, "I mean... um,
man that I don't know."
"Serena, I know it's you," Darien said as he stepped over.
"You remember?" she whispered.
"Remember...?" he echoed.
"Never mind," Serena said, shaking her head, "You've got to get out of
here!"
"How can I just wait outside as you take on these... creatures? Serena,
I care about you. You've just got to accept that."
"Darien..." Serena said softly.
"Enough!" Ann said, her eyes red with anger, "You've ruined my mission
*and* taken the only... the only guy... argh! I'll destroy you now!"
She raised a hand in front of her, and suddenly, the ground shook below
Serena.
"What's going on?" Serena screamed as an invisible force crashed down on
her.
"No, stop!" Darien roared.
Ann raised her hand again and blasted Serena.
'I've got to help her,' Darien thought, 'If only I can... if only I
can do something!'
* * *
"Wide... Sparkling... Pressure!"
"Creasant... Beam... Smash!"
"Dusted!" Lita shouted victoriously.
"Hey, Moonlight Knight!" Mina cried.
Jupiter and Venus rushed over to the caped man who had dropped to the
ground, holding his head in pain.
"Are you okay!?" Mina whispered.
"I..." the man in the white hood said.
Then, to the girls' horror, he turned into a bright flash of white light
and disappeared into thin air.
"Where'd he go!?"
* * *
Ann gasped.
She stared at her hand, with a deep cut. A rose had hit her.
She turned slowly to look at Darien.
"Darien..." Serena said softly as she looked at him.
He was wearing his black cape, and in his hand was yet another rose.
"Tux... Tuxedo Mask..." Serena whispered in shock.
"Tuxedo..." Darien repeated, then groaned in pain, "My head... So many
memories..."
"How could this happen?" Ann sputtered, "You care about her this much?
Fine, I'll destroy you both!"
She turned around to face the huge green plant behind her, "Doom Tree,
get them!"
Suddenly, a huge vine came crashing down towards Serena.
"No!" Alan cried, teleporting in front of her.
"What are you doing, Alan!?" Ann screamed, "No, don't!"
Serena and Darien could only watch in horror as the sharp vine spiked
towards the blue-haired alien.
* * *
"Let... go... of... me!" Raye cried, breaking free from the grasp of a
vampire Cardian, "You stupid things are so ANNOYING! Go back to where
you belong!"
She took out a scroll and put it in front of her face.
"Evil... Begone! Mars... Fire... Ignite!"
The slip of paper burst into flames and flew towards the shocked Cardian.
"Dusted," Raye muttered.
"There's still more..." Mercury said, "This isn't good. We're getting
tired out."
"What are we going to do...?" Raye said, gasping for breath.
* * *
Alan closed his eyes and waited for the hit.
But he didn't feel anything.
Slowly, he opened his eyes.
"Ann?" he whispered incredulously when he saw her, wounded, fallen down
in front of him, "Ann!"
"Alan..." she said softly with a sad smile, "Why...? Why do you love
her?"
"Ann, how could you do it?" Alan cried, "Oh, Ann, I never did love
Serena. I cared about her because she taught me about love. And I know
that's the feeling I always get when I'm with you. And only you, Ann.
I love you."
"Oh Alan..." Ann whispered, "If only it weren't too late..."
"No, Ann!" Alan cried, "Stay with me!"
"Goodbye... love..."
"No!"
Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, Serena knelt down beside
Darien, worried.
"You okay?" she said softly.
"I..." Darien said, "Princess...?"
"That's right," Serena said with a smile, "You really re-"
She was interrupted by his kiss. He put a hand behind her head and
touched his lips to hers.
"I've missed you, Serena..." he said when he pulled away, "So much..."
"Darien..."
She turned to look at the blue-haired alien who was cradling the body of
the female one, as if in a trance.
"I've got to help them," she said to Darien.
"How?" he said.
"I don't know," Serena admitted, "But I've got to try."
She walked over and bent down beside the former enemy.
"Why did you save me?" she asked him.
"There's something about me that you don't know," he answered quietly.
"I see..." Serena said, "I... I can try to help your friend. It's the
least I can do, after you saved my life and all."
"Really?" he replied, turning to her.
"You guys live on... energy, right?"
The blue-haired alien nodded.
"Your tree seems pretty strong, but it's filled with evil. I might be
able to give the remaining positive energy from to tree to your friend.
It might revive her, but no promises, okay?"
"Please try," he pleaded.
Serena nodded.
She stood up and faced the huge threatening tree.
"Moon... Healing... Activation!"
Suddenly, a bright light descended upon the entire area. Serena and
Darien shielded their eyes from it.
Ann's body lit up and glowed a white colour, and an invisible force
lifted her off the ground.
Then Serena saw it. Dark bolts of black energy flowed out of the tree
and into the sky. The tree shrunk down into a leaflet, suddenly
beautiful again.
In the back of her head, Serena could hear the faintest murmur of an old
soul, his voice weary but filled with hope.
'Thank you, Sailor Moon...'
* * *
------@
The next day...
------@
"I can't believe Ann and Alan really left," Lita said wistfully.
"Yeah, and it was so sudden," Mina agreed, "They seemed really happy
though."
"I'm glad for them," Serena said with a smile.
"So," Raye said, leaning closer to the blonde, "What's going to happen
with you and Darien?"
Serena looked down at the coffee table, "I... don't know."
"Well, didn't you two talk things out after the big battle?" Mina asked.
"No," Serena said, "He... left in a hurry. I guess he was tired."
"I suggest that you go talk to him as soon as possible," Raye said,
"So... he just suddenly remembered? Just like that?"
"It's possible..." Amy said, "that Darien wanted to save Serena so much
that he summoned up all his willpower, to tap into his forgotten
memories and transform himself into Tuxedo Mask."
"That's so incredibly romantic," Lita said with a sigh.
"Anyway, it's getting late," Serena said, "My parents are already not
too happy with me for coming home at eleven last night."
"Glad that we won't have that problem again," Raye said with a smile, "At
least not for a while."
"Good night, guys," Serena said and disappeared through the doorway.
* * *
Darien stared at the water below him. He leaned against the railing of
the stone bridge and watched the river flowing below. His motorcycle
shone clearly under the moonlight beside him.
His fists were clenched, knuckles white.
'Why did things turn out this way?' he thought sadly.
A soft voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Darien..."
He didn't answer. He knew who it was.
"I didn't think I'd run into you here," Serena said quietly, almost
nervously, "I... Do you think we should talk?"
He finally turned to her, and she blinked in shock when she saw his
eyes full of pain.
"Do you hate me that much, Serena?"
"What?" she said, taking a step back, "What are you talking about?"
"While I've lost my memory..." Darien said, "You didn't want anything to
do with me. You hoped I'd never remember, is that right?"
Serena shook her head, "What are you talking about? I never wanted you
to forget forever... I mean, I... I don't know! Does it matter?"
Darien chuckled darkly, "You'd rather be with Alan... Even though you
were the princess of the past and I was the prince."
"I..." Serena said, wanting to defend herself but realizing that she
couldn't, "I wanted to be with you... at the beginning."
"You even set me up with Ann!" Darien accused, "Why, what's wrong with
me that could stop you from wanting to be with me?"
"Stop talking about it as if it's all my fault!" Serena said, suddenly
angry, "*I'm* not the one who had to act like a big jerk every time I saw
you? Is it my fault that- that you kept making fun of me? Remember
Jordan? Remember how you treated me back then? Darien, I wanted to be
with you, but I got tired of it! I got tired of the way you always mad
fun of my hair, how you- you acted like you didn't want me there...
how... how... I just didn't think it was worth it!"
Darien froze. He stared at Serena in shock, then took a step back as i
she had hit him.
"You're right..." he said softly.
"Wh... What?" she whispered.
"Of course you're right," he said, "It's my fault. How could you ever
love someone like me? Of course you'd rather be with Alan. Of course
you didn't want me to remember... You didn't want me to follow destiny,
because you didn't want me..."
"Darien, that's not true..." Serena began.
"I'm sorry, Serena," he whispered, "I'll stop bothering you..."
"Wait, Darien," she pleaded, tugging at his arm, "I didn't mean what I
said.
He broke free from her grasp and jumped on his motorcycle.
"Goodbye, Serena," he said as the engine roared to life.
"Wait, please!" Serena begged, but he was staring straight ahead on the
road. Then he stepped on the gas and sped off.
"Darien," she whispered in tears as he disappeared into the moon, "I'm so
sorry..."
couch. She froze, staring up at Darien, who blushed slightly, looking
down at her.
"Serena..." he said softly.
Too close, she thought, way too close.
Before she knew it, he was lowering his head to hers.
"I..."
Sometimes
by Phantasy Star
--------------------
Chapter Nine
Serena's eyes widened when she realized that he was kissing her.
'What am I doing?' Serena thought, 'I'm having my first kiss with some
other girl's boyfriend. I can't do this... But...'
She couldn't push him away again. She felt like she was melting.
Suddenly, the room was flooded with bright light.
With a gasp, she pulled away from Darien, who groaned inwardly. Her eyes
flew to the doorway and she opened her mouth in shock.
"Ann..." she whispered.
The redhead's eyes were filled with horror. Then, with an angry scream,
she turned and ran back upstairs to her room.
"Ann, wait!" Serena cried, jumping off the couch and running after her.
* * *
"Ann, come on, open the door."
Serena turned to Darien, almost in tears, "It's no use. It's like she's
not even in there..."
Darien didn't answer. He just stared at the ground.
"Ann..." Serena tried again, pleading, "Ann, we're so sorry... We really
didn't mean for it to happen. Please, just open up..."
Darien put a hand on Serena's shoulder, "Maybe we should talk about it in
the morning."
Serena moved away uncomfortably from Darien's touch.
"You're right," she said, "I... Good night, Darien."
"Good night."
* * *
Meanwhile, a pink-haired alien stood in the middle of the locked room,
an eerie black aura surrounding her body.
'They'll pay...' she thought before the disappeared into thin air.
* * *
Serena let out an angry groan and turned to her side to try to sleep
again. She was mad at herself, she was mad at Darien.
More at Darien. So she wouldn't have to blame herself for letting it
happen.
When did she become someone who would help a guy cheat on his girlfriend?
And now...
BEEP, BEEP!
Serena gasped, grabbing her locket from her bag.
"Serena here," she whispered into her communicator, "Luna?"
"Serena, big trouble," the black cat said, "You've got to come back right
away. There are three Cardian attacks going on right now. Three! We
need you and all the scouts back as soon as possible."
"You got it, Luna."
* * *
"Why do Andrew and the others have to go back to the city too?" Mina said
sleepily.
"They'd be suspicious if we're the only ones who left," Amy said, "So,
which excuse are we using again?"
"Let's just stick with the one where Raye's cabin has a toxic Asbestos
gas leaking into the bedrooms, so it's dangerous for us to stay."
"My cabin does not have toxic gas!" Raye exclaimed, "No way we're saying
that. Let's just tell them there's a monster in this area."
"Fine," Lita said, "Raye, go tell them that we've got the girls out
already, and they need to drive down too."
"Hurry back," Amy said, "We need you for the Sailor teleport."
* * *
"What about Serena?" Darien demanded.
"Don't worry, we've gotten all the girls to safety," Sailor Mars said,
"Now, you have to get back too."
"I wonder if we can use Raye's family car..." Andrew said.
"Sure," Sailor Mars said, immediately kicking herself.
Andrew and Darien turned to look at her.
"I mean," Sailor Mars said, "I've been observing this Raye Hino person
for a long time. She seems to be not only beautiful, but kind and
generous. She'd definitely let you use her car."
"All right," Darien said, "Go get Lizzie, Andrew. I'll drive."
* * *
"Girls, we've got to rally here," Mina said, "Three simultaneous
Cardian attacks. That means we've got to split up."
"Okay," Serena said, "Raye and Amy, head to the theatre. Lita and Mina,
go downtown. I'll take the library."
"You sure you can handle it alone?" Amy said.
"If I can't, Moonlight Knight will save me," Serena said dreamily.
"Ah, so that's the plan," Lita said, "You know you'll be needing the most
help so the handsome hero will come to your rescue."
"No time for accusations, Lita," Serena said, "Ready?"
The others nodded.
* * *
"Mars... Fire... Ignite!"
"Mercury... Bubbles... Blast!"
The girls watched as the fire and water mixed to create a swirl of
flames, turning to Cardian into dust.
"All right!" Raye said, "One down!"
"Sailor Mars, behind you!" Amy screamed.
Raye dropped to the ground, dodging the flying Cardian's attack by an
inch.
"Another one?" Raye gasped.
"Looks like trouble..." Amy muttered.
* * *
"Venus, Love Chain, Encircle!"
The golden rope or hearts looped itself around the Cardian's body. Mina
pulled it in and the monster fell to the ground.
"Venus, Creasant Beam, Smash!"
With that, the monster turned into a pile of dust.
"You okay, Jupiter?" Venus asked turning around, just in time to see
Jupiter release a bolt of lightning that turned a screaming Cardian into
ash.
"No problem," Lita said with a smile.
"Jupiter, watch out!"
Lita turned around to see a black spike fly towards her, when a white
rose shattered it.
"It's the Moonlight Knight!"
* * *
"Ann, are you sure this is a good idea?"
"It's the best idea I've ever had!" the pink-haired alien exclaimed,
"Alan, face it, the tree is dying! We use up all our energy to send out
every Cardian possible, and we may have a chance of surviving. Chances
are, the Cardians will overwhelm the Sailor scouts, and we'll get more
energy than ever."
"Maybe you're right..." Alan said softly.
"Of course I am," Ann said.
Then she turned around to face the window overlooking the city.
'Serena... I'll pay you back by destroying your city...'
* * *
"Moon... Sceptre... Elimination!"
Serena breathed heavily. She had taken down three, and it looked like
the attacks had finally let up.
Her communicator beeped, and she turned it on to see Amy's face.
"Sailor Moon," Mercury said, "It looks like the source of all the
Cardians is the apartment building in the middle of town, where Ann and
Alan live. You're closest to it. You think you can check it out or do
you want to wait for the rest of us?"
"I've got it covered," Serena said with a nod.
"Okay, we're on out way too," Mercury said, "Good luck."
* * *
"I guess the six girls left with the Sailor Scouts..." Lizzie said
wistfully, staring out the window of the gray car.
"Six?" Andrew asked.
"Yeah," Lizzie said, "Serena and the girls, plus Ann."
"Oh yeah, Ann," Andrew said, "I almost forgot about Ann. I hope they're
safe."
"Of course they are," Lizzie exclaimed, "They're with the Sailor Scouts.
Don't you think so, Darien?"
He didn't respond, staring ahead at the dark road.
'I hope Serena's not in danger...' Darien thought with his brows
furrowed, 'I bet she's in a battle. Is it possible that Serena's friends
are Sailor Scouts too?'
"Darien..." Andrew said.
"Huh?" the black-haired young man said, turning to his friend, "What was
that?"
"Never mind," Andrew said, "Look, we're almost there."
* * *
"Well, Luna," Serena said with a sigh, "Here we are, right outside the
apartment building. The source of all the monsters."
"You're scared, aren't you?" Luna asked.
"I'm not *scared*," Serena retorted, "I... I *am* kind of hungry though.
Maybe we should go grab a cheeseburger. There's a store that sells
*really* great burgers right around the corner."
"Yeah," Luna said, "Maybe we should buy some for the Cardians too.
They'll be pretty tired from terrorizing the city."
"Wow, you're hilarious, Luna," Serena said.
The black cat sighed, "Come on, Serena. We may not have a lot of time
left. We've got to go in."
"*I've* got to go in," Serena corrected her, "I want you to stay out here
and keep sending messages between the scouts, okay? I'll be fine."
Luna looked doubtful, but Serena smiled reassuringly, "Really, Luna,
sometimes you worry way too much."
Before the guardian cat could protest, Serena stepped into the entrance.
Then she let out a surprised cry as she disappeared into a dark portal
she didn't know was there.
"Serena!"
* * *
"Ugh, where am I?" Serena said, rubbing her head.
"Ah, if it isn't Sailor Moon..."
Serena looked up and saw a pink-haired alien hovering over her.
"You again," Serena said, "When are you going to go home, for goodness
sake?"
"Shut up!" the alien spat, "You've caused us enough trouble already. How
does it feel to know that the city you've sworn to protect is in ruins."
"Not great," Serena said, "But my friends are on it, and you can be sure
that your plans won't work!"
Just then, a blue-haired alien appeared beside the first.
"It's an honour to see you again, Sailor Moon," he spat, "It'll be an
even greater honour to destroy you."
"Serena!"
All three turned to look at the doorway to the building.
Darien stood there, staring at them with a determined look on his face.
"Serena?" Alan said, "Where?"
"What are you talking about, Darien?" Sailor Moon said, "I mean... um,
man that I don't know."
"Serena, I know it's you," Darien said as he stepped over.
"You remember?" she whispered.
"Remember...?" he echoed.
"Never mind," Serena said, shaking her head, "You've got to get out of
here!"
"How can I just wait outside as you take on these... creatures? Serena,
I care about you. You've just got to accept that."
"Darien..." Serena said softly.
"Enough!" Ann said, her eyes red with anger, "You've ruined my mission
*and* taken the only... the only guy... argh! I'll destroy you now!"
She raised a hand in front of her, and suddenly, the ground shook below
Serena.
"What's going on?" Serena screamed as an invisible force crashed down on
her.
"No, stop!" Darien roared.
Ann raised her hand again and blasted Serena.
'I've got to help her,' Darien thought, 'If only I can... if only I
can do something!'
* * *
"Wide... Sparkling... Pressure!"
"Creasant... Beam... Smash!"
"Dusted!" Lita shouted victoriously.
"Hey, Moonlight Knight!" Mina cried.
Jupiter and Venus rushed over to the caped man who had dropped to the
ground, holding his head in pain.
"Are you okay!?" Mina whispered.
"I..." the man in the white hood said.
Then, to the girls' horror, he turned into a bright flash of white light
and disappeared into thin air.
"Where'd he go!?"
* * *
Ann gasped.
She stared at her hand, with a deep cut. A rose had hit her.
She turned slowly to look at Darien.
"Darien..." Serena said softly as she looked at him.
He was wearing his black cape, and in his hand was yet another rose.
"Tux... Tuxedo Mask..." Serena whispered in shock.
"Tuxedo..." Darien repeated, then groaned in pain, "My head... So many
memories..."
"How could this happen?" Ann sputtered, "You care about her this much?
Fine, I'll destroy you both!"
She turned around to face the huge green plant behind her, "Doom Tree,
get them!"
Suddenly, a huge vine came crashing down towards Serena.
"No!" Alan cried, teleporting in front of her.
"What are you doing, Alan!?" Ann screamed, "No, don't!"
Serena and Darien could only watch in horror as the sharp vine spiked
towards the blue-haired alien.
* * *
"Let... go... of... me!" Raye cried, breaking free from the grasp of a
vampire Cardian, "You stupid things are so ANNOYING! Go back to where
you belong!"
She took out a scroll and put it in front of her face.
"Evil... Begone! Mars... Fire... Ignite!"
The slip of paper burst into flames and flew towards the shocked Cardian.
"Dusted," Raye muttered.
"There's still more..." Mercury said, "This isn't good. We're getting
tired out."
"What are we going to do...?" Raye said, gasping for breath.
* * *
Alan closed his eyes and waited for the hit.
But he didn't feel anything.
Slowly, he opened his eyes.
"Ann?" he whispered incredulously when he saw her, wounded, fallen down
in front of him, "Ann!"
"Alan..." she said softly with a sad smile, "Why...? Why do you love
her?"
"Ann, how could you do it?" Alan cried, "Oh, Ann, I never did love
Serena. I cared about her because she taught me about love. And I know
that's the feeling I always get when I'm with you. And only you, Ann.
I love you."
"Oh Alan..." Ann whispered, "If only it weren't too late..."
"No, Ann!" Alan cried, "Stay with me!"
"Goodbye... love..."
"No!"
Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, Serena knelt down beside
Darien, worried.
"You okay?" she said softly.
"I..." Darien said, "Princess...?"
"That's right," Serena said with a smile, "You really re-"
She was interrupted by his kiss. He put a hand behind her head and
touched his lips to hers.
"I've missed you, Serena..." he said when he pulled away, "So much..."
"Darien..."
She turned to look at the blue-haired alien who was cradling the body of
the female one, as if in a trance.
"I've got to help them," she said to Darien.
"How?" he said.
"I don't know," Serena admitted, "But I've got to try."
She walked over and bent down beside the former enemy.
"Why did you save me?" she asked him.
"There's something about me that you don't know," he answered quietly.
"I see..." Serena said, "I... I can try to help your friend. It's the
least I can do, after you saved my life and all."
"Really?" he replied, turning to her.
"You guys live on... energy, right?"
The blue-haired alien nodded.
"Your tree seems pretty strong, but it's filled with evil. I might be
able to give the remaining positive energy from to tree to your friend.
It might revive her, but no promises, okay?"
"Please try," he pleaded.
Serena nodded.
She stood up and faced the huge threatening tree.
"Moon... Healing... Activation!"
Suddenly, a bright light descended upon the entire area. Serena and
Darien shielded their eyes from it.
Ann's body lit up and glowed a white colour, and an invisible force
lifted her off the ground.
Then Serena saw it. Dark bolts of black energy flowed out of the tree
and into the sky. The tree shrunk down into a leaflet, suddenly
beautiful again.
In the back of her head, Serena could hear the faintest murmur of an old
soul, his voice weary but filled with hope.
'Thank you, Sailor Moon...'
* * *
------@
The next day...
------@
"I can't believe Ann and Alan really left," Lita said wistfully.
"Yeah, and it was so sudden," Mina agreed, "They seemed really happy
though."
"I'm glad for them," Serena said with a smile.
"So," Raye said, leaning closer to the blonde, "What's going to happen
with you and Darien?"
Serena looked down at the coffee table, "I... don't know."
"Well, didn't you two talk things out after the big battle?" Mina asked.
"No," Serena said, "He... left in a hurry. I guess he was tired."
"I suggest that you go talk to him as soon as possible," Raye said,
"So... he just suddenly remembered? Just like that?"
"It's possible..." Amy said, "that Darien wanted to save Serena so much
that he summoned up all his willpower, to tap into his forgotten
memories and transform himself into Tuxedo Mask."
"That's so incredibly romantic," Lita said with a sigh.
"Anyway, it's getting late," Serena said, "My parents are already not
too happy with me for coming home at eleven last night."
"Glad that we won't have that problem again," Raye said with a smile, "At
least not for a while."
"Good night, guys," Serena said and disappeared through the doorway.
* * *
Darien stared at the water below him. He leaned against the railing of
the stone bridge and watched the river flowing below. His motorcycle
shone clearly under the moonlight beside him.
His fists were clenched, knuckles white.
'Why did things turn out this way?' he thought sadly.
A soft voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Darien..."
He didn't answer. He knew who it was.
"I didn't think I'd run into you here," Serena said quietly, almost
nervously, "I... Do you think we should talk?"
He finally turned to her, and she blinked in shock when she saw his
eyes full of pain.
"Do you hate me that much, Serena?"
"What?" she said, taking a step back, "What are you talking about?"
"While I've lost my memory..." Darien said, "You didn't want anything to
do with me. You hoped I'd never remember, is that right?"
Serena shook her head, "What are you talking about? I never wanted you
to forget forever... I mean, I... I don't know! Does it matter?"
Darien chuckled darkly, "You'd rather be with Alan... Even though you
were the princess of the past and I was the prince."
"I..." Serena said, wanting to defend herself but realizing that she
couldn't, "I wanted to be with you... at the beginning."
"You even set me up with Ann!" Darien accused, "Why, what's wrong with
me that could stop you from wanting to be with me?"
"Stop talking about it as if it's all my fault!" Serena said, suddenly
angry, "*I'm* not the one who had to act like a big jerk every time I saw
you? Is it my fault that- that you kept making fun of me? Remember
Jordan? Remember how you treated me back then? Darien, I wanted to be
with you, but I got tired of it! I got tired of the way you always mad
fun of my hair, how you- you acted like you didn't want me there...
how... how... I just didn't think it was worth it!"
Darien froze. He stared at Serena in shock, then took a step back as i
she had hit him.
"You're right..." he said softly.
"Wh... What?" she whispered.
"Of course you're right," he said, "It's my fault. How could you ever
love someone like me? Of course you'd rather be with Alan. Of course
you didn't want me to remember... You didn't want me to follow destiny,
because you didn't want me..."
"Darien, that's not true..." Serena began.
"I'm sorry, Serena," he whispered, "I'll stop bothering you..."
"Wait, Darien," she pleaded, tugging at his arm, "I didn't mean what I
said.
He broke free from her grasp and jumped on his motorcycle.
"Goodbye, Serena," he said as the engine roared to life.
"Wait, please!" Serena begged, but he was staring straight ahead on the
road. Then he stepped on the gas and sped off.
"Darien," she whispered in tears as he disappeared into the moon, "I'm so
sorry..."
